What it means
A general electrical fault on camshaft position sensor B (typically the exhaust cam) on bank 2 — open, shorted, or out of plausibility. Required for variable valve timing on the exhaust cam.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
Camshaft position sensor B reports the position of the B camshaft, commonly the exhaust cam, on bank 2. The engine control module compares its signal with crankshaft position and uses it to coordinate valve timing and engine operation. This code indicates an electrical or signal fault in that sensor circuit, rather than specifically a low, high, or intermittent signal.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Camshaft position sensor B failure
- Damaged or corroded sensor connector
- Open or short in sensor wiring
- Fault in the camshaft timing system
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Power loss especially in mid-rpm range
- Possible rough idle or stalling
- Increased fuel consumption
How to diagnose it
- Save freeze-frame data and compare live camshaft position and synchronization data for sensor B on bank 2 with the other camshaft readings.
- Locate bank 2 and its B camshaft sensor using vehicle service information, then inspect the sensor connector and nearby wiring for oil, corrosion, damage, or poor pin fit.
- Check the sensor circuit’s power, ground, and signal connections using the wiring diagram and manufacturer’s procedure.
- Inspect the sensor mounting and the accessible camshaft timing components for looseness or damage that could disrupt the signal.
- If circuit checks pass, test the bank 2 sensor B output and compare it with the expected cam timing before replacing parts.
Common fixes
- Repair damaged or corroded wiring at the bank 2 sensor B connector.
- Clean or repair loose or corroded connector terminals.
- Secure a loose sensor or correct a mounting problem.
- Replace camshaft position sensor B on bank 2 if its output fails the specified test.
- Repair a confirmed camshaft timing fault.
Can I keep driving?
You may notice power loss, rough idle, stalling, or hard starting; avoid driving if it stalls or cannot accelerate reliably. Continued incorrect cam timing can worsen running problems and fuel use.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.