What P0368 means
Camshaft position sensor B is the exhaust camshaft sensor (bank 1 = side with cylinder 1), usually a Hall sensor on the exhaust cam phaser.
How the engine computer detects it
P0368 means the signal line stays high without edges. If the signal wire is open, the roughly 5 V the engine module applies to it simply remains; if the sensor's 5 V supply or ground is missing, the sensor never switches and the signal also stays high – and a short to positive has the same effect. A code-specific manufacturer description exists only from GM: on the Saab 9-4X 2.8 turbo V6 (LAU) the signal must stay high without pulses for more than 1 s, or 10 s cumulatively, and the code follows after two trips; GM lists exactly these causes. GM's other engines of 2014–2019 and Ford report such faults under P0365. The consequence is as for P0365: exhaust cam timing in its base position, longer cranking, some loss of power.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Longer cranking before the engine starts
- Loss of power or rough idle (exhaust cam timing in its base position)
Common causes
- Connector off or corroded, signal wire open Most likely
- 5 V reference or ground of the sensor open Possible
- Sensor faulty (output does not switch) Possible
- Signal wire shorted to positive Less likely
How to diagnose P0368
- Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
- Inspect the parts involved: camshaft position sensor exhaust, camshaft tone wheel, sensor wiring, engine control module.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 3
- Ignition system or misfire
- 68
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0368?
Drive gently and only as far as you need to. The engine computer may limit power to protect the engine, so avoid highways and heavy traffic until it's fixed. If the check engine light starts flashing, pull over.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0368?
Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.
Will P0368 clear by itself?
The light can go off after several drive cycles without the fault, but the code returns if the cause is still there. After a repair, the readiness monitors need a full drive cycle before an inspection.
Can I fix P0368 myself?
Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: easy. Start with the cheapest checks before replacing expensive parts.
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.