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P0368

Universal (All Makes) Vehicle (OBD-II)

Severity: Moderate

What Does This Error Mean?

P0368 means the PCM is measuring a voltage on the camshaft position sensor B signal circuit that is higher than the acceptable maximum. Sensor B is the exhaust camshaft sensor on Bank 1 in DOHC engines. A high-voltage signal usually indicates a short to power (voltage) in the wiring, or a failed sensor that is internally shorted to the supply voltage.

Affected Models

  • All 1996+ vehicles with DOHC engines and separate exhaust camshaft position sensors
  • Common in Toyota and Lexus VVT-i equipped engines
  • Common in Honda and Acura DOHC i-VTEC engines
  • Common in Hyundai and Kia engines with CVVT
  • Common in many GM, Ford, and Chrysler DOHC engines

Common Causes

  • Failed camshaft position sensor with an internal short causing the output to read near supply voltage
  • Short circuit to power in the signal wire — the wire is contacting a 5V or 12V supply wire in the harness
  • Damaged or incorrectly routed wiring allowing a signal wire to contact a power wire
  • Corroded connector causing two pins to bridge together, applying supply voltage to the signal line
  • PCM reference voltage output stuck high due to an internal PCM fault (uncommon)

How to Fix It

  1. With the sensor connector disconnected and the ignition on, measure the voltage on the sensor signal wire. It should read close to 0V with the sensor disconnected (or follow your factory service data). A reading near 5V or battery voltage with the sensor unplugged confirms a short to power in the harness.

    Disconnect the sensor before measuring. If you measure with the sensor still connected, a high reading could be the sensor itself or the wiring — you need to isolate one from the other.

  2. Trace the signal wire from the sensor back toward the PCM. Look for spots where the signal wire is pinched against or bundled tightly with power supply wires. Check areas near hot exhaust components, harness clamps, and grommets where chafing is likely.

    A high-input code caused by a wiring short is usually visible as a burned or melted wire if the short has been present for a while. Fresh shorts can look normal but still cause the fault.

  3. Inspect the sensor connector for bridged pins or corrosion that could connect the signal pin to the 5V reference pin. A small bridge of corrosion or a bent pin contacting an adjacent pin is enough to cause a high-voltage reading.

    Clean the connector thoroughly with electrical contact cleaner and a small wire brush. Use a dental pick or connector pick tool to gently straighten any bent pins.

  4. Replace the camshaft position sensor B on Bank 1 if wiring checks are clean. Even if the wiring appears fine, a failed sensor with an internal short to the supply rail will cause a persistent high-input code. Use a quality replacement part.

    Confirm the correct part for Bank 1 Sensor B. On DOHC engines, intake and exhaust sensors may use different part numbers even if they look the same physically.

  5. Clear all DTCs and perform a test drive. Check live data on your scanner during the drive to monitor the cam sensor signal. If P0368 returns after a new sensor and clean wiring, a professional PCM diagnosis is needed.

    A scan tool showing the cam signal voltage continuously at maximum with a new sensor installed is a strong indicator of PCM internal fault on that input channel.

When to Call a Professional

If you have replaced the sensor and repaired the wiring but P0368 returns, a professional needs to measure voltages directly at the PCM harness connector. A PCM signal input stuck high can sometimes be caused by a previous short that damaged the input circuit inside the PCM. Diagnosis typically runs $80-$150 at a shop. PCM repair or replacement adds significant cost — $300-$900 or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does high input mean on a camshaft sensor code?

High input means the voltage on the camshaft sensor signal wire is above the maximum threshold the PCM expects to see. The cam sensor signal should oscillate between a low and high voltage as the camshaft rotates. If the voltage is stuck at or above the upper limit, the PCM cannot read a valid cam position signal. This causes the PCM to set P0368 and may affect fuel injection timing.

Will P0368 cause the car to stall?

It can, but it is not the most common outcome. Most vehicles will run with a high cam sensor input fault, but with rough idle, hesitation, and reduced performance. If the PCM cannot determine proper cam position, it may fall back to a default fueling strategy that runs poorly. On some vehicles a complete loss of cam signal will prevent starting.

Is P0368 difficult to diagnose yourself?

It requires a multimeter and some patience with wiring. The steps are straightforward — disconnect the sensor, measure the signal wire voltage, trace for shorts. Most DIYers with basic electrical skills can diagnose and fix the common causes. If the wiring is clean and the sensor is new, that is when professional PCM diagnosis becomes necessary and gets more complex.