What does P0386 mean?

Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance Engine may run rough, stall, misfire, or have poor starting/delayed ignition timing

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Overview

P0386 indicates a range or performance fault in the secondary crankshaft position sensor (Sensor B) circuit. The PCM/ECM detects signal values outside expected range, potentially due to sensor fault, wiring issue, tone wheel damage, or control module error.

Common Symptoms

Check Engine Light illuminated
Rough idle
Intermittent misfire
Engine stalling
Difficulty starting
Reduced engine performance

Most Common Causes

Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor B high

Sensor failing to produce correct signal amplitude or frequency.

Damaged or corroded wiring/connectors in CKP circuit high

Open, short, or poor connection causing signal outside PCM expected range.

Damaged reluctor/tone wheel on crankshaft medium

Missing teeth or debris can distort sensor signal.

Faulty PCM/ECM low

Internal controller misreads valid signal; less common.

Glow plug system fault (incorrect alternate interpretation) low

Some sources misattribute P0386 to glow plug circuits; treat with caution.

Diagnostic Steps

Confirm P0386 with a professional OBD‑II scanner and note freeze frame data

Expected: P0386 stored without contradictory codes

Interpretation: Verifies code and context before deeper testing.
Inspect CKP Sensor B wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion

Expected: No breaks, shorts, loose terminals

Interpretation: Good wiring helps rule out simple circuit faults.
Test Crankshaft Position Sensor B output with multimeter or oscilloscope

Expected: AC voltage/voltage waveform within OEM specs during cranking/run

Interpretation: Out‑of‑range signal confirms sensor or reluctor issue.
Inspect crankshaft reluctor/tone wheel for missing teeth/damage

Expected: Teeth intact, no debris

Interpretation: Damage here can distort sensor waveform causing code.
If sensor and wiring are good, test or swap PCM/ECM

Expected: Code resolves or follows swapped PCM

Interpretation: Confirms control module fault if other components are verified.

Repair Solutions

Replace Crankshaft Position Sensor B medium

Estimated Cost: $80 - $350

Cost varies by vehicle; includes part and labor.

Repair or replace damaged wiring/connectors in CKP circuit medium

Estimated Cost: $50 - $200

Complex harness issues may increase labor time.

Replace reluctor/tone wheel if damaged hard

Estimated Cost: $200 - $600

May require timing cover removal; costs vary by engine.

PCM/ECM repair or replacement hard

Estimated Cost: $300 - $1200

Only after confirming other components are good; reprogramming often required.

Common Misdiagnoses

Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:

Mistaking code as glow plug circuit fault (often confused with P0384/P0380 on some sites)

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical definition of P0386 OBD-II Code

Technically, the P0386 code represents Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance. It usually points to a fault within the Ignition.

How serious is the P0386 code?

The P0386 code is considered medium severity. Engine may run rough, stall, misfire, or have poor starting/delayed ignition timing

Symptoms associated with DTC P0386

Drivers often report: Check Engine Light illuminated, Rough idle, Intermittent misfire when this code is present.

What causes the P0386 code?

Potential culprits include: Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor B, Damaged or corroded wiring/connectors in CKP circuit, Damaged reluctor/tone wheel on crankshaft. A proper diagnosis is recommended.

Is P0386 expensive to fix?

The cost varies significantly based on the root cause. For example, replacing a Repair or replace damaged wiring/connectors in CKP circuit typically costs between $50 and $200, while fixing a PCM/ECM repair or replacement can range from $300 to $1200.

What cars are affected by the P0386 code?

This is a universal code. You might see P0386 on Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, or any other OBD-II vehicle.

P0386: Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance