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P0394 — Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent Bank 2

Generic OBD-II · all makesPowertrain (engine & transmission)

The P0394 code indicates that the engine control module has detected an intermittent signal from the camshaft position sensor (Bank 2, Sensor B). This typically means the signal is dropping out or behaving erratically, which can disrupt ignition and fuel timing.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor

The internal circuitry of the sensor has failed or is intermittently losing connection, causing an unstable signal.

2. Wiring Harness Damage

Frayed wires, corrosion in the connector, or loose pins are causing an intermittent electrical break.

3. Contaminated Sensor Tip

Metal shavings or oil sludge buildup on the sensor tip can interfere with the magnetic reading of the camshaft.

4. Worn Tone Ring or Camshaft

Physical wear or damage to the reluctor wheel/tone ring prevents the sensor from reading a consistent signal.

5. Engine Control Module (ECM) Failure

A failure in the ECM's processing circuit for this specific sensor, though this is highly uncommon.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Retrieve all stored codes to see if other camshaft or crankshaft sensors are reporting errors.
  2. Inspect the electrical connector for corrosion, moisture, or loose pins.
  3. Perform a wiring harness continuity test between the sensor and the ECM.
  4. Monitor the camshaft position sensor data stream using a scan tool to observe signal drop-outs in real-time.
  5. Use an oscilloscope to verify if the sensor signal waveform is clean or erratic.
  6. Remove the sensor to inspect the tip for debris and check the reluctor wheel for physical damage.

Code facts & related codes

SystemPowertrain (engine & transmission)
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Can a stretched timing chain cause P0394?

Yes, if the timing chain has stretched enough to move the camshaft out of its expected alignment, it can trigger sensor circuit codes.

Should I replace my PCM if I have this code?

No. It is extremely rare for the PCM to be the cause of an intermittent sensor code; the issue is almost always the sensor itself or the wiring.

Will the car stop running if this sensor fails completely?

Depending on the vehicle, it may enter a 'limp home' mode or fail to start, as the computer may lack the timing data needed to synchronize fuel and spark.