P23EA

Code

Generic P — Powertrain

Camshaft A Position Signal Output Circuit Low Bank 2

Brand: Generic

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 21 EN: 61 RU: 37

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Page language: EN

Causes

Open or short to ground in camshaft A position signal wiring (Bank 2).
Faulty camshaft position sensor (Camshaft A, Bank 2).
Poor or corroded connector or pin at sensor or ECM.
Missing or low reference supply or ground for the sensor.
Internal ECM driver failure for the camshaft A output circuit (Bank 2).
Timing component failure (camshaft reluctor/disk or phaser) causing no/weak signal.

Symptoms

Check engine light (MIL) illuminated.
Engine may be hard to start, misfire, run rough, or stall.
Reduced performance or limp-home mode.
Poor fuel economy or irregular idle.
Possible no-crank/no-start in severe cases if ECM disables injector/ignition timing.

What to check

Scan for P23EA and any additional related codes (cam/crank position codes, power/ground codes).
Inspect wiring and connectors at the Bank 2 Camshaft A sensor and at the ECM for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
Verify sensor supply voltage (usually 5 V reference for Hall sensors) and sensor ground at key-on and engine running.
Backprobe the signal wire with a multimeter or oscilloscope to confirm presence/absence of waveform.
Measure sensor resistance if applicable (refer to vehicle repair data).
Wiggle test wiring while monitoring signal to replicate intermittent faults.

Signal parameters

Sensor type: typically Hall-effect (digital square wave) or variable reluctance (AC sine) depending on vehicle.
Hall sensor expected: 0–5 V square wave, ~50% duty cycle; frequency increases with engine speed.
Variable reluctance expected: AC voltage amplitude increases with RPM (tens of millivolts to volts).
At key-on: Hall sensor supply ≈5 V reference or 12 V where applicable; no output until cranking/running.
Signal frequency and pulse count should match camshaft teeth/reluctor pattern and vary with RPM.

Diagnostic algorithm

Retrieve freeze frame and live data; note other DTCs and engine conditions when code set.
Visually inspect Bank 2 Camshaft A sensor connector and wiring to ECM for damage, corrosion, or disconnection. Repair obvious issues.
With connector connected, backprobe sensor power and ground at key-on: verify correct reference voltage and good ground.
Backprobe the signal wire; start engine or crank and observe signal with an oscilloscope. For Hall sensors expect a clean square wave; for VR expect an AC waveform.
If no/low signal, disconnect sensor and measure sensor resistance (for VR) or check internal circuit per manufacturer spec. Replace sensor if out of spec.
If sensor appears good, perform wiggle test of wiring while monitoring signal to find intermittent opens/shorts. Repair wiring or connectors as needed.
If wiring and sensor check good and proper voltages are present but signal still low/absent, inspect timing components (reluctor wheel, cam phaser) for damage or incorrect installation.
If all external checks pass, test or replace ECM or its harness-side connector or consult manufacturer repair info/TSBs before ECM replacement.
After repairs, clear codes and perform test drive and re-scan to confirm code does not return.

Likely causes

Damaged wiring harness (chafed, pinched, melted) between sensor and ECM.
Corroded/loose connector at the camshaft sensor.
Failed Hall-effect or VR camshaft position sensor on Bank 2.
ECM power/ground fault affecting sensor circuit.
Aftermarket or recent repairs disturbed sensor wiring or timing components.

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Camshaft A position signal output circuit low on Bank 2 — ECM detects low or absent signal from Camshaft A sensor on Bank 2. Circuit may be open, shorted to ground, or the sensor/ECM driver may have failed.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0 - 3.0 hours

Repair manuals