P0364 – Reserved

P0364 is an OBD-II trouble code that points to a problem with the camshaft position sensor “B” circuit on Bank 1. In simple terms, your engine computer isn’t happy with the signal coming from one of the cam sensors. That signal is critical for proper fuel injection and ignition timing, especially on modern variable valve timing engines. When it goes wrong, you can get rough running, hard starts, or even a no-start. In this guide, you’ll learn what P0364 means, common causes, symptoms, and how you or your mechanic can fix it.

What Does P0364 Mean?

P0364 stands for “Camshaft Position Sensor ‘B’ Circuit Low (Bank 1).” The “B” sensor is usually the exhaust cam sensor on Bank 1, but some manufacturers define it differently. “Circuit low” means the engine control unit (ECU) is seeing a lower-than-expected voltage or signal from that sensor.

The ECU constantly monitors camshaft position to sync fuel injection and spark timing with the crankshaft. If the camshaft position sensor “B” signal drops out, is shorted to ground, or stays at a low voltage, the ECU flags P0364 and usually turns on the check engine light.

Quick Reference

  • Code: P0364
  • Definition: Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Low (Bank 1)
  • Main area: Exhaust cam sensor or secondary cam sensor on Bank 1
  • Severity: Moderate to high – can cause drivability issues
  • Typical fix: Repair wiring, replace cam sensor, or address timing/ECU issues

Real-World Example / Field Notes

In the shop, I most often see P0364 on higher-mileage engines where heat and oil have cooked the cam sensor or its wiring harness. A typical case: a customer comes in with a check engine light, rough idle, and occasional stalling at stoplights. Scan tool shows P0364 and sometimes a misfire code. A quick visual inspection reveals a brittle, oil-soaked connector at the Bank 1 exhaust cam sensor. After confirming the signal is weak with a multimeter and oscilloscope, replacing the sensor and repairing the connector clears the code and restores smooth running.

Symptoms of P0364

  • Check engine light on: P0364 usually sets the MIL and may store as a current or pending code.
  • Rough idle: The engine may idle unevenly because timing control is compromised.
  • Hard starting: You may experience extended cranking or intermittent no-start, especially when hot.
  • Loss of power: Reduced acceleration and sluggish response due to incorrect cam timing and fuel delivery.
  • Engine stalling: The engine can stall when coming to a stop or at low speeds.
  • Poor fuel economy: Incorrect timing can cause increased fuel consumption.
  • Misfire or hesitation: You may feel jerking, bucking, or misfire under load or during acceleration.

Common Causes of P0364

Most Common Causes

  • Failed camshaft position sensor “B” on Bank 1 (internal short or open circuit).
  • Damaged, corroded, or oil-soaked cam sensor connector causing poor contact.
  • Broken, chafed, or shorted wiring between the cam sensor and ECU.
  • Incorrect sensor air gap or misalignment (sensor not seated fully or aftermarket fitment issues).
  • Oil contamination inside the sensor due to internal seal failure.

Less Common Causes

  • Timing chain or belt stretch causing the cam signal to be out of expected range.
  • Faulty variable valve timing (VVT) actuator or solenoid affecting cam position feedback.
  • ECU internal fault or poor ECU ground/voltage supply.
  • Previous engine work where the wrong sensor was installed (wrong part number or type).
  • Aftermarket engine modifications or tuning that alter timing strategy without proper calibration.

Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide

Basic tools you’ll want: a quality OBD-II scan tool (preferably with live data and Mode $06), a digital multimeter, basic hand tools, and if available, an oscilloscope for viewing sensor waveforms. A service manual or wiring diagram for your specific vehicle is also extremely helpful.

  1. Confirm the code and check for companions. Scan the vehicle and note all stored and pending codes. If you see other cam/crank or VVT codes (like P0340, P0365, or VVT solenoid codes), diagnose them together since they may share a root cause.
  2. Inspect the cam sensor “B” on Bank 1. Locate the sensor (often on the cylinder head near the valve cover, exhaust side). Look for cracked housings, oil saturation, or signs of impact damage. Verify the sensor is fully seated and bolted down properly.
  3. Check the connector and wiring. Unplug the sensor and inspect the connector pins for corrosion, bent terminals, or oil intrusion. Follow the harness a few feet in each direction, looking for chafing, melted insulation, or previous repairs with poor splices.
  4. Verify power and ground at the sensor. Using a multimeter and wiring diagram, check for the correct reference voltage (often 5V), ground, and signal wire continuity with the key on. A missing 5V reference or bad ground can mimic a bad sensor.
  5. Measure sensor signal. With the connector plugged in and engine cranking or running, back-probe the signal wire. You should see a pulsing voltage (often switching between about 0.1–1V and 4–5V on a Hall-effect sensor). A flat low voltage indicates a circuit low condition.
  6. Compare with live data. On your scan tool, monitor camshaft position “B” (Bank 1) and related parameters. Look for dropouts, erratic readings, or a fixed value while the engine speed changes. Compare with the crankshaft position and other cam sensors if available.
  7. Check timing and VVT operation if needed. If the sensor and wiring test good but data is inconsistent, inspect the timing chain/belt alignment and VVT components. Excessive slack or a stuck VVT actuator can cause the ECU to interpret the signal as faulty.
  8. Perform a wiggle test. While watching live data or an oscilloscope pattern, gently move the wiring harness and connector. If the signal drops or glitches when you move it, you have an intermittent wiring or connector issue.
  9. Clear codes and road test. After repairs, clear the codes and perform a road test under various conditions (idle, light throttle, highway). Re-scan to confirm P0364 does not return and check Mode $06 for any borderline cam sensor test results.

Pro tip: Don’t just throw a cam sensor at it. On many vehicles, especially those with higher mileage, the real culprit is a brittle connector or damaged wiring right at the sensor. Always test power, ground, and signal before replacing parts.

Possible Fixes & Repair Costs

The exact repair depends on what you find during diagnosis, but most P0364 fixes are straightforward once you pinpoint the fault. Typical repairs include:

  • Replacing the camshaft position sensor “B” on Bank 1.
  • Repairing or replacing the sensor connector and pigtail.
  • Repairing damaged wiring between the sensor and ECU.
  • Correcting timing chain/belt issues or replacing worn timing components.
  • Replacing a faulty VVT actuator or solenoid if it’s affecting cam position feedback.
  • In rare cases, repairing or replacing the ECU.

In most shops, you’re looking at roughly $120–$350 for a cam sensor replacement (parts and labor), $150–$450 for wiring or connector repairs depending on access, and $700+ if timing components or VVT hardware are involved. Labor rates, vehicle make, engine layout, and parts quality (OEM vs aftermarket) all play a big role in the final cost.

Can I Still Drive With P0364?

Many vehicles will still start and run with P0364, but drivability can be unpredictable. You might be able to drive short distances with only a check engine light and mild roughness, or you could experience stalling, hard starts, and loss of power. Because the cam signal is critical for proper timing, it’s not a code you should ignore or drive on for long. If the engine starts running very rough, stalls frequently, or goes into limp mode, it’s best to park it and have it towed to avoid further damage.

What Happens If You Ignore P0364?

Ignoring P0364 can lead to chronic hard starting, increased fuel consumption, and possible misfires that may damage your catalytic converter over time. If the underlying issue is a worn timing chain or failing VVT system, leaving it unresolved can eventually lead to more serious internal engine problems and much higher repair bills.

Related Codes

  • P0399 – Ignition Coil “R” Primary/Secondary Circuit
  • P0363 – Misfire Detected Fueling Disabled
  • P0362 – Ignition Coil “L” Primary/Secondary Circuit
  • P0361 – Ignition Coil “K” Primary/Secondary Circuit
  • P0360 – Ignition Coil “J” Primary/Secondary Circuit
  • P0359 – Ignition Coil “I” Primary/Secondary Circuit
  • P0358 – Ignition Coil “H” Primary/Secondary Circuit
  • P0357 – Ignition Coil “G” Primary/Secondary Circuit
  • P0356 – Ignition Coil “F” Primary/Secondary Circuit
  • P0355 – Ignition Coil “E” Primary/Secondary Circuit

Key Takeaways

  • P0364 means the ECU is seeing a low or weak signal from the camshaft position sensor “B” on Bank 1.
  • Common causes include a bad cam sensor, damaged connector, or wiring issues; less often, timing or ECU faults.
  • Symptoms range from a simple check engine light to rough running, hard starting, and stalling.
  • Proper diagnosis involves checking power, ground, and signal, not just replacing the sensor blindly.
  • Most repairs are moderate in cost if handled early; delaying can lead to more expensive engine or emissions damage.

Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0364

P0364 can appear on almost any OBD-II vehicle, but in practice it shows up frequently on many domestic and import models. I often see it on:

  • GM vehicles: Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac V6 and V8 engines with multiple cam sensors.
  • Ford and Lincoln: Especially DOHC engines with VVT on both intake and exhaust cams.
  • Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram: Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8 engines where heat and oil can affect sensors and wiring.
  • Toyota and Lexus: V6 and V8 engines with dual VVT-i systems using multiple cam sensors.
  • Nissan and Infiniti: VQ-series and other multi-cam engines with separate intake and exhaust sensors.
  • Hyundai and Kia: 4-cylinder and V6 engines using separate camshaft sensors for each cam bank.

Regardless of brand, any engine with separate “A” and “B” cam sensors on Bank 1 can potentially set P0364 when that “B” circuit signal goes low.

FAQ

Can I clear P0364 and keep driving if the car feels fine?

You can clear the code, but if the underlying issue isn’t fixed, P0364 will almost certainly return. Even if the car feels fine now, intermittent cam sensor or wiring problems tend to get worse over time and can eventually cause stalling or no-start conditions.

Is P0364 always caused by a bad camshaft sensor?

No. A failed sensor is common, but wiring issues, connector corrosion, or problems with timing components and VVT systems can also trigger P0364. That’s why testing power, ground, and signal is important before replacing parts.

How do I know which sensor is “B” on Bank 1?

On many engines, “B” refers to the exhaust cam sensor on Bank 1, while “A” is the intake cam sensor. However, manufacturers don’t all use the same naming convention. Check a repair manual or factory service information for your specific year, make, and model to be sure.

Can a bad crankshaft position sensor cause P0364?

Indirectly, yes. The ECU compares cam and crank signals to control timing. If the crank sensor is failing, the ECU may misinterpret the cam signal. You’ll usually see a crank sensor code (like P0335) along with P0364 if that’s the case. Both sensors and their circuits should be checked together.

How urgent is it to fix P0364?

You should address P0364 as soon as possible. While the car may still run, you risk poor drivability, higher fuel consumption, and potential damage to the catalytic converter if misfires develop. Early diagnosis and repair usually keep costs lower and prevent bigger issues later.