P0365: Camshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit (Bank 1)
Quick Answer
Safe to drive (short-term)
P0365 means the engine computer is not getting a valid signal from camshaft position sensor "B" on bank 1, the bank that holds cylinder 1. The "B" sensor is normally the one on the exhaust camshaft. The sensor tells the computer where each camshaft is, so fuel injection timing and variable valve timing lose accuracy when it fails. The code can be set on an inline engine too, because every engine has a bank 1.
- Severity
- Moderate · Ignition
- Estimated repair cost
- From €65 to €2500+, varies by vehicle
€65 or €2500, depending on your car.
- Replace bank 1 exhaust camshaft position sensor€65–€270
- Replace timing chain, guides and tensioners€850–€2500
A scan shows whether P0365 is really stored on your car, which codes sit next to it and how urgent each one is.
A scan needs a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone), about €25-60; the built-in demo runs without one. See which adapter to buy
What does P0365 mean?
P0365 is a ignition-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity.
What are the symptoms of P0365?
- Check engine light on
- Longer cranking or hard starting, sometimes only when hot
- Rough running or hesitation
- Reduced power or limp mode on some cars
- Occasional stalling
- Variable valve timing codes at the same time
What causes P0365?
Failed exhaust camshaft position sensor (bank 1, "B")
: high
Oil on the sensor connector or corroded pins, often from a leaking valve cover or sensor seal
: high
Damaged, chafed or broken wiring between the sensor and the engine computer
: medium
Camshaft out of time because of a stretched chain, worn guides or a stuck cam adjuster
: medium
Damaged tone wheel (reluctor) on the exhaust camshaft
: low
Fault in the engine computer or the sensor power supply
: low
Is it safe to drive with P0365?
Generally yes, for short-term driving. You can usually drive a short distance to a workshop, but expect harder starting, rough running and reduced power. If the engine stalls repeatedly or the check engine light flashes, stop and have it recovered.
How do you diagnose P0365?
- Read all codes and the freeze frame. Companion codes for the intake cam sensor (P0340), the crankshaft sensor or cam timing show whether the sensor itself or the timing is at fault
- Work out which sensor is "B" bank 1 on your engine from the workshop manual. Bank 1 is the cylinder 1 side, and "B" is normally the exhaust cam, but the layout differs by engine
- Inspect the connector and wiring for oil, green corrosion, bent pins and rubbed insulation near the valve cover
- Check the sensor's supply voltage and ground at the connector with the ignition on, using the voltage the manual specifies for that sensor type
- Capture the sensor signal while cranking with a scope. A missing or ragged signal points to the sensor, wiring or tone wheel
- Remove the sensor and look at its tip for metal debris, sludge or damage
- If the sensor and wiring pass, compare cam and crank timing with manufacturer-level software; a generic OBD2 reader does not show cam angles. Large error points to chain wear or a cam adjuster
How much does P0365 cost to fix?
| Repair | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Total Estimate | DIY Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replace bank 1 exhaust camshaft position sensor | €25–€120 | €40–€150 | €65–€270 | Easy |
| Repair wiring or replace the connector pigtail | €10–€50 | €60–€180 | €70–€230 | Moderate |
| Replace valve cover gasket (oil on the sensor) | €30–€150 | €100–€350 | €130–€500 | Moderate |
| Replace cam adjuster or phaser on the affected bank | €150–€600 | €300–€900 | €450–€1500 | Professional |
| Replace timing chain, guides and tensioners | €250–€700 | €600–€1800 | €850–€2500 | Professional |
Prices estimated as of October 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0365 on specific vehicles
P0365 on Audi
Audi A6 3.2 FSI V6
Related diagnostic codes
Common questions about P0365
- What is the difference between P0340 and P0365?
- P0340 is the circuit fault for camshaft sensor "A" on bank 1, normally the intake cam. P0365 is the same kind of fault for sensor "B", normally the exhaust cam. If both appear together, suspect a shared cause such as a damaged harness section, a wet connector or a failed sensor power supply.
- Is the "B" camshaft sensor the intake or the exhaust one?
- Normally the exhaust. The usual SAE naming is "A" for the intake camshaft and "B" for the exhaust camshaft, but a given manufacturer can differ, so confirm it from the engine diagram before replacing the sensor.
- Can I just replace the sensor?
- It is the cheapest first step when the connector and wiring are clean and the sensor is easy to reach. If the new sensor does not clear the code, check the tone wheel and the camshaft timing, because a chain or cam adjuster fault can make a good sensor look bad.
- Does P0365 happen on four-cylinder engines?
- Yes. Bank 1 simply means the bank with cylinder 1, so an inline four has a bank 1 and no bank 2. A "B" sensor on it is the exhaust cam sensor, as on any double overhead cam engine with one fitted.
- Can the engine run with P0365?
- Usually, because most engines can start on the crankshaft signal and the other camshaft sensor. Performance and variable valve timing are reduced, and a stall or a no-start means a second signal is missing too, such as the crankshaft sensor.
Read our detailed guides
Sources
- wiki.ross-tech.com wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/P0366
- en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_A6