OBD-II Code P0395 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

P0395 means the PCM detected an electrical fault in the camshaft position sensor C circuit. Sensor C designations appear on engines with three or more camshaft position sensors — typically engines with more than two camshafts or tri-cam configurations. Expect rough idle, possible misfires, and variable valve timing issues on the affected bank or camshaft.

Affected Models

Vehicles with more than two camshafts or three-sensor cam configurations
Common in some high-performance 5-cylinder and inline-5 engines
Can appear on certain V6 engines with three distinct cam sensor positions
Common in some European vehicles with complex multi-cam variable valve timing
Less common than P0340, P0345, P0365, or P0390 — this code requires a more complex engine configuration

Common Causes

Failed camshaft position sensor C producing no signal or an incorrect electrical output
Damaged, corroded, or broken wiring in the cam sensor C circuit
Loose, backed-out, or corroded connector at the sensor C plug
Metal debris on the sensor C reluctor ring disrupting signal generation
PCM input circuit fault on the sensor C channel (rare)

How to Fix It

Identify which physical camshaft sensor C refers to on your engine. The OBD-II C designation is used when an engine has more than the standard two cam sensors (A and B). Your factory service manual will have a sensor location diagram. Do not attempt to guess the location.

On some engines, sensor C may be on an intermediate camshaft, a balance shaft, or a third bank. The physical location varies significantly between manufacturers and engine designs.
Inspect the sensor C wiring connector. Look for corrosion, pushed-back terminals, cracked insulation, or a connector that is not fully seated. Clean the connector with electrical contact cleaner and reseat it firmly.

Cam sensors on less-common positions like a third bank or intermediate shaft are sometimes in awkward locations that make connector issues more likely due to limited access during other service work.
Check the power supply voltage at the sensor C connector. With the ignition on and the connector unplugged, measure the reference voltage pin. It should read approximately 5V. A reading of 0V indicates an open power supply circuit.

Confirm the ground circuit as well. Use a multimeter to check continuity between the sensor ground pin and a chassis ground point. Resistance should be near 0 ohms.
Replace the camshaft position sensor C if power, ground, and wiring continuity are all correct but the fault persists. Use the exact OEM part or a quality OEM-equivalent matched to your vehicle's VIN and engine specification.

Sensor C on multi-cam engines is sometimes a unique part not shared with the other cam sensors. Confirm the correct part number before purchasing.
Clear all stored DTCs and perform a full drive cycle. Monitor live cam timing data on your scanner for any remaining faults. If P0395 returns after a new sensor and confirmed clean wiring, professional PCM diagnosis is the next step.

A returning code on a new sensor points to either a PCM input fault or an undiagnosed wiring issue that was missed in visual inspection. A lab scope at the PCM connector will confirm which.

When to Call a Professional

P0395 on a complex multi-cam engine benefits significantly from professional diagnosis. Finding sensor C on your specific engine requires the factory service manual. Electrical testing of the cam sensor circuit and comparison to live data requires a quality scan tool and wiring diagrams. Diagnosis typically runs $80-$150. Sensor replacement parts are usually $25-$80 depending on the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does sensor C mean on a camshaft position code?

In OBD-II nomenclature, cam sensors are labeled A, B, C, and D depending on how many are present on the engine. A and B are used on standard DOHC engines with intake (A) and exhaust (B) camshaft sensors. C and D appear when additional cam sensors are present — such as a third or fourth camshaft, a secondary variable cam position, or a different bank configuration. P0395 being a C code means your engine has at least three camshaft position sensors.

Is P0395 rare?

Yes, compared to the common cam sensor codes like P0340 or P0365. It only appears on engines with three or more camshaft position sensors — which describes a relatively small number of production vehicles. If you see P0395, verify it against your vehicle's actual sensor configuration using the factory service manual.

Can P0395 affect fuel economy?

Yes. Camshaft position signals are used by the PCM to precisely time fuel injection and to manage variable valve timing. A faulty or missing signal from sensor C causes the PCM to fall back to a default or degraded operating strategy. This reduces efficiency and can increase fuel consumption noticeably, especially on DOHC engines with aggressive variable valve timing systems.