What Does P0396 Mean?
The camshaft position sensor B circuit on bank 2 is producing an intermittent or erratic signal. This code is very similar to P0394 but may be set under different operating conditions or monitor thresholds depending on the manufacturer. The ECM has detected that the exhaust camshaft position signal on bank 2 drops out, spikes, or becomes irregular during operation. The driver may experience occasional stumbling, hesitation, or brief power loss.
Common Causes
35%
Loose or corroded electrical connector at the camshaft position sensor
28%
Intermittently failing camshaft position sensor due to heat-related internal fault
20%
Wiring harness damage — chafing, broken strands, or water intrusion causing intermittent open/short
10%
Variable valve timing actuator causing mechanical noise on the cam signal
7%
ECM connector pin tension loss or corrosion at the module side
Diagnostic Steps
1
Connect a digital oscilloscope to the sensor signal wire and monitor the waveform at idle, 2,000 RPM, and 3,500 RPM — look for signal dropouts, noise spikes, or irregular patterns compared to the bank 1 counterpart.
2
Perform a wiggle test on the sensor connector and harness while monitoring the scope pattern — any signal disruption during the test pinpoints the intermittent connection location.
3
Check the sensor mounting bolt torque and air gap — a loose sensor can vibrate and cause intermittent signal loss. Typical air gap is 0.5–1.5mm from the reluctor.
4
Inspect for engine oil leaks near the sensor that could contaminate the connector or cause the sensor to slip. Oil-soaked connectors are a common cause of intermittent cam sensor faults.
5
If VVT-equipped, check the VVT actuator for excessive mechanical lash by observing cam phaser advance/retard PIDs — erratic phaser movement can produce intermittent sensor readings.
Estimated Repair Cost
$80 - $350
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The camshaft position sensor B circuit on bank 2 is producing an intermittent or erratic signal. This code is very similar to P0394 but may be set under different operating conditions or monitor thresholds depending on the manufacturer. The ECM has detected that the exhaust camshaft position signal ...
The most common cause of P0396 (Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2)) is: Loose or corroded electrical connector at the camshaft position sensor
Typical repair costs for P0396 range from $80 to $350, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
The vehicle may stall without warning due to the intermittent nature of this fault. Limit driving to short, low-speed trips until diagnosed. If the MIL is flashing at any point, stop driving immediately as misfires may damage the catalytic converter.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0396 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Engine Timing / Variable Valve Timing
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
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