Powertrain, generic · Ignition system or misfire

P03E6 A Camshaft Position Actuator Position Sensor C Range/Performance Bank 1

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

On some engines the intake cam phaser (camshaft position actuator A) has its own position sensors, which tell the engine module where the phaser actually is; sensor C is the third of them, bank 1 the side with cylinder 1. P03E6 means the sensor signal is electrically valid but implausible – for example the number or position of its edges per engine cycle does not match the crankshaft sensor, it jumps, or it lies outside the phaser's adjustment range. No manufacturer document available to us uses this code. GM's 2.7-litre engine monitors comparable position sensors on its sliding camshaft under other codes (P2C05 ff), with an open circuit above 200 kΩ and a short below 0.5 Ω in 4 of 5 samples – only as a comparison. Typical causes are a dirty sensor or wrong air gap, a damaged or wrongly fitted phaser, or interference.

Likely causes

Sensor dirty (metal debris on the magnet) or air gap wrong
Phaser or sensor target damaged or wrongly fitted (timing)
Loose contact or interference
Sensor faulty

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Cam phasing held in its base position, loss of power
  • Possibly rough idle or higher consumption

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€80–800
Time0.5–4 h

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

Parts involved

cam phaser position sensor ccam phaser intake bank1sensor wiringengine control module

Related codes

P03E5P03E7P03E8P03F7P2B40P0016

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