P0385 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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The P0385 OBD-II error code can be described as Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Malfunction. This code would indicate that there is a malfunction in the crankshaft position sensor B circuit.

This trouble code is generic, which would mean that it can apply to all the vehicles which are equipped with the OBD-II or the vehicles which are made since 1996 up to the present. The specifications on the definition, the troubleshooting steps as well as repairs can always vary from one vehicle make to another.

Want to learn more about P0385 trouble code? Then you have arrived at the right place.

The location of the crankshaft can be measured by the crankshaft position sensor. This information would then be sent to the powertrain control module. This can be easily used in some automobiles to help time the spark properly. While in other vehicles misfires can be detected with its help.

What causes this problem with the Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Malfunction?

• There can be damaged reluctor ring that could be missing teeth
• The sensor output could be open
• The crankshaft position sensor connector might be defective
• Sensor output shorted to voltage or ground
• Failure in the crankshaft sensor
• The powertrain control module might start failing
• Faults in the starter motor
• Defaults in the signal plate
• Issue of weak or dead battery

1. Crankshaft Position Sensor - A faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor can be troublesome. You can always rely on us as we have best auto parts for our customers.
2. Powertrain Control Module - If everything is alright with Crankshaft Position Sensor, then there is surely some defect in Powertrain Control Module. Get it replaced before the situation gets worse.
3. Battery & Electrical System Parts - P0385 code can display due to some issues in the Battery & Electrical System Parts. So, it is very important to replace the Battery & Electrical System Parts with us at equitable prices.
4. Engine Control Module - Do you remember when was the last time you got your car Engine Control Module checked up? A faulty Engine Control Module can cause a lot of issues like displaying P0385 code.
5. Timing Belt - Are there some faults in your Timing Belt? Don’t waste time and get them replaced or else P0385 code can turn up.
6. Fuel Injector - OBD Code P0385 can appear because of faulty Fuel Injector. Visit us to buy top notch fuel injector online.

There could be countless symptoms which that would accompany with this fault code. Willing to know some common symptoms of OBD Trouble Code P0385? Your wish is our demand. Have a look at them below:

Common Symptoms

• The car may not be able to start properly
• Vehicle cat start running roughly or may misfire
• Malfunction indicator lamp can start illuminating

Looking out for some ways with the help of which you can correct this fault code? Then you have arrived at the correct place. We are here to help you out, so you must check out the steps mentioned below as follows:

• Carefully inspect the crankshaft gear, the position sensor, and sensor connectors to see if there is any damage if there is no RPM reading
• The faulty CKP sensor should be replaced
• An open or a short in the wiring to the crank sensor should be repaired
• Now once all the repairs have been made, then you must reset the code and test the vehicle again to see if it solved the problem or not

Don’t get tensed if you are still facing any of these issues as we care for our customers and that’s why we offer a good range of rpm, reluctor ring, timing components and a lot more. We are sure that now all your issues would be resolved.

It is essential to diagnose this fault code. Here are some steps which a mechanic should follow for diagnosing the problem that triggered a P0385 code to be stored:

• Manufacturers should utilize the electromagnetic crankshaft position sensor in two different manners
• Both designs use either a reluctor ring or teeth which are attached to the crankshaft to interrupt the field of the stationary electro-magnetic CSP sensor; creating what is interpreted by the PCM as a square wave form pattern
• These interruptions provide the PCM with the precise crankshaft position
• In the first design, the PCM uses the crankshaft position only for misfire detection and is not critical to spark timing or ignition
• Engine control systems that use this type of system may allow the engine to start and run, despite a crankshaft position circuit failure, but engine performance and fuel economy will likely suffer
• Malfunction indicator lamp illumination may not occur until multiple failures are documented in this type of system
• In the second type of system the PCM uses crankshaft position to calculate spark timing and ignition control
• A crankshaft position sensor failure in this system design will normally lead to a no-start condition, an immediate stored trouble code, and an illuminated service engine soon lamp (on the first failure). A viable starting point for obtaining a successful diagnosis of the crankshaft position sensor is by checking for an engine RPM signal when the engine is cranked or running
• This is accomplished by using a scanner or observing the vehicle tachometer as the engine is being cranked (using the starter) or is running, depending upon CPS system design
• If no RPM signal is detected, then visually inspect the crankshaft gear, crankshaft position sensor, and sensor connector for damage and repair as necessary
• If no obvious signs of damage are found, then test the CPS system for a reference voltage signal (typically 5-volts, but check manufacturer’s specifications)
• If you have access to an oscilloscope, then test the CPS signal wire for the presence of a square 5-volt waveform pattern for each engine revolution
• If no pattern is detected then test the resistance of the (disconnected) CSP sensor and compare the values with manufacturer’s specifications
• If the CSP sensor checks out, then test the system circuitry for the proper voltage and resistance
• Repair open or shorted wiring as necessary
• While PCM failure is certainly a possibility, it is rare and all other possibilities should be exhausted prior to condemning the PCM. The camshaft position sensor and distributor hall-effect sensor are used in a similar manner to the crankshaft position sensor
• Inputs between the three sensors help to control ignition timing and fuel delivery. The camshaft position sensor is an electromagnetic sensor that interacts with a metal reluctor ring (or gear) on one end or the other of the camshaft
• Engines that utilize multiple camshafts (dual-overhead cam engines) are equipped with multiple camshaft position sensors
• As the reluctor passes by the sensor, a precisely placed hole or gap in the teeth interrupts the waveform pattern sent by the sensor to the PCM
• This interruption correlates with an ignition timing reference value that is programmed into the PCM
• Variations from the manufacturer’s reference timing value (seen as voltage waveforms) will cause a code to be stored and possibly a malfunction indicator lamp to be illuminated. Several specialty tools will be required to diagnose this code successfully
• They include a scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter, and possibly an oscilloscope. Begin with a visual inspection of all wiring and connectors
• Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, shorted, or corroded wiring, connectors, and components as necessary
• Always retest the system after repairs are completed to ensure success. If all system wiring, connectors, and components (Including fuses) appear to be in normal working order, connect the scanner (or code reader) to the diagnostic connector and record all stored codes and freeze frame data
• This information can be extremely helpful in diagnosing intermittent conditions that may have contributed to this code being stored
• Continue by clearing the code and operating the vehicle to see if it returns
• This will help to determine whether or not the malfunction is intermittent
• After the codes are cleared, test drive the vehicle to see if the code returns
• If the code fails to immediately return, you may have an intermittent condition
• Intermittent conditions can prove to be quite a challenge to diagnose and in extreme cases may have to be allowed to worsen before a correct diagnosis can be made
• In the event of an intermittent condition, you may also utilize the oscilloscope to monitor waveforms created by the distributor, camshaft, and/or crankshaft sensor/s, while looking for glitches or other inconsistencies. Suspect areas of system circuitry that are contaminated with oil, antifreeze, or power steering fluid that has leaked from the engine
• If wiring with missing or distorted insulation is found, repair or replace it as necessary. If no obvious system circuitry problems are discovered, perform a resistance test at the crankshaft, camshaft, and distributor position sensors and a voltage test on the sensor connector
• Using your digital volt/ohmmeter test reference voltage at the sensors and compare your findings with the manufacturer’s specified reference voltage
• If system reference voltage readings are in line with specified values (or if sensor resistance values do not coincide), replace the camshaft sensor, distributor hall-effect sensor, and the crankshaft sensor. Inspect the distributor (where applicable) for excessive end-play and side-to-side wobble
• If the distributor is sloppy or worn out, replace it and retest the system for failures. If system voltage readings do not coincide with manufacturer’s specified reference figures, check system continuity using your digital volt/ohmmeter
• Use caution when checking resistance values in wiring that is connected to the PCM
• For best results, disconnect the electrical connector from the PCM prior to using an ohmmeter on the harness side of the circuit
• Remember that PCM failure is possible but very rare

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0385 Code

• One of the most common mistakes when you are diagnosing the P0385 trouble code is that you do not inspect the timing components when the damaged timing belt is being replaced
• If there is an illumination in the malfunction indicator light and there is no noticeable difference in the performance of the vehicle, it could be possible to believe that it was only the sensor malfunctioning and not something that was actually wrong with the vehicle
• The technicians should keep this thing in mind that they must look for loose and corroded wiring and connectors, which can give rise to P0385 error code