Home P0368 Code Explained: Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit High Input Bank 1

P0368 Code Explained: Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit High Input Bank 1

If your OBD-II scanner displays P0368, the engine computer has detected an abnormally high electrical signal from Camshaft Position Sensor B on Bank 1.

P0368 is specifically a high-input circuit code. That distinction matters because the diagnostic path is different from a range/performance, low-input or intermittent camshaft sensor code.

The sensor may be producing a signal that is too high, the signal circuit may have a wiring problem, the reference voltage may be incorrect, or an electrical fault may be forcing the circuit above the expected threshold.

The key to diagnosing P0368 is finding out why the signal is high before replacing the sensor.

What Does P0368 Mean?

P0368 — Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit High Input Bank 1

The Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the electrical signal produced by the Bank 1 Sensor B camshaft position circuit.

When the signal exceeds the manufacturer’s expected voltage or electrical threshold, the ECM can store P0368 and illuminate the Check Engine Light.

The important diagnostic terms are:

  • Sensor B
  • Bank 1
  • Circuit
  • High input

P0368 is therefore primarily an electrical signal-level fault.

It does not automatically mean the camshaft is damaged or that the engine’s mechanical timing has failed.

What Is Camshaft Position Sensor B?

Many modern engines use multiple camshaft position sensors.

On engines with separate intake and exhaust camshafts, manufacturers frequently identify the sensors as Sensor A and Sensor B.

Sensor B is often associated with the exhaust camshaft, but manufacturers can define sensor locations differently.

Always use vehicle-specific service information to identify the correct component.

The camshaft position sensor allows the ECM to determine camshaft position and rotation.

That information can be used for:

  • Fuel injection control
  • Ignition timing
  • Variable valve timing
  • Engine synchronization
  • Cylinder identification
  • Misfire detection
  • Starting strategy

If the sensor circuit produces an abnormally high signal, the ECM may no longer be able to reliably interpret camshaft position.

What Is Bank 1?

Bank 1 is the cylinder bank containing cylinder number one.

On V6 and V8 engines, there are two cylinder banks.

The cylinder containing number one determines which side is Bank 1.

Do not assume Bank 1 is always the driver’s side or passenger side.

The location depends on the engine’s cylinder-numbering configuration.

What Does “High Input” Mean?

The phrase high input is the most important part of P0368.

The ECM expects the camshaft position sensor circuit to operate within a specific electrical range.

When the voltage or signal rises above the calibrated threshold, the ECM can identify the condition as a high input.

Possible causes include:

  • Signal wire shorted to voltage
  • Incorrect reference voltage
  • Sensor internal failure
  • Damaged wiring
  • Connector problems
  • Poor sensor ground
  • Electrical interference
  • Incorrect sensor installation
  • ECM circuit problems

A high-input code therefore calls for electrical circuit testing.

Simply replacing the camshaft sensor can miss the actual cause.

P0368 Symptoms

P0368 symptoms vary depending on the vehicle and the severity of the electrical fault.

Possible symptoms include:

  • Check Engine Light
  • Rough idle
  • Hard starting
  • Extended cranking
  • Engine hesitation
  • Poor acceleration
  • Reduced engine performance
  • Engine stalling
  • Misfire symptoms
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Intermittent starting
  • Reduced throttle response
  • Variable valve timing problems
  • Limp-mode operation

Some vehicles may continue to run relatively normally.

Others may experience significant drivability problems if the ECM cannot reliably interpret the camshaft signal.

Is P0368 Serious?

P0368 should be diagnosed promptly.

The code itself identifies an electrical signal problem, but the consequences can vary.

A damaged connector may be relatively easy to repair.

A shorted harness can require considerably more diagnostic work.

If the engine is stalling, difficult to start, misfiring severely or experiencing significant power loss, avoid unnecessary driving until the problem is diagnosed.

Common Causes of P0368

1. Short to Voltage

One of the most important possibilities with a high-input code is an unwanted connection between the signal circuit and a voltage source.

A damaged harness can allow the signal wire to contact:

  • Battery voltage
  • Another powered circuit
  • A reference-voltage circuit
  • An internally shorted wire

Inspect the harness carefully.

2. Failed Camshaft Position Sensor

An internal sensor failure can cause the output signal to remain higher than expected.

The sensor may still appear physically normal even though its electronics are malfunctioning.

3. Damaged Wiring

Wiring problems can alter the electrical signal reaching the ECM.

Inspect for:

  • Melted insulation
  • Chafing
  • Pinched wiring
  • Broken conductors
  • Incorrect repairs
  • Harness contact with hot components
  • Rodent damage

4. Connector Damage

A damaged connector can cause unusual electrical behavior.

Check for:

  • Bent terminals
  • Corrosion
  • Loose terminals
  • Water intrusion
  • Oil contamination
  • Broken locking tabs

5. Incorrect Reference Voltage

Many electronic camshaft position sensors use a reference voltage supplied by the ECM.

If that voltage is incorrect, sensor operation can be affected.

A reference-voltage problem may also affect other sensors sharing the same circuit.

6. Poor Sensor Ground

A compromised ground circuit can cause abnormal sensor operation.

Ground integrity should be tested according to the manufacturer’s diagnostic procedure.

7. Electrical Interference

Camshaft position signals are relatively sensitive electrical signals.

Improper aftermarket wiring, damaged shielding or harness routing problems can introduce unwanted electrical interference.

8. Incorrect Sensor Installation

A sensor that is not properly seated, mounted or positioned may produce an abnormal signal.

Verify installation against manufacturer specifications.

9. Damaged Camshaft Trigger

The sensor reads a trigger or reluctor associated with the camshaft.

A damaged or incorrectly positioned trigger can distort the sensor signal.

10. ECM/PCM Fault

A control-module fault is possible but should generally be considered only after the sensor and circuit have been properly tested.

How to Diagnose P0368

The objective is to determine where the excessive signal is coming from.

Step 1: Confirm the Code

Connect an OBD-II scan tool and verify P0368.

Record:

  • Stored codes
  • Pending codes
  • Freeze-frame data
  • Engine RPM
  • Coolant temperature
  • Battery voltage
  • Engine load
  • Vehicle speed

Do not clear the code before recording the available data.

Step 2: Check for Related Codes

Look for additional codes involving:

  • Camshaft position
  • Crankshaft position
  • Sensor reference voltage
  • Engine voltage
  • Variable valve timing
  • Misfires

Multiple sensor codes can point toward a shared electrical problem rather than multiple failed sensors.

Step 3: Identify Sensor B

Use vehicle-specific service information to identify Bank 1 Sensor B.

Do not rely solely on generic assumptions about intake and exhaust camshafts.

Step 4: Inspect the Sensor

Check the sensor for:

  • Physical damage
  • Cracks
  • Oil contamination
  • Incorrect installation
  • Loose mounting
  • Foreign material

A visual inspection is only the beginning.

Step 5: Inspect the Connector

Examine the connector carefully.

Look for:

  • Bent pins
  • Corrosion
  • Loose terminals
  • Water intrusion
  • Oil contamination
  • Damaged locks

Terminal fit is especially important.

Step 6: Test the Reference Voltage

Using the manufacturer’s wiring diagram, identify the sensor reference circuit.

Verify that the voltage is within specification.

If the reference voltage is too high, determine whether another component or wiring fault is affecting the shared circuit.

Step 7: Test the Sensor Ground

Verify the sensor ground circuit.

An electrical ground problem can alter sensor operation and create misleading signal readings.

Perform voltage-drop testing when appropriate rather than relying exclusively on a continuity test.

Step 8: Test the Signal Circuit

Measure the camshaft sensor signal according to the manufacturer’s procedure.

Determine whether the high signal exists:

  • At the sensor
  • At the connector
  • Along the harness
  • At the ECM

This can help isolate the source of the problem.

Step 9: Check for a Short to Voltage

With the appropriate circuits isolated, check for an unwanted connection between the signal circuit and a voltage source.

This is particularly important when P0368 appears immediately after:

  • Engine repairs
  • Wiring repairs
  • Accessory installation
  • Sensor replacement
  • Harness modification

Step 10: Inspect the Signal With an Oscilloscope

An oscilloscope can provide valuable information when basic voltage testing doesn’t explain the fault.

Look for:

  • Excessive signal amplitude
  • Incorrect waveform
  • Electrical noise
  • Missing transitions
  • Abnormal pulse width
  • Signal distortion

Compare the waveform against known-good specifications whenever available.

Step 11: Inspect the Camshaft Trigger

If the electrical circuit is correct but the waveform remains abnormal, inspect the camshaft trigger or reluctor.

A damaged or improperly positioned trigger can create an unexpected sensor signal.

Step 12: Check Mechanical Timing if Necessary

If the electrical system tests correctly, investigate the mechanical relationship between the camshaft and crankshaft.

Depending on the engine, this may involve inspecting:

  • Timing-chain alignment
  • Timing-belt alignment
  • Camshaft timing
  • Camshaft phaser operation
  • Reluctor position
  • Variable valve timing

Mechanical timing is not the first place to look with a pure high-input code, but it should not be ignored if signal testing points in that direction.

P0368 vs. Other P036x Codes

The P036x family contains several closely related Sensor B faults.

Understanding the wording is critical.

P0365

Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Bank 1

A general circuit malfunction involving Sensor B.

P0366

Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1

The signal exists but doesn’t operate within the expected performance range.

P0367

Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Low Input Bank 1

The sensor circuit signal is below the expected threshold.

P0368

Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit High Input Bank 1

The sensor circuit signal is above the expected threshold.

P0369

Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Intermittent Bank 1

The signal becomes intermittent or unreliable.

This distinction makes P0368 a very specific diagnostic topic:

The ECM sees too much signal, not too little.

P0368 vs. P0367

P0367 and P0368 are particularly easy to confuse.

The difference is the direction of the electrical fault.

P0367 = low input

P0368 = high input

That changes where you should concentrate your electrical testing.

For P0367, investigate why the circuit is being pulled low.

For P0368, investigate why the circuit is being driven or pulled high.

Possible P0368 suspects include a short to voltage, incorrect reference voltage, sensor internal failure or circuit problem.

P0368 vs. P0340

P0340 concerns a Camshaft Position Sensor A circuit malfunction, while P0368 specifically identifies a high-input condition involving Sensor B on Bank 1.

These should not be treated as interchangeable search topics or diagnostic procedures.

For the separate Sensor A circuit issue, see the existing P0340 DTC Doctor guide.

Can You Drive With P0368?

Limited driving may be possible if the vehicle:

  • Starts normally
  • Idles normally
  • Has normal power
  • Does not stall
  • Does not have severe misfires

However, diagnose the problem as soon as practical.

Avoid unnecessary driving if the vehicle has:

  • Severe hesitation
  • Engine stalling
  • Difficult starting
  • Significant misfires
  • Major power loss
  • A flashing Check Engine Light

How Much Does It Cost to Fix P0368?

Repair cost depends on the cause.

Possible repairs include:

  • Connector repair
  • Wiring repair
  • Camshaft position sensor replacement
  • Harness repair
  • Reference-voltage circuit repair
  • Signal circuit repair
  • Reluctor repair
  • ECM diagnosis

A simple connector repair may be inexpensive.

A difficult wiring problem can take substantially more diagnostic and labor time.

The code alone cannot provide a reliable repair estimate.

Common P0368 Diagnostic Mistakes

Replacing the Sensor Immediately

A high-input code does not prove that the sensor itself has failed.

Ignoring the Signal Wire

A short to voltage can create exactly the type of condition described by P0368.

Assuming the Reference Voltage Is Correct

Verify it.

A problem in the reference circuit can affect multiple sensors.

Ignoring Ground Integrity

A poor ground can alter sensor operation and create misleading voltage readings.

Replacing Multiple Sensors

If several sensors suddenly report electrical faults, investigate shared power, ground and reference circuits before replacing them individually.

Skipping Wiring Tests

Modern engine wiring is exposed to heat, vibration, oil and moisture.

The harness deserves just as much attention as the sensor.

Frequently Asked Questions About P0368

What does P0368 mean?

P0368 means the ECM or PCM has detected a high electrical input from Camshaft Position Sensor B on Bank 1.

Is P0368 caused by a bad camshaft sensor?

It can be, but the sensor is only one possibility.

A short to voltage, incorrect reference voltage, wiring problem, connector problem or ground issue can also cause P0368.

What is Sensor B?

Sensor B commonly refers to the exhaust camshaft on engines with separate intake and exhaust camshafts, but the designation varies by manufacturer.

What is Bank 1?

Bank 1 is the cylinder bank containing cylinder number one.

What causes a high camshaft sensor signal?

Common causes include a sensor internal failure, short to voltage, incorrect reference voltage, wiring problems, connector damage or an electrical fault in the sensor circuit.

Can P0368 cause a Check Engine Light?

Yes. P0368 is an OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code and can illuminate the Check Engine Light.

Can P0368 cause hard starting?

Yes. If the ECM cannot reliably determine camshaft position, engine synchronization and starting performance can be affected.

Can P0368 cause rough running?

Yes. A corrupted camshaft position signal can interfere with engine-management strategies.

Should I replace the sensor first?

No.

Test the circuit first. Specifically check the sensor’s power, ground and signal circuits and look for a short to voltage.

Can a wiring problem cause P0368?

Yes.

A wiring fault is one of the important possibilities when the ECM detects a signal that is higher than expected.

Final Thoughts

P0368 — Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit High Input Bank 1 is a very specific electrical diagnostic code.

The ECM isn’t simply saying that the camshaft sensor is malfunctioning.

It is telling you that the input signal is too high.

That points the diagnostic process toward:

  • Sensor output
  • Reference voltage
  • Sensor ground
  • Signal wiring
  • Shorts to voltage
  • Connector condition
  • Electrical interference

Only after those areas have been checked should you start looking deeper into the camshaft trigger, VVT system or mechanical timing.

The important distinction is simple:

P0367 tells you the input is too low. P0368 code tells you the input is too high.

That little word—high—is doing a surprising amount of diagnostic heavy lifting.

Related DTC Doctor Resources

For the main Powertrain code library, visit the Pro Street Online P-Code OBD-II guide.

For the related Sensor A circuit diagnostic, see the P0340 DTC Doctor guide.

For the related Sensor B range/performance code, see the P0366 DTC Doctor guide.

For the related Sensor B low-input code, see the P0367 DTC Doctor guide.

For automotive parts, tools and performance products, visit Pro Street Online.