What does P0372 mean?

Timing Reference High Resolution Signal A Too Few Pulses May cause hard starting, rough idle, poor engine performance or stalling depending on underlying cause

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Overview

P0372 indicates the engine control module is receiving too few pulses from the high resolution timing reference signal A, typically related to crankshaft or camshaft position sensing issues affecting ignition and fuel timing

Common Symptoms

Check Engine Light illuminated
Hard starting or failure to start
Rough idle or misfire
Reduced engine performance

Most Common Causes

Faulty engine position sensor (crankshaft or camshaft) high

Pulse stream degradation leads to insufficient timing reference signal A

Wiring harness or connector faults to position sensor medium

Corroded pins, broken wires, poor grounds can disrupt signal transmission

Reluctor wheel or timing related mechanical issue medium

Damaged or misaligned reluctor/tone wheel affects pulse count

ECM timing reference circuit failure low

Internal module circuits may miss pulses even if sensor and wiring are intact

Diagnostic Steps

Connect an OBD-II scanner and confirm P0372 and any additional codes

Expected: P0372 present on scan; note any related codes

Interpretation: Confirms timing reference signal issue requiring further investigation
Visually inspect crankshaft/camshaft position sensor and harness

Expected: No visible damage, secure connectors and intact wires

Interpretation: If damage found, repair may resolve signal issues
Test sensor signal with multimeter or oscilloscope during cranking

Expected: Fluctuating voltage or expected pulse pattern appears

Interpretation: Absent/low pulses suggests sensor or reluctor issue
Check continuity and reference voltage on sensor wiring

Expected: Continuity present; reference voltage as specified

Interpretation: Open circuits or missing reference voltage indicate wiring/PCM issues
Inspect reluctor/tone wheel on crankshaft or camshaft for damage

Expected: Wheel intact and aligned

Interpretation: Damage or misalignment can cause pulse count errors

Repair Solutions

Replace faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor medium

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Most common repair if sensor output is degraded

Repair or replace damaged wiring/connectors medium

Estimated Cost: $50 - $200

Addresses harness issues that attenuate pulses

Realign or replace damaged reluctor/tone wheel hard

Estimated Cost: $200 - $800

Mechanical timing components can affect pulses

ECM timing reference circuit repair or replacement hard

Estimated Cost: $600 - $1500

Rare but necessary when internal module circuits fail

Common Misdiagnoses

Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:

Assuming a faulty sensor without checking wiring and reluctor wheel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of the P0372 engine code?

When your OBD-II scanner reads P0372, it means: Timing Reference High Resolution Signal A Too Few Pulses. This code is related to the vehicle's Sensors.

Is it safe to drive with a P0372 code?

With a severity level of medium, may cause hard starting, rough idle, poor engine performance or stalling depending on underlying cause

What happens when the P0372 code is active?

The most typical signs are: Check Engine Light illuminated, Hard starting or failure to start, Rough idle or misfire.

Common triggers for the P0372 error

This code is frequently triggered by: Faulty engine position sensor (crankshaft or camshaft), Wiring harness or connector faults to position sensor, Reluctor wheel or timing related mechanical issue.

What is the price difference for fixing P0372?

It depends on what needs to be fixed. Repair or replace damaged wiring/connectors repairs are cheaper (~$200), while ECM timing reference circuit repair or replacement repairs are on the higher end (~$1500).

Does code P0372 apply to Chevrolet vehicles?

Yes, P0372 is a generic code that applies to all OBD-II compliant vehicles, including Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, Nissan, Dodge, BMW, and more.

P0372: Timing Reference High Resolution Signal A Too Few Pulses