Broken or chafed wire in the bank 2 camshaft sensor signal circuit; Corroded or loose electrical connector at the bank 2 camshaft sensor; Failed bank 2 camshaft position sensor; Short to battery voltage in the sensor wiring harness, often from rubbing against a hot or sharp component; Faulty engine control module, though this is rare; Aftermarket alarm or remote start wiring that tapped into the sensor circuit

DTC codes / Volkswagen codes / P1392

P1392 · VolkswagenCMP Sensor Bank 2 Open Circuit Short To B+

Q: What does code P1392 mean?

CMP Sensor Bank 2 Open Circuit Short To B+. P1392 on Volkswagen vehicles means the engine control module has detected an open circuit or a short to battery voltage on the signal circuit for the bank 2 camshaft position sensor. The computer expects a specific voltage pattern from that sensor, and the missing or incorrect signal tells it the wiring or sensor has failed.

P1392 on Volkswagen vehicles means the engine control module has detected an open circuit or a short to battery voltage on the signal circuit for the bank 2 camshaft position sensor. The computer expects a specific voltage pattern from that sensor, and the missing or incorrect signal tells it the wiring or sensor has failed.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeVolkswagen specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

Illuminated check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Extended cranking before the engine starts, especially when cold
Rough idle or misfire that may feel like a slight shake at stoplights
Reduced engine power or limp mode under acceleration
Intermittent stalling or hesitation when the engine is warm
Poor fuel economy compared to normal driving

Common causes, most likely first

Broken or chafed wire in the bank 2 camshaft sensor signal circuit
Corroded or loose electrical connector at the bank 2 camshaft sensor
Failed bank 2 camshaft position sensor
Short to battery voltage in the sensor wiring harness, often from rubbing against a hot or sharp component
Faulty engine control module, though this is rare
Aftermarket alarm or remote start wiring that tapped into the sensor circuit

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules and record freeze-frame data to confirm P1392 is active and not a ghost code from a low battery
Visually inspect the bank 2 camshaft sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing, or loose pins
Measure resistance and voltage on the sensor signal circuit with a multimeter and compare to Volkswagen specifications
Check for a short to battery voltage by backprobing the signal wire with the key on and sensor disconnected
Replace the bank 2 camshaft position sensor if wiring checks out and the signal is absent or incorrect
Repair or replace the damaged section of the harness and clear the code, then verify the sensor signal with a scan tool
If the code returns after all wiring and sensor repairs, test the engine control module for internal faults

Why this code often misleads Volkswagen owners

A weak or failing battery can set P1392 on Volkswagens because the engine control module logs a camshaft sensor circuit fault during low-voltage cranking, so always load-test the battery before replacing parts.
The bank 2 camshaft sensor on many Volkswagen engines is mounted at the back of the cylinder head where oil leaks and heat damage the wiring harness, and the fault often appears only after the engine is fully warm.
A short to battery voltage in the signal circuit can be caused by a failed sensor internally, not just by harness damage, so resistance testing the sensor itself is essential before condemning the wiring.
This code does not always mean the sensor is dead; a poor ground connection at the engine block can cause the same open-circuit reading and is frequently overlooked during diagnosis.
Aftermarket camshaft sensors for Volkswagen engines are known to set P1392 intermittently even when new, so using an OEM-quality sensor is critical to a lasting repair.

Can I keep driving with P1392?

You can usually drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid heavy acceleration and long trips because the engine may enter limp mode or stall unexpectedly. If the engine runs rough or stalls repeatedly, stop driving and have it towed.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for Volkswagen vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.