P0395 – Ignition Coil “N” Primary/Secondary Circuit

P0395 is an OBD-II trouble code that points to a problem with the camshaft position sensor “B” circuit on Bank 2. In plain terms, your engine computer isn’t happy with the electrical signal coming from one of the cam sensors on the side of the engine that doesn’t contain cylinder #1. This can cause hard starting, rough running, and sometimes stalling. In this guide, you’ll learn what P0395 means, common causes, symptoms, how a mechanic diagnoses it, typical repair costs, and whether it’s safe to keep driving.

What Does P0395 Mean?

P0395 stands for “Camshaft Position Sensor ‘B’ Circuit (Bank 2).” Your engine uses camshaft position sensors to track cam timing so the ECU can control fuel injection and ignition precisely. “Bank 2” is the side of a V6 or V8 engine opposite cylinder #1, and “Sensor B” usually refers to the exhaust camshaft sensor on that bank.

When the ECU sees a signal from that sensor that’s missing, intermittent, out of range, or not in sync with the crankshaft sensor, it sets P0395 and may turn on the check engine light. In some vehicles, it can also disable variable valve timing on that bank.

Quick Reference

• Code: P0395
• Definition: Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit (Bank 2)
• Severity: Moderate – can affect drivability and starting
• Most common cause: Failed Bank 2 Sensor B cam sensor or wiring fault
• Typical fix: Replace cam sensor, repair wiring, clear codes, verify timing

Real-World Example / Field Notes

In the shop, I often see P0395 on higher-mileage V6 engines where the owner reports intermittent long cranks and an occasional stumble at idle. One example was a mid-2000s SUV with a V6. The check engine light came and went for weeks, mostly during hot weather. Scan data showed Bank 2 exhaust cam signal dropping out randomly. Wiggling the harness near the back of the engine made the signal cut in and out. In that case, the fix wasn’t just a new sensor; it was repairing a chafed wire loom that had rubbed against a bracket.

Symptoms of P0395

• Check engine light on: The MIL/SES light usually comes on and stores P0395, sometimes with other cam or timing codes.
• Hard starting: You may notice longer cranking times, especially when the engine is hot or after a short shut-down.
• Rough idle: A shaky or unstable idle can occur as the ECU struggles to control timing without a clean cam signal.
• Loss of power: Reduced acceleration or a “lazy” feel because variable valve timing may be disabled on Bank 2.
• Engine misfire: Occasional misfires or hesitation, sometimes without a specific misfire code at first.
• Poor fuel economy: Incorrect timing can lead to extra fuel usage and lower MPG.
• Stalling or no-start: In more severe cases, the engine may stall at idle or fail to start at all.

Common Causes of P0395

Most Common Causes

• Failed camshaft position sensor (Bank 2, Sensor B): Internal failure from heat, vibration, or age is the number one cause.
• Damaged wiring to the sensor: Chafed, broken, or melted wires near the rear of the engine or exhaust components.
• Corroded or loose connector: Oil saturation, moisture, or poor contact at the cam sensor plug causing intermittent signal loss.
• Incorrect aftermarket sensor: Cheap or wrong-spec sensors can give weak or erratic signals that trigger P0395.
• Oil contamination on sensor tip: Heavy sludge or metal debris on the magnetic tip interfering with signal generation.

Less Common Causes

• Stretched timing chain or worn guides: Excessive slack can throw cam timing out of expected range, confusing the ECU.
• Failed variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid or actuator: Sticking VVT hardware on Bank 2 can cause abnormal cam position readings.
• Low or dirty engine oil: Poor oil quality affects VVT operation and can indirectly trigger cam sensor codes.
• ECU/PCM internal fault: Rare, but a failing engine computer can misinterpret or lose the cam signal.
• Previous engine work done incorrectly: Timing components installed a tooth off, or harness not routed and secured properly.

Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide

To diagnose P0395 correctly, you’ll want at least a decent scan tool (preferably with live data and Mode $06), a digital multimeter, and basic hand tools. An oscilloscope is ideal but not mandatory for DIY. Access to wiring diagrams and repair information for your specific vehicle is also very helpful.

1. Confirm the code and check for companions. Scan for all stored and pending DTCs. Note any related cam, crank, or VVT codes (like P034x, P036x, P001x). This helps you see the bigger picture.
2. Check freeze-frame data. Look at engine RPM, coolant temp, and load when P0395 set. If it always occurs hot or at a certain RPM, that’s a clue toward heat-related wiring or sensor failure.
3. Visual inspection of sensor and harness. Locate Bank 2 Sensor B (often the exhaust cam sensor on the Bank 2 cylinder head). Inspect the connector, locking tab, and wiring for damage, oil saturation, or contact with hot exhaust parts.
4. Check connector condition. Unplug the sensor and look for bent pins, corrosion, or moisture. Clean with electrical contact cleaner and ensure a snug fit when reconnecting.
5. Test sensor power and ground. With the key on, use a multimeter to verify the reference voltage (often 5V) and ground at the connector according to your wiring diagram. A missing power or ground points you toward a wiring or ECU issue, not the sensor itself.
6. Check signal wire continuity. With the sensor unplugged and ECU connector accessible, perform continuity and resistance checks on the signal wire. Look for opens, shorts to ground, or shorts to power.
7. Monitor live data. With a scan tool, look at camshaft position or “cam/crank correlation” PIDs. Compare Bank 1 and Bank 2 readings. If Bank 2 Sensor B drops out or shows impossible values while Bank 1 is stable, the sensor or wiring is suspect.
8. Wiggle test. Gently move the harness while watching live data. If the signal cuts in and out, you likely have an internal wire break or loose connector.
9. Evaluate timing and VVT. If electrical checks pass but P0395 persists, check for timing chain/belt stretch, worn guides, or stuck VVT actuators on Bank 2. This may require mechanical inspection and sometimes special tools.
10. Clear codes and road test. After any repair, clear the codes, then drive under similar conditions to the freeze-frame data. Confirm that P0395 does not return and that live data looks stable.

Pro tip: If you’re replacing the cam sensor, stick with OEM or high-quality aftermarket brands. Cheap sensors often cause repeat failures or new timing-related codes that weren’t there before.

Possible Fixes & Repair Costs

Most P0395 repairs are straightforward once you pinpoint the cause. The most common fix is replacing the Bank 2 Sensor B camshaft position sensor and addressing any wiring issues. Typical repair costs vary by vehicle and labor rates, but here’s what you can expect:

• Replace camshaft position sensor: $80–$250 parts and labor, depending on access and brand.
• Repair or replace wiring/connector: $100–$350 if a section of harness needs repair or a connector must be replaced.
• Timing chain/VVT repairs: $600–$1,800+ for chains, guides, tensioners, and actuators on engines with severe wear.
• ECU replacement/programming: $500–$1,200+ (rare cause; only after all other possibilities are ruled out).

Costs are influenced by engine layout (tight V6/V8 engine bays are harder to access), local labor rates, whether you use OEM parts, and whether additional components (like timing chain guides) are worn and replaced at the same time.

Can I Still Drive With P0395?

In many cases, you can still drive with P0395 for a short period, but it’s not ideal. If the only symptom is a check engine light with mild roughness, the engine will usually stay running by relying on backup strategies in the ECU. However, as the sensor or wiring degrades, you risk hard starting, stalling, or sudden loss of power. If the engine runs very rough, stalls, or struggles to start, you should avoid driving and have it checked as soon as possible to prevent being stranded or causing further damage.

What Happens If You Ignore P0395?

Ignoring P0395 can lead to chronic drivability issues, poor fuel economy, and increased stress on the engine and catalytic converters due to incorrect timing and misfires. If the underlying cause is a stretched timing chain or failing VVT system, letting it go can eventually result in major mechanical damage and very expensive repairs. It’s much cheaper to address the code early while it’s still just a sensor or wiring problem.

Last updated: March 1, 2026

Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0395

P0395 shows up most often on V6 and V8 engines where each bank has multiple cam sensors. You’ll commonly see it on:

• Nissan and Infiniti V6/V8 models: 3.5L, 3.7L, 4.0L, and 5.6L engines in sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
• Toyota and Lexus V6 engines: Especially models with dual VVT-i and multiple cam sensors per bank.
• Hyundai and Kia V6 engines: 3.3L and 3.8L engines in minivans, sedans, and crossovers.
• GM and Ford V6/V8 engines: Some trucks and SUVs with dual overhead cam setups and separate Bank 2 exhaust cam sensors.

Any modern OBD-II vehicle with a V-type engine and dual overhead cams can potentially set P0395 if the Bank 2 Sensor B signal has issues.