Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Bank 1
1992-1998 BMW 318i E36 1.8L I4
Description
The DME detected a malfunction in the exhaust camshaft position sensor (Sensor B) circuit on Bank 1. This sensor provides critical timing feedback to the DME for fuel injection and ignition timing.
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- Rough running
- Loss of power
- Engine may not start
- VANOS malfunction
Common Causes
- Faulty camshaft position sensor Bank 1 exhaust
- Damaged sensor wiring or connector
- Sensor mounting bolt loose or missing
- Tone wheel damage or contamination
- DME internal circuit fault
Diagnostic Steps
- Test camshaft position sensor signal with oscilloscope
- Inspect wiring and connector for damage
- Check sensor air gap and mounting
- Inspect tone wheel for debris or damage
- Compare sensor readings Bank 1 vs Bank 2
Repair Notes
Replace the exhaust camshaft position sensor on Bank 1.
Related Codes
Other Powertrain Codes
- P0001Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open
- P0002Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance
- P0003Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low
- P0004Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit High
- P0010Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 1
- P0011Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1
- P0012Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1
- P0013Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 1
- P0014Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1
- P0015Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1
P1396 on Other Vehicles
Common Questions
What does code P1396 mean on a 1992-1998 BMW 318i E36?
P1396 stands for "Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Bank 1". The DME detected a malfunction in the exhaust camshaft position sensor (Sensor B) circuit on Bank 1. This sensor provides critical timing feedback to the DME for fuel injection and ignition timing.
What are the symptoms of P1396 on a BMW 318i E36?
Common symptoms of P1396 include: Check Engine Light, Rough running, Loss of power, Engine may not start, VANOS malfunction.
What causes P1396 on a 1992-1998 BMW 318i E36?
Common causes of P1396 include: Faulty camshaft position sensor Bank 1 exhaust, Damaged sensor wiring or connector, Sensor mounting bolt loose or missing, Tone wheel damage or contamination, DME internal circuit fault.