P0394 code meaning
Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent Bank 2
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0394 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. P0394 means the bank 2 exhaust cam signal now and then appears at a position where it is not expected relative to the crank reference – sporadic extra or missing edges. Ford checks this in its camshaft ignition system test from 200 rpm and decides within 5 s. FCA also uses the code and asks dealers to save the cam/crank synchronisation event data before replacing parts, a hint that the sensor itself is often not the culprit. GM does not use P0394 and reports such faults under P0391. Typical causes are a loose contact, interference or a damaged tone wheel.
P0394 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 repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0394
- Check engine light on
- Sporadic jerking or stalling
- Occasionally longer cranking
Common causes of P0394
- Most likelyLoose contact or corrosion at the sensor connector or harness
- PossibleInterference (ignition wiring, add-on devices, ground problems)
- PossibleTone wheel or phaser damaged, or sensor loose
- PossibleSensor faulty, temperature-dependent
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 P0394 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. |
| 94 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0394 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 P0394
What does P0394 mean?
P0394 means "Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent 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 P0394?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0394 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0394 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0394 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 P0394 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 P0394 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.