GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0366: Exhaust Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Exhaust CMP Sensor 5-Volt Reference

P0641

P0365

P0641

P0366

Exhaust CMP Sensor Low Reference

--

P0365

--

--

Exhaust CMP Sensor Signal

P0365

P0365

P0365

--

Circuit/System Description

The 4X camshaft position (CMP) sensor circuits consist of an engine control module (ECM) supplied 5-volt reference circuit, low reference circuit, and an output signal circuit. The CMP sensor is an internally magnetic biased digital output integrated circuit sensing device. The sensor detects magnetic flux changes of the teeth and slots of a 4-tooth reluctor wheel attached to the camshaft. As each reluctor wheel tooth rotates past the CMP sensor, the resulting change in the magnetic field is used by the sensor electronics to produce a digital output pulse. The sensor returns a digital ON/OFF DC voltage pulse of varying frequency, with 4 varying width output pulses per camshaft revolution that represent an image of the camshaft reluctor wheel. The frequency of the CMP sensor output depends on the velocity of the camshaft. The ECM decodes the narrow and wide tooth pattern to identify camshaft position. This information is then used to determine the optimum ignition and injection points of the engine. The ECM also uses CMP sensor output information to determine the camshaft relative position to the crankshaft, to control camshaft phasing, and for limp-home operation.

Conditions for Running the DTC

P0366 - Near Engine Start, CMP Fast Event Based Test

    • The engine is cranking.
    • The medium resolution is less than or equal to 10 counts.

P0366 - After Engine Start, CMP Slow Event Based Test

    • The engine is running.
    • DTCs P0335, P0336, and P0365 are not set.
    • DTC P0366 runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0366 - Near Engine Start, CMP Fast Event Based Test

The ECM detects the incorrect number of CMP sensor pulses in 2 revolutions of the crankshaft, which is usually within 1 second.

P0366 - After Engine Start, CMP Slow Event Based Test

The ECM detects the incorrect number of CMP sensor pulses in 2,000 revolutions of the crankshaft, which is usually within 4 minutes.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0366 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0366 is a Type B DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. With the ignition OFF, inspect the engine wiring harnesses carrying the CMP sensor circuits for the following conditions:
  2. • Close routing of aftermarket electrical equipment
    • Close to solenoids, motors, and relays
    • Correct any wire harness routing or component placement conditions, if it is determined to be a possible source of electrical interference.
  3. With the ignition ON, engine OFF, use the live plot function on the scan tool. Select the engine speed parameter and the CMP sensor parameter. Change the minimum spec to 400 RPM for both parameters. Change the maximum spec to 4,000 RPM for both parameters.
  4. Start the engine and observe the scan tool.
  5. Quickly accelerate and release the accelerator pedal several times. Do not accelerate past 4,000 RPM. The 2 graphed lines on the live plot display should track together across the screen.
  6. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, inspect the CMP sensor for correct installation.
  2. If the sensor is loose, inspect the sensor and the O-ring for damage, replace as necessary.
  3. Inspect the engine for the following conditions:
  4. • The engine oil for debris
    • The camshaft reluctor wheel for damage
    • The timing chain, tensioner, and sprockets for wear or damage
         ⇒If debris is found in the engine oil, inspect the internal engine components to determine the cause. Repair or replace any worn or damaged components. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain and Sprocket Cleaning and Inspection and Camshafts Cleaning and Inspection.

Component Testing

Important: You must perform the Circuit/System Testing before proceeding with Component Testing.

  1. Inspect the CMP sensor for correct installation. Remove the CMP sensor from the engine and inspect the sensor and the O-ring for damage.
  2. If the sensor is loose, incorrectly installed, or damaged, repair or replace the CMP sensor.
  3. Connect the CMP sensor connector to the CMP sensor. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Ignition ON, and engine OFF. Observe the CMP Active Counter parameter on the scan tool. Pass a steel object by the tip of the sensor repeatedly. The CMP Active Counter parameter should increment.
  5. If the parameter does not increment, replace the CMP sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement - Exhaust
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming