P2B37 code meaning
A Camshaft Profile Actuator B Control Circuit Low Bank 2
Powertrain system Generic code P2Bxx codes Check engine light
What P2B37 means
Code P2B37 stands for a control line shorted to ground at intake-side actuator B of bank 2, the second lobe-switching solenoid on camshaft A of the other cylinder bank. Publicly, no maker assigns it to a vehicle. The bank 1 analogue P2B34 is defined by GM for the L3B four-cylinder, which flags a ground short at 0.5 Ω or less while the output is on; a V engine would need a mirror-image test for its second bank. The regulation (13 CCR 1968.2, comprehensive components) demands detection of such short circuits on output components. Typical causes are a harness rubbed through on the cylinder head or water and oil in the connector. With a grounded control line the actuator cannot work reliably, and lift switching on bank 2 is lost.
P2B37 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2B37
- Check engine light on
- Lift switching inactive on bank 2, less power or more fuel use
Common causes of P2B37
- Most likelyHarness to the bank 2 actuator chafed through on the cylinder head or a bracket
- PossibleOil or water in the actuator connector
- PossibleShorted winding in actuator B
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
A camshaft profile actuator b b2Wiring harnessECM
What each part of P2B37 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| B | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 37 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2B37 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 P2B37
What does P2B37 mean?
P2B37 means "A Camshaft Profile Actuator B Control Circuit Low Bank 2". Code P2B37 stands for a control line shorted to ground at intake-side actuator B of bank 2, the second lobe-switching solenoid on camshaft A of the other cylinder bank. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2B37?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2B37 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2B37 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2B37 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 P2B37 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2B37 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.