P0369: Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What P0369 means
The camshaft position sensor (CMP) reads the exact rotational position of the camshaft. The engine computer (PCM) uses it with the crankshaft sensor signal to time spark and to synchronize fuel injection. P0369 is a generic OBD-II code. OBD-Codes.com describes it as the signal from camshaft sensor 'B' on Bank 1 (the side of the engine with cylinder 1) going missing at times when it shouldn't, an electrical circuit fault that comes and goes rather than being present all the time. It says the code seems more common on Dodge, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Jeep, BMW and Acura vehicles. RepairPal defines it more broadly as the PCM detecting an irregular signal or no signal from the sensor, and doesn't mention a bank in its definition. The sources also stress different symptoms: OBD-Codes.com lists intermittent bucking or surging and the engine dying out but restarting immediately, while RepairPal lists decreased performance, a possible no-start and increased fuel use. RepairPal adds a PCM failure as a possible cause, which OBD-Codes.com mentions only as a possibility when power or signal voltage is missing at the sensor. Compare P0365, the general circuit code for the same 'B' sensor. Which camshaft is 'B' varies by engine, so check service information for your vehicle.
Severity: can I keep driving?
Stop and fix promptly
Get this diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0369 'Urgent' and lists decreased performance and an engine that may not start. OBD-Codes.com describes the fault as intermittent, with symptoms like bucking or surging and the engine dying out and then restarting, so avoid relying on the car in traffic or on the highway until it's checked.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Intermittent bucking or surging (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
- Engine dies out intermittently but restarts right away (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
- Decreased engine performance (listed by RepairPal)
- Engine may not start (listed by RepairPal)
- Increased fuel consumption (listed by RepairPal)
Likely causes
Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.
- Intermittent open or short in the camshaft sensor 'B' power supply, ground or signal circuit (listed by OBD-Codes.com; RepairPal lists a wiring issue)
- Loose, corroded or burnt connector terminals at the sensor
- Failed camshaft position sensor (listed by both sources)
- Damaged or broken camshaft tone ring (listed by both sources)
- Occasionally, a crankshaft position sensor producing intermittent signals (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
- PCM failure (listed by RepairPal)
Diagnostic steps you can do
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. Other cam or crank sensor codes (such as P0365, P0340, P0341 or P0335) or cam timing codes alongside P0369 change where you should look first.
- Search for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle. OBD-Codes.com notes the maker may have a PCM reprogram for this issue.
- Locate the camshaft and crankshaft sensors and inspect their wiring for chafing, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots or melted plastic.
- Unplug the connectors and check the terminals for corrosion or burning. Clean them with electrical contact cleaner, let them dry, and apply dielectric grease where the terminals meet.
- Clear the code and see whether it returns. If it doesn't, the connection was likely the problem. If it does, test the sensor and its circuits (power, ground and signal) with a multimeter, following the procedure for your sensor type.
Typical fixes
- Clean or repair corroded or loose connectors
- Repair chafed, open or shorted wiring in the cam sensor circuits
- Replace the camshaft position sensor 'B' once wiring checks out
- Replace a damaged tone ring, which can mean significant engine disassembly
- Diagnose the crankshaft position sensor if it's producing intermittent signals
- Apply a PCM reprogram if a TSB covers it, or repair or replace the PCM if testing points there
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 stalls while driving or won't start
- The code returns after you've cleaned connections and checked the wiring
- Testing needs a scope or wiggle tests on an intermittent circuit you can't reproduce
- The tone ring needs checking and isn't visible without taking the engine apart
Where to buy
Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.
FAQs
Can I drive with P0369?
It's not recommended to put it off. RepairPal rates P0369 'Urgent', and both sources list symptoms that can affect driving, from bucking and surging to the engine dying out or not starting.
Will a new camshaft sensor fix P0369?
Sometimes, but because the code is for an intermittent circuit fault, OBD-Codes.com recommends checking for TSBs and cleaning and inspecting connectors and wiring first, then testing the sensor and its circuits before replacing it.
What's the difference between P0365 and P0369?
Both are for camshaft position sensor 'B'. P0365 is the general circuit code. P0369 specifically means the signal is intermittent, dropping out at times rather than being missing or wrong all the time.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.