Wire or connector in the sensor 'B' circuit grounded, shorted or broken. Open circuit in the sensor wiring. Failed camshaft position sensor 'B'. Failed crankshaft position sensor. Failed engine computer (PCM), which is less common.

Repair or replace damaged circuit wiring or connectors. Replace camshaft position sensor 'B' if testing shows it has failed. Diagnose and replace the crankshaft position sensor if it's the real cause. Diagnose and replace the PCM only after the sensor and wiring check out.

P0365🔧 Engine timing / cam and crank sensorsStop and fix promptly

P0365: Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0365 mean?

P0365 means the engine computer detected a problem in the circuit for camshaft position sensor 'B', meaning the signal is irregular or missing. Because the code covers the whole circuit, the cause can be the sensor, its wiring or connector, the crankshaft position sensor, or (less often) the engine computer itself, so don't just replace the cam sensor and hope. The camshaft position sensor reads the exact rotational position of the camshaft. RepairPal explains that the engine computer (PCM) uses this signal to control the fuel injectors and ignition coils, and sets P0365 when it sees an irregular signal or no signal. P0365 is a generic code that applies to 1996-and-newer OBD-II vehicles. Engines with more than one camshaft can have more than one cam sensor; P0340 covers sensor 'A' and P0365 covers sensor 'B'. Which physical sensor is 'B' depends on the engine, so check the service information for your vehicle before buying parts. The two sources differ slightly on the name: OBD-Codes.com titles it 'Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Bank 1', while RepairPal lists it simply as 'Camshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit' without a bank. OBD-Codes.com stresses that the word 'circuit' means the fault can be anywhere in the circuit: the sensor, the wiring, or the PCM. RepairPal's page gives the definition and an Urgent rating but no list of symptoms or causes, so the symptom and cause lists below come from OBD-Codes.com. Neither source gives a repair cost.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0365?

Stop and fix promptly. Get this diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0365 'Urgent', its highest level, meaning immediate action is recommended. OBD-Codes.com lists hard starting or no start, misfiring and loss of power among the symptoms. If the engine hesitates, misfires, stalls or is hard to start, avoid relying on the car, especially in traffic or on the highway, until it's checked.

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0365 means

The camshaft position sensor reads the exact rotational position of the camshaft. RepairPal explains that the engine computer (PCM) uses this signal to control the fuel injectors and ignition coils, and sets P0365 when it sees an irregular signal or no signal. P0365 is a generic code that applies to 1996-and-newer OBD-II vehicles. Engines with more than one camshaft can have more than one cam sensor; P0340 covers sensor 'A' and P0365 covers sensor 'B'. Which physical sensor is 'B' depends on the engine, so check the service information for your vehicle before buying parts. The two sources differ slightly on the name: OBD-Codes.com titles it 'Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Bank 1', while RepairPal lists it simply as 'Camshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit' without a bank. OBD-Codes.com stresses that the word 'circuit' means the fault can be anywhere in the circuit: the sensor, the wiring, or the PCM. RepairPal's page gives the definition and an Urgent rating but no list of symptoms or causes, so the symptom and cause lists below come from OBD-Codes.com. Neither source gives a repair cost.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get this diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0365 'Urgent', its highest level, meaning immediate action is recommended. OBD-Codes.com lists hard starting or no start, misfiring and loss of power among the symptoms. If the engine hesitates, misfires, stalls or is hard to start, avoid relying on the car, especially in traffic or on the highway, until it's checked.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on
Hard starting or no start (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
Rough running or misfiring (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
Loss of engine power (listed by OBD-Codes.com)

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

Wire or connector in the sensor 'B' circuit grounded, shorted or broken
Open circuit in the sensor wiring
Failed camshaft position sensor 'B'
Failed crankshaft position sensor
Failed engine computer (PCM), which is less common

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Read all stored codes. A crankshaft sensor code (such as P0335), a sensor 'A' code (P0340 or P0341) or misfire codes alongside P0365 change where you should look first.
Find out which sensor is 'B' on your engine from the service information, then visually inspect its connector and wiring for corrosion, loose pins, chafing or broken wires.
If you have a multimeter and the service information for your vehicle, check the circuit wiring for continuity and the sensor for its specified voltage, as OBD-Codes.com suggests.
Check the crankshaft position sensor circuit as well, since OBD-Codes.com lists it as a possible cause.
Clear the code after any repair and see whether it returns before buying more parts.

Typical fixes

Repair or replace damaged circuit wiring or connectors
Replace camshaft position sensor 'B' if testing shows it has failed
Diagnose and replace the crankshaft position sensor if it's the real cause
Diagnose and replace the PCM only after the sensor and wiring check out

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

The engine cranks but won't start, misfires, or stalls while driving
You've replaced the cam sensor and the code came back
You can't tell which sensor is 'B' on your engine, or testing needs wiring diagrams and an oscilloscope
A PCM fault is suspected

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Will a new camshaft sensor fix P0365?

Not necessarily. OBD-Codes.com warns that the code covers the whole circuit, so the wiring, connector, crankshaft sensor or PCM can be the cause. Inspect and test before replacing parts.

Can I drive with P0365?

RepairPal rates it 'Urgent', and OBD-Codes.com lists hard starting, misfiring and loss of power as possible symptoms. Have it diagnosed promptly rather than risk the engine stalling or not restarting.

What's the difference between P0340 and P0365?

Both are camshaft position sensor circuit codes. P0340 is for sensor 'A' and P0365 is for sensor 'B'. Which physical sensor each letter refers to depends on the engine, so check your vehicle's service information.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.