P0374 indicates the powertrain control module (PCM) is not receiving the expected high-resolution timing reference pulses from the crankshaft position sensor circuit. This signal is critical for precise fuel injection and ignition timing. Without it, the engine may fail to start or run poorly.
The sensor itself is the most common failure point; internal open or short circuits prevent pulse generation.
Open circuits, short-to-ground, short-to-voltage, or corroded terminals in the sensor harness interrupt the signal.
Missing teeth, excessive runout, or incorrect sensor-to-wheel air gap prevent reliable pulse detection.
On some platforms the cam sensor provides the high-resolution reference; its failure can set P0374.
Rare; the PCM's input circuit or signal processor may be defective, but only after sensor and wiring are verified good.
No. The PCM is rarely the root cause; the crankshaft position sensor, its wiring, or the reluctor wheel are responsible in the vast majority of cases.
On certain vehicles the camshaft position sensor provides the high-resolution reference; if that sensor fails, P0374 can be set even though the crank sensor is functional.
Typically the engine will not start or will stall immediately because the PCM cannot synchronize fuel and ignition events without the high-resolution signal.
Clearing the code only turns off the light; the underlying hardware fault remains and the code will return once the PCM detects the missing pulses again.