P0368 – Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit High Bank 1

P0368 is a trouble code that points to a problem with one of your engine’s camshaft position sensors, specifically the “B” sensor on bank 1, and its electrical signal. When this signal is too low or missing, the ECU can’t properly sync fuel injection and ignition timing. That can lead to rough running, stalling, hard starts, and poor fuel economy. In this guide, you’ll learn what P0368 means, common causes, symptoms to watch for, how a mechanic actually diagnoses it, and what repairs typically cost.

What Does P0368 Mean?

P0368 is defined as “Camshaft Position Sensor ‘B’ Circuit Low (Bank 1).” Your engine computer (ECU or PCM) monitors the camshaft position sensor signal to coordinate spark and fuel timing with the crankshaft. When the ECU sees a voltage or signal pattern from the “B” cam sensor on bank 1 that is consistently too low or out of range, it stores code P0368 and usually turns on the Check Engine Light.

On V6 and V8 engines, “Bank 1” is the side of the engine with cylinder #1, and “Sensor B” typically refers to the exhaust cam sensor or the second cam sensor on that bank. On some 4-cylinder engines, it can be the secondary cam sensor (often exhaust). The exact location depends on your engine design, so always confirm with a service manual or reliable repair database.

Quick Reference

• Code: P0368
• Definition: Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Low (Bank 1)
• Primary issue: Weak, low, or missing signal from cam sensor B
• Common causes: Bad cam sensor, wiring faults, connector corrosion, timing issues
• Risk level: Moderate – drivability problems, possible stalling
• Typical fixes: Sensor replacement, wiring repair, connector cleaning, timing repair

Real-World Example / Field Notes

In the shop, I see P0368 most often on higher-mileage vehicles where the cam sensor has simply aged out or the wiring has hardened and cracked. A common scenario: you come in complaining of intermittent rough idle, longer crank times, and a Check Engine Light that comes and goes. Scan shows P0368 and sometimes a matching cam correlation code. Wiggling the harness near the cam sensor often makes the engine stumble. A quick voltage check reveals a weak signal, and replacing the sensor plus repairing a chafed wire fixes it for good.

Symptoms of P0368

• Check Engine Light on: P0368 usually sets the MIL, sometimes with additional cam/crank correlation codes.
• Hard starting: The engine may crank longer than normal or require multiple attempts to start.
• Rough idle: You may feel shaking or uneven idle, especially when the engine is warm.
• Hesitation or misfire: Acceleration can feel jerky, with occasional misfire under load.
• Poor fuel economy: Incorrect timing can cause increased fuel consumption.
• Reduced power: The ECU may fall back to a default strategy, limiting performance.
• Stalling: In more severe cases, the engine can stall at stops or while idling.
• Intermittent behavior: Symptoms may come and go with temperature or vibration if wiring is marginal.

Common Causes of P0368

Most Common Causes

• Failed camshaft position sensor “B” (bank 1): Internal electronics can short, open, or weaken, causing a low or erratic signal.
• Damaged wiring to the cam sensor: Chafed, broken, or shorted wires between the sensor and ECU reduce signal voltage.
• Corroded or loose connector: Oil intrusion, moisture, or corrosion at the cam sensor plug can drop the signal level.
• Incorrect sensor installation: After engine work, a sensor not fully seated or misaligned can give a weak reading.
• Oil contamination on sensor tip: Heavy sludge or metal debris on the magnetic tip interferes with the signal.

Less Common Causes

• Timing chain or belt issues: Excessive slack, skipped teeth, or incorrect timing can confuse the cam signal and trigger related codes alongside P0368.
• Faulty reluctor ring (tone wheel): A cracked, bent, or misaligned camshaft tone wheel can distort the sensor signal.
• Low system voltage or poor grounds: Weak battery, bad engine ground, or charging problems can reduce reference or signal voltage.
• ECU/PCM internal fault: Rare, but a damaged input circuit in the ECU can misread a good sensor.
• Aftermarket remote start or wiring mods: Poorly installed accessories can tap into or interfere with sensor circuits.

Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide

To properly track down P0368, you’ll want at least a quality scan tool, a digital multimeter, and basic hand tools. An oscilloscope is ideal for viewing the actual cam sensor waveform, but you can still diagnose most issues with a meter and careful inspection. Access to wiring diagrams or a repair manual for your specific vehicle is highly recommended.

1. Confirm the code and check for companions. Use a scan tool to read all stored and pending codes. Note any related camshaft, crankshaft, or timing codes (like P0365–P0369 or P001x series). This helps determine if you’re dealing with a simple sensor issue or a timing problem.
2. Look at live data. In the scan tool, monitor camshaft position sensor “B” (bank 1) data. Compare it to other cam sensors and the crank sensor. If the reading drops out, is flatlined, or doesn’t change with RPM, that’s a clue.
3. Inspect the sensor and connector. With the engine off, locate cam sensor B on bank 1. Check the connector for broken locks, bent pins, oil saturation, corrosion, or loose fit. Inspect the harness for rubbing on brackets, exhaust, or sharp edges.
4. Check power and ground. Using a wiring diagram, identify the reference voltage (usually 5V), ground, and signal wires. With the key on, back-probe the connector and verify proper reference voltage and a solid ground. A missing 5V or bad ground can mimic a bad sensor.
5. Test the signal circuit. With the connector plugged in and engine cranking or running, measure the signal wire. Depending on sensor type, you should see a pulsing voltage (often 0–5V) or a clear change as RPM increases. A consistently low or zero reading points to a sensor or wiring fault.
6. Wiggle test the harness. While watching live data or your meter, gently move the wiring harness and connector. If the signal cuts in and out, you likely have an internal wire break or connector issue.
7. Inspect for timing issues. If the sensor and wiring check out but you also have timing-related codes or noisy operation, remove necessary covers and inspect the timing chain/belt and cam tone wheel. Look for slack, damaged guides, or misaligned marks.
8. Swap sensors if possible. On some engines with multiple identical cam sensors, you can swap bank 1 sensor B with another sensor (like bank 2 or sensor A) and see if the code follows the sensor. If P0368 moves to the other bank or sensor position, the sensor is bad.
9. Check Mode $06 data. Some scan tools allow viewing Mode $06 for cam/crank tests. This can show marginal failures before they set hard codes, useful for intermittent issues.
10. Consider ECU testing last. Only after verifying sensor, wiring, grounds, and timing should you suspect the ECU. At that point, professional-level diagnostics or ECU substitution/testing is recommended.

Pro tip: Many cam sensors fail intermittently when hot. If everything tests fine cold, drive the vehicle until fully warm, then retest live data and perform the wiggle test with the engine hot.

Possible Fixes & Repair Costs

Most P0368 repairs are straightforward once you pinpoint the cause. In many cases, replacing the camshaft position sensor “B” on bank 1 and cleaning the connector solves the issue. If wiring is damaged, you may need to repair or replace sections of the harness. Timing-related problems or ECU failures are less common but more expensive.

• Replace camshaft position sensor B (bank 1): Parts typically $40–$150, labor $60–$200 depending on access. Total: about $100–$350.
• Repair wiring / connector: Simple splice or connector replacement can run $80–$250, depending on how buried the harness is.
• Clean connector and sensor area: If oil or corrosion is the main issue, cleaning and reseating may be $50–$150 in shop time.
• Timing chain/belt repair: If stretched chain, worn guides, or slipped belt is found, expect $600–$1,500+ depending on engine design.
• ECU replacement/programming: Rare, but can cost $500–$1,200 or more including programming.

Typical repair cost ranges for P0368 are around $150–$400 when it’s just the sensor or minor wiring, and much higher if timing components or the ECU are involved. Labor rates, vehicle make, and how difficult the sensor is to access all affect final cost.

Can I Still Drive With P0368?

In many cases, you can still drive with P0368 for a short time, but it’s not ideal. The ECU may use backup strategies to estimate cam position, which can lead to hard starts, rough running, and poor fuel economy. There’s also a risk of sudden stalling, especially when coming to a stop or idling. If the engine runs very poorly, misfires heavily, or stalls, you should avoid driving and have it towed. Even if it seems to run “okay,” you should diagnose and repair P0368 as soon as possible.

What Happens If You Ignore P0368?

Ignoring P0368 can lead to long-term drivability problems, increased fuel consumption, and potential damage to the catalytic converter from misfires or unburned fuel. If an underlying timing issue is present, continued driving can cause accelerated wear or, in interference engines, even internal engine damage if the timing fails completely.

Related Sensor Camshaft Codes

Compare nearby sensor camshaft trouble codes with similar definitions, fault patterns, and diagnostic paths.

• P0393 – Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit High Bank 2
• P0338 – Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit High
• P0388 – Crankshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit High
• P0808 – Clutch Position Sensor Circuit High
• P2963 – Intake Air Metering Control Valve Position Sensor Circuit High
• P2616 – Camshaft Position Signal Output Circuit High

Key Takeaways

• P0368 means the ECU sees a low or weak signal from camshaft position sensor “B” on bank 1.
• Most common issues are a failing sensor, wiring damage, or connector problems, not the ECU itself.
• Symptoms range from a simple Check Engine Light to rough running, hard starting, and stalling.
• Proper diagnosis includes checking power, ground, signal, and inspecting wiring and timing components.
• Typical repairs cost $150–$400 for sensor-related fixes, more if timing components are involved.
• Driving for long with P0368 is risky and can lead to bigger, more expensive problems.

Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0368

P0368 can show up on almost any modern OBD-II vehicle, but it’s especially common on certain platforms. Many owners of Hyundai and Kia 4-cylinder engines report cam sensor codes as mileage climbs. Nissan and Infiniti V6 engines (like the VQ series) also see cam sensor and wiring issues. BMW and Mini models with dual VANOS systems frequently log cam-related codes when sensors or timing components wear. You’ll also see P0368 on various GM, Ford, Toyota, and Honda V6 engines, especially where heat and oil leaks affect the sensor harness.

FAQ

Can I clear P0368 and keep driving if the car runs fine?

You can clear the code, but if the underlying problem isn’t fixed, P0368 will almost certainly return. Even if the car seems to run fine now, intermittent cam sensor issues tend to get worse over time and can eventually cause hard starts, stalling, or misfires. It’s better to diagnose and repair it sooner rather than later.

Is P0368 always caused by a bad camshaft position sensor?

No. A failed sensor is common, but not the only cause. Damaged wiring, corroded connectors, poor grounds, or timing chain/belt problems can all trigger P0368. That’s why testing power, ground, and signal, and inspecting the harness, is important before just throwing a sensor at it.

How hard is it to replace camshaft position sensor B on bank 1?

Difficulty varies a lot by vehicle. On some engines, the sensor is right on top and takes 15–30 minutes to replace with basic tools. On others, it can be buried behind intake components or near the firewall, requiring more disassembly and time. Always check a repair guide for your specific model before starting.

Can a weak battery or alternator cause P0368?

Yes, in some cases. Low system voltage or poor grounds can affect the sensor’s reference voltage and signal output, which may lead to cam sensor codes like P0368. If you’re also seeing other electrical issues or multiple sensor codes, it’s smart to test the battery and charging system.

Does P0368 mean my timing chain or belt is bad?

Not necessarily. P0368 by itself most often points to an electrical or sensor issue. However, if you also have timing or correlation codes (like P0014, P0017) or you hear rattling from the timing cover, then timing chain or belt problems become more likely. In that case, a mechanical inspection is important.