Error Code P0389: What It Means & What To Do?

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The meaning of P0389 trouble code is that the voltage signal at the crankshaft position sensor is actually higher than what the manufacturer has set. It would indicate a voltage signal of 10% higher than the standards of the automaker. This fault code would be stored in when the voltage higher than the normal has been detected.

Do you want to learn something more about this fault code? The P0389 fault code can be described as Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent. The P0389 trouble code is detected when the crankshaft position sensor signal is sent to the engine control module during the first few seconds of the engine cranking is extremely high.

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

• The CPS connector might have some defects
• Defaults in the sensor connector or wiring
• The crankshaft reluctor ring might be broken or missing teeth
• Broken timing belt wound around cam and crank timing gears can often damage CPS components and wiring
• Opened or shorted power or ground circuits

1. Fuel Injector - OBD Code P0389 can appear because of faulty Fuel Injector.
2. Engine Control Module - There can be some issues with the Engine Control Module due to which you may see P0389 code appearing over and over again. Visit us to buy best quality Engine Control Module online.
3. Battery & Electrical System Parts - Are you facing some faults in your Car Battery & Electrical System Parts? Don’t worry and get them replaced or else P0389 code can turn up.
4. Timing Belt - Common cause behind this P0389 error code can be some fault in Timing Belt. So, it will be a good decision to replace them now.
5. Powertrain Control Module - Fuel Injector is perfectly fine but still but having that trouble code P0389 flashing? In such a situation your Powertrain Control Module might be faulty. Why don’t you think of getting that replaced?
6. Crankshaft Position Sensor - The P0389 code can also arise due to some issues in Crankshaft Position Sensor. So, it is advised to replace them as soon as possible

It is essential to know the symptoms of an issue as only then you would be able to solve the problem. So that’s why we have listed out some major symptoms of OBD Code P0389 here:

Common Symptoms

• The check engine light can start turning ON
• Intermittent stalling
• The car may not be able to start properly
• Intermittent engine misfires
• There can be lack or loss of engine power
• Issue of rough idling
• The overall fuel economy might start decreasing
• Choppy acceleration

If you wish to correct this fault code, then you have to follow certain steps. Correcting a problem needs your careful attention. Here are some ways with the help of which you will be able to correct the OBD Code P0389:

• Crankshaft position sensor should be replaced
• If there are some issues in the wiring, then you must replace it
• Replace the cam gear or reluctor ring

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Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:

If you are willing to diagnose the P0389 fault code, then you would need a diagnostic scanner, with an integrated digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM) and oscilloscope. A reliable vehicle information source, like All Data DIY will also be required. A visual inspection of all system related wiring harnesses and connectors is a good place to begin your diagnosis. Circuits which have been contaminated with engine oil, coolant, or power steering fluid should be carefully inspected as petroleum-based fluids may compromise the protective insulation on wiring and lead to shorted or open circuits.

If no results are yielded from the visual inspection, then you must connect the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and retrieve all stored trouble codes and freeze frame data. Writing this information down can prove helpful if the P0389 proves to be intermittent. If possible, test-drive the vehicle to see if the code is reset. If the P0389 is reset, locate a system wiring diagram from your vehicle information source and check for voltage at the CKP sensor. A five-volt reference is normally used for CKP sensor operation but check manufacturer’s specifications for the vehicle in question. One or more output circuits and a ground signal will also be present. If reference voltage and ground signals are detected at the CKP sensor connector, proceed to the next step.

By using the DVOM, test the CKP sensor according to manufacturer’s recommendations. If CKP sensor resistance levels fail to comply with manufacturer’s recommendations, suspect that it is defective. Should CKP sensor resistance align with manufacturer’s specifications, continue to the next step. Attach the positive test lead of the oscilloscope to the signal output wire and connect the negative lead to the CKP sensor ground circuit after reconnecting the CKP sensor. Choose the appropriate voltage setting on the oscilloscope and turn it on. Observe the waveform pattern on the oscilloscope with the engine idling in park or neutral.

Watch for voltage spikes or glitches in the waveform pattern. If you find out that any discrepancies are detected, wiggle-test the wiring harness and connector to determine whether the problem is a loose connection or a defective sensor. If the magnetic tip of the CKP sensor has excessive metallic debris, or if there is a broken or worn reluctor ring, it may cause missing voltage blocks in the waveform pattern. Go to the next step if no problems are found in the waveform pattern. Find the PCM connector and insert the test leads of the oscilloscope to CKP sensor signal input and ground circuits, respectively.

Observe the waveform pattern. If the waveform pattern near the PCM connector is dissimilar to what was seen when the test leads were connected near the CKP sensor, suspect an open or shorted circuit between the CKP sensor connector and the PCM connector. If this is true, disconnect all related controllers and test individual circuits with the DVOM. You will need to repair or replace shorted or open circuits. The PCM may be defective, or you may have a PCM programming error, if the waveform pattern is identical to what was seen when the test leads were connected near the CKP sensor.

Additional diagnostic notes:

• There are some manufacturers which would recommend that CKP and CMP sensors are replaced as a set
• You can always use technical service bulletins as they would be helpful in the diagnostic process

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0389 Code

• Carefully inspect the timing components when replacing a broken or worn timing belt, if an engine fails to start afterwards due to a damaged gear, sensor, connector, reluctor ring or wiring
• Before you start replacing any part, make sure that you check the loose or corroded electrical wiring or connectors properly

P0385 - Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Malfunction

P0386 - Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance

P0387 - Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Low Input