P23EE

Code

Generic P — Powertrain

Camshaft B Position Signal Output Circuit High Bank 1

Brand: Generic

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 20 EN: 33 RU: 24

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Page language: EN

Causes

Signal wire shorted to battery voltage (pin short to 12V)
Failed camshaft position sensor (Hall-effect or active sensor)
Faulty or corroded connector / poor terminal contact
Damaged wiring harness (chafing, pinched, exposed conductor)
Open or high-resistance sensor ground or reference circuit
PCM/ECU internal fault or damaged driver circuit

Symptoms

Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
No start or hard start conditions (if PCM relies on cam signal)
Engine stalls or rough idle
Misfires, reduced power or limp-home mode
Stored freeze-frame data showing high cam voltage

What to check

Read and record DTC(s) and freeze-frame / live data with a scan tool
Perform a careful visual inspection of the sensor, connector, and wiring on Bank 1
Backprobe the sensor connector with ignition ON and engine OFF to check reference, signal, and ground voltages
Check for continuity and shorts between the signal wire and battery positive, ground, and reference circuits
Wiggle test harness/connectors while monitoring live data for intermittent changes
Inspect for recent repairs, aftermarket installations, or connector corrosion

Signal parameters

Typical Hall/active cam sensor: 0–5 V square wave; reference usually 5 V (or battery-switched in some designs)
‘High’ fault generally means signal is held near battery voltage (≈12 V) or above expected reference level; many controllers flag >4.5–5.5 V as high
VR-type sensor (less common for cam B active circuits): AC voltage that varies with RPM, usually 0.1–5 VAC depending on speed
Frequency varies with engine speed — expect increasing pulse rate with RPM for pulsed sensors

Diagnostic algorithm

Verify the code: clear codes, run engine if possible, and confirm P23EE returns. Record freeze-frame data.
Visual inspection: check sensor connector for corrosion, bent pins, water ingress, or damage. Repair connectors as needed.
With ignition ON (engine OFF), backprobe the connector: confirm reference voltage (usually 5 V) and a good ground. If reference is missing or wrong, chase reference circuit.
Measure the signal wire voltage with ignition ON: a stuck-high value near battery voltage indicates a short to 12 V. If so, disconnect the sensor and re-measure the circuit at the harness side to see if the high remains.
If harness side is high with sensor disconnected, inspect/repair wiring for a short to power, repair any damaged sections, and retest.
If the harness side signal is normal with sensor disconnected, bench-test or replace the camshaft B sensor and retest on vehicle.
If wiring and sensor test good but the fault persists, suspect PCM driver fault. Verify with wiring diagrams, and if necessary, consult manufacturer procedures before replacing PCM.
After repairs, clear codes and verify proper operation in multiple driving conditions; confirm no reoccurrence.

Likely causes

Signal wire shorted to 12V at connector or harness
Failed camshaft position (B) sensor
Corroded/bent pins or poor connector connection

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Camshaft B position signal output circuit (Bank 1) reports a HIGH voltage condition. Possible causes include a short to 12V, sensor failure, or connector/wiring faults. Further diagnosis required; MIL may be set.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours

Repair manuals