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P0392 – Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Low Input (Bank 2) (OBD2)

P0392 means "Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Low Input (Bank 2)". The voltage the control unit measures in the camshaft position sensor circuit is below the permitted minimum. For a sensor this usually means the signal wire is shorted to ground or the reference voltage is missing; for an actuator, that its control wire is shorted to ground.

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P0392 quick summary

Fault codeP0392
MeaningCamshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Low Input (Bank 2)
SystemPowertrain (Engine & Transmission)
VehiclesGeneric OBD2
SeverityMedium
Can I drive?Usually yes, but expect longer cranking, less power and possibly limp mode. If the code appears together with timing correlation codes or a rattling chain, stop driving until the timing has been checked.
Repair cost€25 – €300

How the camshaft position sensor works

The camshaft position sensor tells the engine control unit which cylinder is on its compression stroke and, on engines with variable valve timing, the actual camshaft position.

The crankshaft turns twice for every turn of the camshaft, so the crankshaft signal alone cannot tell whether a piston at top dead centre is on its compression or exhaust stroke. The camshaft sensor solves this by reading a trigger wheel or special lobes on the camshaft. Most modern camshaft sensors are Hall sensors with a 5 V or 12 V supply.

Engines with variable valve timing often have one sensor per camshaft – intake (A) and exhaust (B), on V engines per bank. The control unit compares camshaft and crankshaft signals to measure the actual camshaft adjustment.

If the camshaft signal is lost, many engines still start, but it takes longer because the control unit has to guess the firing order. Power may be reduced and variable valve timing is switched off. Causes include a failed sensor, wiring problems, oil in the connector, and – importantly – a stretched or jumped timing chain or belt.

Bank 2 is the cylinder row that does NOT contain cylinder 1, so this code only appears on V6, V8, V10, V12 and boxer engines.

On VAG vehicles (VW, Audi, Škoda, Seat, Cupra), VCDS and older VAG testers can show this code as the five-digit VAG code 16776 (P0392). Both numbers mean the same fault.

Symptoms of P0392

  • Long cranking before the engine starts
  • Check Engine light on
  • Reduced power, limp mode
  • Rough idle or occasional stalling
  • Higher fuel consumption

Most common causes of P0392 (most likely first)

Mechanic's Pro Tip

Swap the intake and exhaust camshaft sensors (if they are identical) and clear the codes. If the code moves from sensor A to sensor B, the sensor is faulty; if it stays, look at wiring or timing.

  1. 1.Signal or control wire shorted to ground

    Most likely

    Look for chafed insulation where the harness touches the engine, exhaust brackets or body edges.

  2. 2.Missing 5 V reference or supply voltage

    An open reference wire or a shorted sensor elsewhere on the same reference circuit can pull it down.

  3. 3.Internal short in the camshaft position sensor

  4. 4.Failed camshaft position sensor

    Hall sensors fail internally, often from heat.

  5. 5.Oil in the sensor connector

    A leaking sensor O-ring lets oil wick into the connector and harness.

  6. 6.Wiring or connector fault

    Broken wires, corroded pins or a missing 5 V/12 V supply.

  7. 7.Stretched or jumped timing chain/belt

    Changes the relationship between camshaft and crankshaft signals.

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

  1. 1

    Read codes

    Read all codes. Correlation codes such as P0016–P0019 alongside the sensor code point to timing chain or belt problems rather than the sensor.

  2. 2

    Measure the signal voltage

    With the ignition on and the camshaft position sensor plugged in, back-probe the signal wire. Then unplug it and check the reference/supply and ground wires separately.

    Multimeter: Signal near 0 V = short to ground or no reference. Reference wire: about 5 V with ignition on. Signal wire to ground with connector unplugged: no continuity.

  3. 3

    Inspect connector and O-ring

    Check the connector for oil and corrosion and the sensor O-ring for leaks.

  4. 4

    Check supply, ground and signal

    With the ignition on, check the supply and ground; while cranking, check that the signal switches.

    Multimeter: Supply typically 5 V or 12 V; signal switching between about 0 V and the supply voltage.

  5. 5

    Compare with the crankshaft signal

    On an oscilloscope, display camshaft and crankshaft signals together and compare the pattern with a known-good reference to rule out timing problems.

  6. 6

    Replace and verify

    Replace the sensor or fix the wiring, clear codes and confirm that the engine starts quickly and the code does not return.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with P0392?

Usually yes, but expect longer cranking, less power and possibly limp mode. If the code appears together with timing correlation codes or a rattling chain, stop driving until the timing has been checked.

How much does it cost to fix P0392?

Typical repair costs are 25 € – 300 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: signal or control wire shorted to ground; missing 5 V reference or supply voltage; internal short in the camshaft position sensor. Always confirm the cause with the tests above before buying parts.

Will a bad camshaft sensor stop the engine?

Usually not while running, but it can cause longer cranking, rough running and limp mode. Some engines will not start at all without the camshaft signal.

Can a timing chain cause camshaft sensor codes?

Yes. A stretched chain or jumped belt changes the camshaft position, which can set sensor range/performance or correlation codes even with a healthy sensor.

What is the difference between P0392 and similar codes?

P0392 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P0368 – Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit High Input (Bank 1); P0369 – Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1); P0390 – Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit (Bank 2); P0391 – Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 2); P0393 – Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit High Input (Bank 2); P0394 – Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2). The tests on this page apply to the whole group; the type of fault tells you where to start.

Related fault codes

This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.