P0366

What it means

P0366 is the generic code for a range or performance fault in the camshaft position sensor B circuit on bank 1. The sensor is usually the exhaust camshaft sensor, but the labelling varies by engine. The engine control unit has seen a signal that is present but does not match the expected timing relationship with the crankshaft position signal, or is outside the expected range.

Symptoms

• Malfunction indicator lamp on
• Long cranking or intermittent hard starting
• Rough running or misfire
• Reduced power or the car going into limp mode
• Poor fuel economy
• Occasional stalling

Possible causes

• Camshaft timing out of position because of a stretched chain, worn tensioner or a jumped or incorrectly fitted belt or chainlikely
• Faulty or contaminated camshaft position sensor B, including oil or metal debris on the sensor tiplikely
• Damaged wiring, poor connector contact or corrosion in the sensor circuit (signal, supply or earth)likely
• Variable valve timing actuator or control solenoid fault causing the camshaft to sit away from its commanded positionpossible
• Damaged, loose, or incorrectly fitted reluctor or trigger wheel on the camshaftpossible
• Faulty crankshaft position sensor or its signal giving a poor reference to compare againstpossible
• Fault within the engine control unitrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data, noting engine speed, load and temperature when the fault set, and check for related crankshaft, timing or valve timing codes.
2. Check the engine oil level and condition, as poor oil can affect valve timing actuators and sensors.
3. Inspect the sensor, its connector and the wiring for damage, oil contamination, chafing, corrosion, or a loose fit.
4. Remove the sensor and check the tip for debris and damage, and check the mounting and air gap where applicable.
5. Check the live data for camshaft and crankshaft correlation and the valve timing angle against the specification for that engine.
6. Test the sensor supply, earth and signal wiring for continuity and shorts, then view the sensor and crankshaft signals on an oscilloscope if available.
7. Test the valve timing solenoid and actuator operation, following the manufacturer's procedure for that engine.
8. If the signals still do not correlate, check the mechanical timing by the manufacturer's method, including the chain or belt, tensioner and reluctor wheel.

How to fix

• Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors in the sensor circuit.
• Replace the camshaft position sensor B if it is faulty or contaminated, and cure any oil leak that caused it.
• Correct the mechanical timing and replace worn chain, belt, tensioner or guides as needed.
• Replace a faulty valve timing solenoid or actuator, after changing the oil if it is dirty.
• Replace a damaged reluctor wheel or crankshaft position sensor if testing shows it to be the cause.

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P0365GenericCamshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Bank 1
• P0367GenericCamshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Low Bank 1