Powertrain, generic (extended)

P2B38 A Camshaft Profile Actuator B Control Circuit High Bank 2

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P2B38 marks a short to battery voltage in the control circuit of intake camshaft actuator B on bank 2. No published manufacturer documentation uses it; only the bank 1 version P2B35 is covered, by GM's L3B summary tables, which check with the output off and react to 0.5 Ω or less towards supply. Engines with two banks and stepped valve lift, such as V6 designs with sliding cam pieces on the inlet side, are the only possible carriers. Under the CARB rules for output components, a short to high voltage has to be recognised and reported. A pinched wire touching a live circuit or a solenoid with an internal short are the likely findings; the second bank then keeps its current cam profile instead of switching.

Likely causes

Pinched or chafed control wire touching a powered circuit
Internal short in actuator B
Faulty output stage in the engine module

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Bank 2 intake lift no longer changes, uneven power delivery

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€80–700
Time1–4 h

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

Parts involved

a camshaft profile actuator b b2wiring harnessecm

Related codes

P2B36P2B37P2B35P2B3EP001F

References: law.cornell.edu, gsi.ext.gm.com, audi-technology-portal.de.