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P codepowertrainMedium severity

P0369Camshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1)

The bank 1 "B" camshaft position sensor signal is dropping out intermittently, appearing and disappearing while the engine runs.

Definition

The PCM expects an uninterrupted pulse train from the bank 1 "B" (typically exhaust) camshaft position sensor whenever the engine is rotating. P0369 sets when that signal is intermittently lost or erratic — pulses drop out and return — which usually traces to a marginal connection, a heat-sensitive sensor, or debris passing the sensor tip. Symptoms are often intermittent as well: occasional stumble or stall, hard restarts when hot, brief losses of VVT control, and a MIL that may come and go, making this one of the harder cam sensor codes to catch in the act.

Common causes

  • Loose or corroded connector terminal making intermittent contact
  • Heat-sensitive failing camshaft position sensor
  • Chafed wiring that grounds or opens with engine movement or vibration
  • Metal debris on the sensor tip disturbing the signal
  • Excessive reluctor runout or a cracked tone ring
  • Intermittent sensor ground or reference feed

Common misdiagnoses

  • Sensor replaced repeatedly when a connector terminal has lost tension
  • PCM replaced for an intermittent harness chafe
  • Timing chain replaced for what is an electrical dropout
  • Battery or alternator serviced for unrelated intermittent stalling

Troubleshooting steps

  1. 1.Review freeze frame and history

    Note the temperature, RPM, and load when the code set — hot-soak dropouts implicate the sensor, vibration-correlated dropouts implicate wiring.

  2. 2.Wiggle-test the harness while monitoring

    Watch the cam signal PID or a scope trace while flexing the harness and connector at idle; a dropout during manipulation localizes the fault.

  3. 3.Check terminal tension

    Use a test pin to verify each cavity grips firmly; repair loose terminals rather than just reseating the connector.

  4. 4.Heat-test the sensor

    Warm the sensor with a heat gun (moderately, to normal operating temperature range) while scoping the output; signal loss when hot condemns the sensor.

  5. 5.Inspect the sensor tip and reluctor

    Remove the sensor and check for ferrous debris on the tip and damage or excessive runout on the tone ring.

  6. 6.Confirm the fix with a drive cycle

    Clear the code and reproduce the freeze-frame conditions, verifying no cam signal faults or misfire counts return.

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