P0385 code meaning
Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0385 means
Some engines have a second crankshaft sensor or a second track on the tone wheel, which the engine module checks against sensor A or the camshaft. P0385 means its signal is missing or does not match. GM's 2004 Northstar 4.6 V8 counts the crank pulses per cam pulse (target 48 ± 1, fault in 8 of 10 tests) and also flags 2 s while cranking or 0.4 s running without a match, after two trips; an active P0385 suspends the cam sensor check. GM's 3.8-litre V6 (2006) sets it when its low resolution track stays silent while the medium resolution track delivers 36 pulses, 40 of 50 samples. The Honda 3.5-litre in the 2004 Saturn Vue Redline sets it when the second crank signal is missing while the first runs, judged after 17 revolutions, in the first trip. The engine usually keeps running on sensor A.
P0385 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0385
- Check engine light on
- Longer cranking
- Tachometer flickers, rough running
- Rarely stalling
Common causes of P0385
- Most likelyCrankshaft position sensor B faulty
- Most likelyConnector or wiring open or corroded
- Less likelyTone wheel or second track damaged
- Less likelyEngine module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Crankshaft position sensor bCrankshaft tone wheelSensor wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0385 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| 85 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0385 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0385
What does P0385 mean?
P0385 means "Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit". Some engines have a second crankshaft sensor or a second track on the tone wheel, which the engine module checks against sensor A or the camshaft. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0385?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0385 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0385 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0385 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0385 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0385 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.