What it means
The position sensor signal jumps or drops out intermittently. Usually a loose connector or a chafed wire in the harness.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
How it works
The rocker arm actuator position sensor on bank 1 reports the lift mechanism’s position to the controller. This code sets when that signal drops out or changes erratically instead of tracking a stable position, often because vibration moves a loose connection or a chafed wire intermittently contacts another surface.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Sensor connector not fully seated
- Harness chafed against valve cover or cam carrier
- Connector with intermittent contact under vibration
Symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Intermittent loss of power or acceleration
- Rough running or engine misfire
How to diagnose it
- Review freeze-frame data and live sensor readings for sudden bank 1 position jumps, especially during changes in engine speed or lift-mode commands.
- Inspect the bank 1 sensor connector for incomplete seating, loose terminals, corrosion, or oil that could interrupt contact.
- Trace the bank 1 harness where it passes the valve cover and cam carrier, looking for chafing, pinching, or heat damage.
- With the engine off, gently move the accessible harness while monitoring the sensor signal to see whether it cuts out; keep clear of hot or moving parts.
- If the wiring remains stable, monitor the sensor output through commanded mode changes and test the sensor and actuator against the manufacturer’s procedure.
Common fixes
- Seat and secure the bank 1 sensor connector.
- Repair chafed bank 1 harness insulation and secure the wiring away from rubbing points.
- Replace loose or corroded connector terminals that lose contact under vibration.
- Replace the bank 1 position sensor if its signal remains erratic with sound wiring.
Can I keep driving?
Intermittent power loss can make merging or overtaking unsafe, so avoid those situations and limit driving until the fault is found. Stop if the engine begins misfiring or the power loss becomes sustained.
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.