Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2)
P0396 is an OBD-II trouble code that indicates camshaft position sensor b circuit intermittent (bank 2). This page explains what the code means, what issues may trigger it, common symptoms and where to look next.
P0396 code meaning is one of the most common OBD-II searches when a warning light appears on the dashboard.
Drivers searching for P0396 usually want to know what the code means, whether the car is safe to drive and what part may need testing first.
Likely causes
- • Faulty sensor
- • Damaged sensor wiring
- • Loose or corroded connector
- • Open circuit or short circuit
- • Poor electrical connection
- • Timing issue
Symptoms
- • Check engine light illuminated
- • Intermittent warning light
- • Inconsistent engine performance
- • Hard starting or stalling
- • Reduced performance
Severity
Low to Medium
Can you keep driving?
Driving may be risky if the engine is running poorly, stalling or showing strong timing-related symptoms.
Common fix areas
- • Verify live data and sensor voltage
- • Inspect sensor connector and wiring
- • Check continuity, power and ground
- • Inspect for damaged wiring or corrosion
- • Scan all fault codes and freeze-frame data
- • Inspect wiring, connectors and grounds
Manufacturer notes
FAQs
What does P0396 mean?
P0396 means camshaft position sensor b circuit intermittent (bank 2).
What can cause P0396?
Common causes include component failure, wiring faults, incorrect sensor readings, leaks, pressure issues or related upstream faults in the same system.
Can I keep driving with P0396?
That depends on how the car is behaving. If there is rough running, overheating, loss of power or stalling, it should be diagnosed quickly.
Does P0396 always mean I need a new part?
No. A fault code points you to a system or condition, but proper diagnosis is still needed before replacing parts.