P0386 code meaning
Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0386 means
P0386 means the signal of the second crankshaft sensor or second tone wheel track is present but implausible. GM's 2004 Northstar 4.6 V8 sets it after 5 resynchronisations within 10 s, after two trips. GM's 3.8-litre V6 (2006) expects exactly 0 or 6 low resolution pulses per 36 medium resolution pulses and one cam pulse; any other count in 40 of 50 samples sets the code, also after two trips. The Honda 3.5-litre in the 2004 Saturn Vue Redline counts implausible signals of its second crank sensor (target 44 crank pulses per 3 cam pulses, checked every half revolution, the counter dropping by one every 10 s) and sets the code at 30, about 2.2 s at idle, in the first trip. Typical causes are interference pulses, a dirty sensor or a wrong air gap; the result is jerking, misfire or longer cranking.
P0386 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 P0386
- Check engine light on
- Jerking, misfire
- Longer cranking
Common causes of P0386
- Most likelyInterference pulses (wiring near the ignition, shielding)
- PossibleSensor dirty or air gap wrong
- PossibleTone wheel damaged
- PossibleSensor faulty
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 P0386 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. |
| 86 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0386 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 P0386
What does P0386 mean?
P0386 means "Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance". P0386 means the signal of the second crankshaft sensor or second tone wheel track is present but implausible. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0386?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0386 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0386 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0386 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 P0386 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 P0386 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.