P0390 The bank 2 camshaft position sensor B circuit is malfunctioning

Camshaft position sensor B circuit (bank 2)

Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

TroubleCodes.net says the circuit is at fault and lists no-start type symptoms for cam sensor codes, but no source rates driving risk, so the class is not set.

Source: how we rate severity

P0390 in short

P0390 means the bank 2 camshaft position sensor B circuit is faulty. Wiring, connectors, the sensor and, rarely, the computer are the usual suspects. Some Ford and Jeep owners report it with low oil or cam timing codes. A bad cam sensor can cause poor running or hard starts, so check it soon.

The camshaft position sensor B on bank 2 helps the computer time the engine. P0390 says the computer sees a problem in that sensor circuit rather than just a weak signal.

TroubleCodes.net lists a defective sensor, open or shorted wiring, wet or corroded connectors and a faulty computer or its programming. Subaru lists P0390 with its other camshaft codes on FA and FB engines, and FCA has a sensor replacement notice that names it.

Owners of 2019 and 2020 F-150s report P0390 together with a low oil level, and a Jeep Wrangler owner reports it with cam timing code P0016 and oil loss. Those are owner statements only.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

  1. Camshaft sensor, wiring or connector fault

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists a defective sensor, open or shorted wiring and wet or corroded connectors.
    What would change this
    Rises if the wiring or sensor fails a test. Falls if they test good and cam timing codes are stored.
    How to test the camshaft position sensor

  2. Low engine oil level

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Two F-150 owners say P0390 appeared with oil about 5 quarts low or when oil ran low. Neither is a confirmed repair finding.
    What would change this
    Rises if the oil is low and the code returned after topping up. Falls if the oil level is correct.

  3. Cam timing or valvetrain problem

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    A Jeep owner replaced sensors without a fix and lists P0016 and oil loss; a 2013 F-150 owner lists many cam codes and compression problems.
    What would change this
    Rises if cam correlation codes like P0016 are stored. Falls if P0390 is the only code.

  4. Engine computer update (some Ford trucks)

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    One owner says the dealer did a PCM update. No bulletin for P0390 on that truck is on file here.
    What would change this
    Rises if a dealer finds an update for your VIN. Falls if the computer is current.

What to test first

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

  1. Read all stored codes and note whether P0016, P0394 or other cam codes are stored with P0390.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfCam correlation codes are stored too

      It meansCheck oil level and cam timing condition.

      Go to step 2

    • IfP0390 stands alone

      It meansCheck the sensor wiring.

      Go to step 3

  2. With the engine off and level, check the oil level on the dipstick.

    Low risk

  3. Check the bank 2 camshaft sensor connector and wiring for damage, moisture or corrosion, then have the sensor tested.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter, scope

    Warning:The sensor sits on a hot engine near the timing or valve cover and moving belts; the engine must be off and cool.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Rough running, hesitation or reduced power
  • Hard starting or no-start on some vehicles

How to fix

  1. Check the engine oil level on level ground with the engine off and top it up if low.

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open software update.

Parts and cost context

  • Camshaft position sensor:Do not replace the sensor on the code alone; a Jeep owner replaced the cam and crank sensors and the code stayed. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Subaru

  • 2013 · Impreza

    Supported by vehicle data

    Subaru 11-130-13R names P0390 among cam position codes on FA/FB engines. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 11-130-13R (P0390)Status unverified

    Camshaft position and misfire DTCs (FA/FB)

    2013brz, forester, legacy, outback · NHTSA 10089963

    Gives inspection and repair procedures for camshaft position-related and misfire codes.

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

Ford

  • 2013–2020 · F-150

    Supported by vehicle data

    Owners of 2013, 2019 and 2020 F-150s report P0390; two say it came with low oil. No bulletin is on file here.

Jeep

  • 2015 · Wrangler

    Supported by vehicle data

    A 2015 Wrangler owner lists P0016, P0390 and P0394 with limp mode and oil loss; sensors were replaced without a fix. No bulletin is on file here.

  • P0365Camshaft position sensor B circuit, bank 1: the engine computer sees a missing or faulty signal from the bank 1 exhaust camshaft sensor

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    P0365 is the bank 1 camshaft sensor B circuit code; Subaru and FCA bulletins list it with P0390.

  • P0369The bank 1 camshaft position sensor 'B' signal drops out intermittently

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    P0369 is the camshaft sensor B intermittent code for bank 1; the FCA notice lists it with P0390.

All Ignition and engine position sensors codes

Sources and review

  1. P0390 trouble code explanation — TroubleCodes.net
  2. NHTSA complaint ODI 11585258 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 11661383 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 11424531 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  5. NHTSA complaint ODI 11098402 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  6. FCA 05149141A: camshaft position sensor replacement notice — FCA US
  7. Subaru 11-130-13R: camshaft position and misfire DTCs on FA/FB engines — Subaru of America
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
Pending
Technician review
Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

My Car

Pick your car and code pages will point out notes and bulletins for it. Saved only in this browser.

Fill this in from your VIN

Used once to identify your engine; not stored.