P0369: Camshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit Intermittent/Erratic (Bank 1)

What P0369 means

P means powertrain (engine and transmission). The 0 marks a generic code defined by SAE, so the same number means the same thing across makes. The third character, 3, places it in the ignition system or misfire subsystem; the last two digits identify the specific fault.

The camshaft position sensor tells the engine computer which stroke each cylinder is on, so it can time sequential injection and ignition. On engines with variable valve timing it also reports actual cam position. "A" and "B" identify which camshaft (commonly intake and exhaust) as defined by the manufacturer.

Bank 1 is the side of the engine that contains cylinder 1. Inline engines have only bank 1, so a bank 2 code on an inline engine usually indicates a manufacturer-specific use.

What “Intermittent” means here

"Intermittent" (or "Erratic") means the camshaft position (CMP) sensor signal dropped out or jumped in a way a working sensor could not, but not continuously. Intermittent faults are almost always connections: a loose or corroded terminal, a chafed harness, or a wire that breaks contact with vibration or heat. Watching live data while gently flexing the harness is the classic way to catch one.

What you may notice

Symptoms depend on the vehicle and on how the module responds to the fault. Any of these can accompany P0369:

• Long cranking or hard starting
• Rough running or hesitation
• Variable valve timing codes stored alongside
• Reduced power

Where to start diagnosing P0369

1. Inspect the connector and harness at the sensor.
2. Check engine oil level and condition; poor oil affects variable valve timing and can make cam signals look wrong.
3. Watch for correlation codes between crank and cam, which can indicate timing chain or belt stretch.
4. Inspect the sensor tip for debris.

Clear the code only after recording freeze frame data: it shows the engine speed, load and temperature at the moment the fault set, which is often the best clue to reproducing it.

Live data to watch

These standard OBD2 values relate to P0369. Support varies by vehicle; a value your car does not report will simply be missing.

Related codes

Codes from the same camshaft position (CMP) sensor family. If several are stored together, the shared part — wiring, a common reference voltage, or the component itself — is the place to start.

Further reading

• It cranks, but it will not fire
• It hesitates when you ask for power

Frequently Asked Questions