P0392 code meaning
Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Low Bank 2
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0392 means
Camshaft position sensor B is the exhaust camshaft sensor; bank 2 is the side without cylinder 1, so the code only occurs on V and boxer engines with one exhaust cam sensor per bank. P0392 means the bank 2 exhaust cam signal stays low without edges – typically a short to ground of the signal wire, a sensor output stuck low or a missing 5 V reference. Only manufacturers with separate low and high codes use it: on the Saab 9-4X 2.8 turbo V6 (GM LAU) the signal must stay low without pulses for more than 1 s, or 10 s cumulatively, after more than 10 crank revolutions and below 2,520 rpm, after two trips; GM's 2004/2005 3.6-litre V6 (LY7, LP1) counts the fault over two drive cycles. Newer GM gasoline engines (2015–2020) and Ford report the same fault as P0390. The consequence is as for P0390: cam timing on bank 2 in its base position, loss of power, longer cranking.
P0392 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0392
- Check engine light on
- Loss of power (bank 2 exhaust cam timing in its base position)
- Longer cranking
- Rough idle
Common causes of P0392
- Most likelySignal wire shorted to ground
- PossibleSensor faulty internally (output stuck low)
- Possible5 V reference missing (shorted by another sensor on the same circuit)
- Less likelyEngine module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Camshaft position sensor exhaustCamshaft tone wheelSensor wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0392 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. |
| 92 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0392 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 P0392
What does P0392 mean?
P0392 means "Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Low Bank 2". Camshaft position sensor B is the exhaust camshaft sensor; bank 2 is the side without cylinder 1, so the code only occurs on V and boxer engines with one exhaust cam sensor per bank. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0392?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0392 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0392 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0392 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 P0392 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0392 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.