P0389 Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent
What does that mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles (Honda, GMC, Chevrolet, Ford, Volvo, Dodge, Toyota, etc.). Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model.
If your vehicle has a stored code P0389, it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) detected an intermittent or erratic voltage signal from the secondary crankshaft position (CKP) sensor. When an OBD II system uses multiple CKP sensors, sensor B typically refers to a secondary CKP sensor.
Engine speed (RPM) and crankshaft position are monitored using the CKP sensor. The PCM calculates ignition spark timing using the position of the crankshaft. When you consider that the camshafts turn at half the speed of the crankshaft, you see why it is so important that the PCM is able to distinguish between engine intake and exhaust stokes (rotations). CKP sensor circuitry includes one or more circuits dedicated to providing the PCM with an input signal, a 5-volt reference signal, and a ground.
CKP sensors are most commonly of the electro magnetic, hall-effect variety. They are usually mounted to the exterior of the engine and placed in very close proximity (usually only several thousandths of an inch) to a circuit completing engine ground. The engine ground is typically a reluctor ring (with precisely machined teeth) affixed to either end of the crankshaft or integrated into the crankshaft itself. Some systems with multiple CKP sensors may use a reluctor ring on one end of the crankshaft and another machined into the center of the crankshaft. Others will simply mount sensors in multiple positions around one reluctor ring.
The CKP sensor is mounted so that the reluctor ring passes within several thousandths of an inch of its magnetic tip as the crankshaft rotates. Raised areas (teeth) of the reluctor ring complete an electromagnetic circuit with the sensor and the indentations between the raised areas interrupt the circuit briefly. The PCM recognizes these continual circuit completions and interruptions as a waveform pattern representing voltage fluctuations.
Input signals from the CKP sensors are constantly monitored by the PCM. If crankshaft position sensor input voltage is too low over a set period of time, a P0389 code will be stored and a MIL may be illuminated.
Other crankshaft position sensor B trouble codes include P0385, P0386, P0387, and P0388.
Code Severity & Symptoms
A no-start condition will likely accompany a stored code P0389. Therefore this code could be categorized as severe.
Symptoms of this code may include:
Causes
Potential causes for this code to set are:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
I would need a diagnostic scanner, with an integrated digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM) and oscilloscope, before diagnosing a code P0389. 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 (and a stored P0389).
If the visual inspection yields no results, 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 in question 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 in question. 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 any discrepancies are detected, wiggle-test the wiring harness and connector (for the CKP sensor) 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:
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p0389 in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p0389 and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.
Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p0389.
