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For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0365: Exhaust Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Circuit Bank 1

DTC P0390: Exhaust Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Circuit Bank 2

Diagnostic Fault Information

Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Exhaust CMP Position Sensor 5-Volt Reference Voltage

P0069, P0107, P0340, P0345, P0365, P0390, P0452, P0522, P0532, P0641, P1183, P2228

P0365, P0390

P0069, P0365, P0641, P2229, P2261

--

Exhaust CMP Position Sensor Signal

P0365, P0390, P0366, P0391

P0365, P0390

P0365, P0390

--

Exhaust CMP Position Sensor Low Reference

--

P0365, P0390

--

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

Exhaust CMP Bank 1 Active

Circuit

Normal Range

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Engine Running

Exhaust CMP Position Sensor Bank 1 5-Volt Reference Voltage

Incrementing from 0-255 counts

stops incrementing

stops incrementing

stops incrementing

Exhaust CMP Position Sensor Bank 1 Signal

Incrementing from 0-255 counts

stops incrementing

stops incrementing

--

Exhaust CMP Position Sensor Bank 1 Low Reference

Incrementing from 0-255 counts

--

stops incrementing

--

Exhaust CMP Bank 2 Active

Circuit

Normal Range

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Engine Running

Exhaust CMP Position Sensor Bank 2 5-Volt Reference Voltage

Incrementing from 0-255 counts

stops incrementing

stops incrementing

stops incrementing

Exhaust CMP Position Sensor Bank 2 Signal

Incrementing from 0-255 counts

stops incrementing

stops incrementing

--

Exhaust CMP Position Sensor Bank 2 Low Reference

Incrementing from 0-255 counts

--

stops incrementing

--

Circuit/System Description

The 4X camshaft position (CMP) sensor circuits consist of an engine control module (ECM) supplied 5-volt reference circuit, low reference circuit, and an output signal circuit. The CMP sensor is an internally magnetic biased digital output integrated circuit sensing device. The sensor detects magnetic flux changes of the teeth and slots of a 4-tooth reluctor wheel attached to the camshaft. As each reluctor wheel tooth rotates past the CMP sensor, the resulting change in the magnetic field is used by the sensor electronics to produce a digital output pulse. The sensor returns a digital ON/OFF DC voltage pulse of varying frequency, with 4 varying width output pulses per camshaft revolution that represent an image of the camshaft reluctor wheel. The frequency of the CMP sensor output depends on the velocity of the camshaft. The ECM decodes the narrow and wide tooth pattern to identify camshaft position. This information is then used to determine the optimum ignition and injection points of the engine. The ECM also uses CMP sensor output information to determine the camshaft relative position to the crankshaft, to control camshaft phasing.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is running.
    • The DTCs run continuously when the above condition is met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM does not detect a signal from the exhaust CMP sensor for more than 1 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.
    • The CMP actuator is commanded to the home or parked position.
    • The ignition system defaults to a failed CMP sensor limp home mode.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

The following conditions may cause this DTC to set

    • Damage to the camshaft reluctor wheel
    • Damage to the CMP sensor
    • The sensor coming in coming in contact with the reluctor wheel
    • Foreign material passing between the sensor and the reluctor wheel

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views
    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions

Circuit/System Verification

  1. If DTCs P0641 or P0631 are set, diagnose those DTCs first. Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .
  2. With the engine running, observe the CMP Sensor parameter using the scan tool. The CMP sensor speed should match the Engine Speed parameter within 100 RPM.
  3. If the CMP sensor speed is 0, continue with Circuit/System Testing.
  4. With the ignition ON and the engine OFF, use the Live Plot function on the scan tool. Select the Engine Speed parameter and the CMP Sensor parameter. Change the minimum spec to 0 RPM for both parameters. Change the maximum spec to 1,500 RPM for both parameters.
  5. Observe the scan tool and start the engine. The graphed lines should stay together.
  6. If the CMP sensor line deviates excessively from the engine speed line, continue with Circuit/System Testing.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. With the ignition OFF, inspect the engine wiring harnesses carrying the CMP sensor circuits for the following conditions:
  2. • Close routing of secondary ignition wires
    • Close routing of aftermarket electrical equipment
    • Close to solenoids, motors, and relays
    Correct any wire harness routing or component placement conditions, if it is determined to be a possible source of electrical interference.
  3. Disconnect the exhaust CAM sensor with the ignition ON and the engine OFF, measure for 4.8-5.2 volts at the ECM side of the connector between the 5-volt reference circuit of the CMP sensor and a good ground.
  4. If the voltage is less than 4.8 volts, test for an open in the 5-volt reference circuit between the ECM and the CMP harness connector. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  5. With the ignition ON and the engine OFF, measure for 4.8-5.2 volts at the ECM side of the connector between the CMP sensor signal circuit and a good ground.
  6. If the voltage is less than 4.8 volts, test for an open or a short to ground in the CMP sensor signal circuit between the ECM and the CMP sensor connector. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
    If the voltage is more than 5.2 volts, test for a short to voltage in the CMP sensor signal circuit between the ECM and the CMP sensor connector. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  7. With the ignition ON and the engine OFF, measure for 1-3 mA, at the ECM side of the connector between the CMP sensor signal circuit and a good ground.
  8. If the amperage is more than 3 mA, test the CMP sensor signal circuit for a short to the 5-volt reference circuit between the ECM and the CMP sensor connector. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  9. Connect a fused jumper wire to a good ground.
  10. With the ignition ON and the engine OFF, observe the CMP Active Counter parameter on the scan tool.
  11. Touch the jumper wire to the CMP sensor signal circuit repeatedly at the ECM side of the connector. The CMP Active Counter parameter should increment.
  12. If the CMP Active Counter parameter does not increment, replace the ECM.
  13. With the ignition ON and the engine OFF, measure for B+ at the ECM side of the connector between the low reference circuit of the CMP sensor and the battery positive post.
  14. If the voltage measured between the low reference circuit and the battery positive post is not the same as voltage measured between a good ground and the battery positive post, test for an open/high resistance in the low reference circuit between the ECM and the CMP sensor connector. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  15. Inspect the CMP sensor for looseness. Remove the CMP sensor from the engine and inspect the sensor and the O-ring for damage.
  16. Repair or replace the CMP sensor, if necessary.
  17. Reconnect the CMP sensor to the engine harness.
  18. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  19. While observing the CMP Active Counter parameter on the scan tool, pass a steel object by the tip of the sensor repeatedly. The CMP Active Counter parameter should increment.
  20. If the parameter does not increment, replace the CMP sensor.
  21. With the ignition OFF, drain the engine oil, inspect the engine oil for debris.
  22. If debris is found in the engine oil, inspect the internal engine components to determine the cause.
  23. . Inspect the camshaft reluctor wheel for damage.
  24. If the reluctor wheel is damaged, replace the camshaft.
  25. With the ignition OFF, inspect the timing chain, tensioner, and sprockets for wear or damage. Refer to Camshaft Timing Drive Chain Alignment Diagram .
  26. If any parts are worn or damaged, replace as necessary.

Repair Instructions

Always perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.