Powertrain, generic · Ignition system or misfire

P0386 Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modePossible

P0386 means the signal of the second crankshaft sensor or second tone wheel track is present but implausible. GM's 2004 Northstar 4.6 V8 sets it after 5 resynchronisations within 10 s, after two trips. GM's 3.8-litre V6 (2006) expects exactly 0 or 6 low resolution pulses per 36 medium resolution pulses and one cam pulse; any other count in 40 of 50 samples sets the code, also after two trips. The Honda 3.5-litre in the 2004 Saturn Vue Redline counts implausible signals of its second crank sensor (target 44 crank pulses per 3 cam pulses, checked every half revolution, the counter dropping by one every 10 s) and sets the code at 30, about 2.2 s at idle, in the first trip. Typical causes are interference pulses, a dirty sensor or a wrong air gap; the result is jerking, misfire or longer cranking.

Likely causes

Interference pulses (wiring near the ignition, shielding)
Sensor dirty or air gap wrong
Tone wheel damaged
Sensor faulty

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Jerking, misfire
  • Longer cranking

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€60–350
Time0.5–2.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

crankshaft position sensor bcrankshaft tone wheelsensor wiringengine control module

Related codes

P0385P0387P0336P0335P0016

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, law.cornell.edu.