P0369 The bank 1 camshaft position sensor 'B' signal drops out intermittently

Camshaft position sensor B circuit intermittent (bank 1)

P0369 in short

P0369 means the engine computer briefly lost the bank 1 camshaft sensor 'B' signal. Common causes are wiring or connector faults and a failing sensor; Honda and Ford bulletins also tie it to camshaft end play, low oil or software. Check the oil level now and get it inspected soon.

Each camshaft position sensor reads a target on its camshaft so the engine computer knows camshaft position for fuel, spark and cam timing. On most engines camshaft 'B' is the exhaust cam on bank 1 (FCA calls it 'Bank 1 Sensor 2'). P0369 sets when that signal drops out for a moment and comes back.

Because the fault is intermittent, the most common causes are a loose connector, chafed wiring or a sensor failing when hot. But the signal also depends on the camshaft target staying where it should, so mechanical faults such as camshaft end play or damaged cam phasers can set the same code.

Several makers have make-specific causes: camshaft end play on 2016-2017 Pilot, Ridgeline and MDX; PCM software on the 2023-2025 Civic Type R; low oil, oil consumption or VCT phasers on Ford 3.5L EcoBoost; and a cylinder head flatness problem on some 2020 Mustang 5.0L engines.

Most likely causes

  1. Loose connector or damaged wiring at the cam sensor

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    An intermittent signal loss is most often a connection problem; OBD rules require circuit checks on cam sensors.
    What would change this
    Rises if wiggling the harness drops the signal or the connector is loose, oily or corroded.

  2. Failing camshaft position sensor B

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Hall-effect cam sensors can fail intermittently, often when hot.
    What would change this
    Rises if the signal drops out on a scope while the wiring tests good.
    How to test the camshaft position sensor

  3. Low oil level, low oil pressure or damaged VCT phasers (Ford 3.5L EcoBoost)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford tells technicians to check oil level and VCT noise before diagnosing P0365/P0369 on 2018 3.5L EcoBoost F-150, Navigator and Expedition; a later TSB links the codes to oil consumption through the PCV system.
    What would change this
    Rises if the oil is low, consumption is high or the phasers rattle.

  4. Excessive camshaft end play (Honda Pilot, Ridgeline, Acura MDX)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Honda reported reduced engine power with the MIL and P0369 with signs of excessive camshaft end play on 2016-2017 Pilot and Ridgeline (and MDX).
    What would change this
    Rises on those models with reduced power.

  5. PCM software misreading the signal (Civic Type R, some FCA models)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Honda found the 2023-2025 Civic Type R PCM mistaking exhaust VTC actuator operation for sensor noise; FCA addressed P0369 on 2016-2017 Grand Cherokee and Durango with a PCM flash.
    What would change this
    Applies to those models; a dealer can check for the update.

  6. Right-hand cylinder head cam cap flatness (2020 Mustang 5.0L)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford replaces the right-hand cylinder head on Mustangs built September to December 2020 that set P0369.
    What would change this
    Applies only to the build window in the bulletin.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. With the engine off on level ground, check the oil level and note any oil pressure warning or rattling from the top of the engine.

    Low riskTool: dipstick

  2. Ask a dealer whether a bulletin or software update applies to the VIN (Honda Pilot/Ridgeline/MDX, Civic Type R, Ford 3.5L EcoBoost, 2020 Mustang 5.0L, FCA PCM flash).

    Low risk

  3. With the engine off, inspect the bank 1 cam sensor B connector and harness for looseness, oil, corrosion or chafing; then wiggle-test while a scan tool or scope watches the signal.

    Use cautionTool: scan tool or oscilloscope

    Warning:Do the visual inspection with the engine off and cool; keep hands away from belts and the fan if the engine is running for the wiggle test.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Reduced engine power
  • Rough running or hard starting
  • Oil pressure warning or rattling from the top of the engine Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power, Rough idle with the check engine light on

How to fix

  1. Check the oil level and top it up to the full mark with the grade in your owner's manual.

    Warning:Engine off and on level ground; wait a few minutes for oil to drain back.

On your vehicle

Honda

  • 2016–2025

    Supported by vehicle data

    On 2016-2017 Pilot and Ridgeline, Honda links P0369 with reduced power to excessive camshaft end play; on the 2023-2025 Civic Type R it is a PCM software fix.

  • A18010IStatus unverified

    Reduced engine power with MIL, P0369 and excessive camshaft end play

    2016–2017pilot, ridgeline · issued · NHTSA 10127351

    Honda Service News article: reduced power with the MIL on, P0369 (CMP sensor circuit intermittent interruption) and signs of excessive camshaft end play.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • A25-023Status unverified

    MIL with P0369 from PCM software reading EX-VTC actuator operation as sensor noise

    2023–2025civic-type-r · issued · NHTSA 11015700

    PCM software at start-up mistakes exhaust VTC actuator operation for noise on exhaust cam sensor B and sets P0369; a software fix is provided.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Acura

  • B18010GStatus unverified

    Reduced engine power with MIL, P0369 and excessive camshaft end play

    2016–2017mdx · issued · NHTSA 10127356

    Acura version of the Honda article for the MDX.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ford

  • 2017–2020

    Supported by vehicle data

    On the 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 and Expedition, check oil level, oil consumption and VCT noise first; on the 2020 Mustang 5.0L a cylinder head bulletin applies to a build window.

  • SSM 47365Status unverified

    P0365 and/or P0369 from low oil level, low oil pressure or damaged VCT phasers

    2018f-150, expedition · 3.5L EcoBoost · issued · NHTSA 10143099

    Check the oil level and listen for abnormal VCT noise before running the normal diagnostics. Also covers the 2018 Lincoln Navigator.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 20-2132Status unverified

    Excessive oil consumption with or without P0365/P0369

    2017–2019f-150, expedition · 3.5L EcoBoost · issued · NHTSA 10175884

    PCV system concern on 3.5L EcoBoost built on or before 1-Apr-2019; replace the valve covers. Supersedes 19-2232.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • SSM 50103Status unverified

    P0369 from right-hand cylinder head mega cap flatness

    2020mustang · 5.0L V8 · issued · NHTSA 10201586

    Mustang 5.0L built 01-Sep-2020 through 01-Dec-2020: replace the right-hand cylinder head.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0340Camshaft position sensor circuit fault (bank 1 or single sensor)

    Same system Common general cause

    P0340 is the camshaft sensor A circuit code on bank 1; FCA guidance on cam sensor replacement covers both.

  • P0345Camshaft position sensor A circuit fault (bank 2)

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    P0345 is the bank 2 camshaft sensor A circuit; FCA lists P0345 and P0369 in the same PCM software bulletins.

All Ignition and engine position sensors codes

P0369 questions

Should I just replace the camshaft sensor for P0369?

Not first. The code is intermittent, so wiring and connectors are common culprits, and several makers have bulletins for oil, camshaft end play or software. Check the oil and ask a dealer about bulletins before buying a sensor.

Sources and review

  1. Honda A18010I: Reduced engine power with MIL, DTC P0369 and excessive camshaft end play — American Honda Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  2. Ford SSM 47365: P0365 and/or P0369 on 2018 3.5L EcoBoost from low oil level, low oil pressure or damaged VCT phasers — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  3. Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  4. 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
  5. 2001 Lincoln Continental Owner's Guide - Warning lights (Check engine) — Ford Motor Company
  6. ASE L1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Test: Composite Vehicle Type 4 Reference Booklet — ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence)
  7. Ford TSB 20-2132: Excessive oil consumption with or without P0365/P0369, 3.5L EcoBoost — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  8. Honda A25-023: MIL with DTC P0369 from PCM software misreading EX-VTC actuator operation as CMP sensor B noise — American Honda Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  9. FCA 18-024-17 REV. C: PCM flash, powertrain diagnostic and system enhancements — FCA US / NHTSA ,
  10. Ford SSM 50103: P0369 on 2020 Mustang 5.0L from right-hand cylinder head mega cap flatness — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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