P2B38 code meaning
A Camshaft Profile Actuator B Control Circuit High Bank 2
Powertrain system Generic code P2Bxx codes Check engine light
What P2B38 means
P2B38 marks a short to battery voltage in the control circuit of intake camshaft actuator B on bank 2. No published manufacturer documentation uses it; only the bank 1 version P2B35 is covered, by GM's L3B summary tables, which check with the output off and react to 0.5 Ω or less towards supply. Engines with two banks and stepped valve lift, such as V6 designs with sliding cam pieces on the inlet side, are the only possible carriers. Under the CARB rules for output components, a short to high voltage has to be recognised and reported. A pinched wire touching a live circuit or a solenoid with an internal short are the likely findings; the second bank then keeps its current cam profile instead of switching.
P2B38 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 P2B38
- Check engine light on
- Bank 2 intake lift no longer changes, uneven power delivery
Common causes of P2B38
- Most likelyPinched or chafed control wire touching a powered circuit
- PossibleInternal short in actuator B
- Less likelyFaulty output stage in the engine module
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 P2B38 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. |
| 38 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2B38 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 P2B38
What does P2B38 mean?
P2B38 means "A Camshaft Profile Actuator B Control Circuit High Bank 2". P2B38 marks a short to battery voltage in the control circuit of intake camshaft actuator B on bank 2. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2B38?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2B38 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2B38 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2B38 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 P2B38 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2B38 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.