P0368 Code: That Long Crank on Chrysler V6/V8 Engines, Fixed

What Does P0368 Actually Mean?

Your engine has two critical position sensors: the crankshaft position sensor tells the PCM where the pistons are, and the camshaft position sensor(s) tell the PCM where the valves are. The PCM cross-references both to decide which cylinder is on the compression stroke and fire the correct injector and spark plug at the right microsecond.

On a dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) engine, "Sensor A" is typically the intake camshaft sensor and "Sensor B" is the exhaust camshaft sensor. "Bank 1" is the engine bank that contains cylinder #1. So P0368 = the exhaust camshaft position sensor on Bank 1 is sending a voltage signal that's too high — above the 0.5–4.5V working range, usually railed near the 5V supply.

What Are the Symptoms of P0368?

Unlike emissions-monitor codes, P0368 usually produces immediate, recognizable drivability symptoms because the engine has lost half of its timing reference. The most common P0368 symptoms include:

Is P0368 Code Serious?

It's moderately serious — annoying rather than dangerous. Unlike codes that cause stalling or limp mode, P0368 lets the vehicle keep running, but the long cranks and rough idle wear out the starter, battery, and ignition components over time. Four concrete consequences of ignoring it:

The good news: P0368 is rarely a safety hazard, the vehicle remains drivable, and the typical fix is among the cheapest in the OBD-II code family — a $30 sensor and a 30-minute swap. The right response is to diagnose within 1–2 weeks, not panic-replace expensive parts.

What Causes a P0368 Code? (Ranked by Frequency)

Check causes in this order — the cheapest and most common first. The majority of P0368 cases are resolved between causes #1 and #3 without ever touching the engine's internals.

What You'll Need

How Do You Fix a P0368 Code?

Follow these steps in order. The majority of P0368 cases are resolved by Step 2 — a connector clean — or Step 4 — a sensor replacement — without further work. Use the flowchart below as a quick map of the decision tree.

• 1

  Scan for All Codes and Capture Freeze Frame

  Plug in your scanner and record every stored code. P0368 often appears with related codes like P0365 (sensor B circuit), P0366 (low voltage), or P0016/P0017 (camshaft-crankshaft correlation). Capture freeze frame data — RPM, engine load, coolant temperature — that shows the conditions when the fault set, especially whether it triggers on cold start or after warm-up.

  If P0016/P0017 (timing correlation) also appears, the fault may be timing-related rather than purely electrical. Fix any correlation codes first, then re-evaluate P0368.
• 2

  Inspect the Sensor Connector for Oil Contamination

  On many engines — especially Chrysler 3.5L/3.7L/4.7L V6/V8 and BMW inline-sixes — oil from a leaking valve cover gasket migrates down the harness and saturates the camshaft sensor connector. Unplug the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft sensor, inspect the pins for oil residue, green corrosion, or pushed-back contacts. Spray with electrical contact cleaner and let dry. If the connector is oil-soaked, fix the source leak first — otherwise the new sensor will fail the same way.

  A flashlight angled into the connector cavity quickly reveals oil sheen. Even a thin film is enough to short the signal wire to 5V.
• 3

  Measure the Sensor Signal Voltage

  With the engine idling, use a multimeter (or your scanner's live data) to read the camshaft sensor's signal voltage. A healthy sensor produces a square-wave signal swinging between roughly 0V and 5V — the average reading hovers between 0.5V and 4.5V depending on engine speed. A constant reading above 4.5V confirms the high-circuit condition that triggers P0368. If the signal is railed high, either the sensor itself has failed open or its ground wire is broken.

• 4

  Replace the Camshaft Position Sensor

  If the connector is clean but the signal voltage is railed high, replace the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position sensor. It's typically one 10mm bolt and an O-ring — most installations take 15–30 minutes. Use an OEM part or quality-brand sensor (Standard Motor Products, Delphi, Bosch). Lightly lubricate the new O-ring with engine oil before pressing the sensor home. Clear the code and verify the long crank is gone.

  Important: Cheap aftermarket sensors are the #1 reason a "fixed" P0368 returns. Spend the extra $20 for an OEM or top-tier brand part — it pays for itself by avoiding a re-do.
• 5

  Test Wiring Continuity and 5V Reference Voltage

  If a new sensor doesn't clear the code, the fault is in the wiring or the PCM's reference voltage. Disconnect both the sensor and the PCM connector, then check continuity of each of the three sensor wires (5V reference, signal, ground). Also verify the 5V reference at the sensor connector with the key on and engine off — a missing or over-voltage reference can trigger P0368 across multiple sensors at once. If reference voltage is over 5.5V, test the alternator for over-voltage charging.

• 6

  Clear the Code and Verify the Repair

  After any repair, clear all codes and complete several start-and-drive cycles. P0368 typically resets within one cold-start cycle if the underlying problem isn't fixed. Watch live data to confirm the sensor signal stays within 0.5–4.5V across the full RPM range. If the code stays clear after 50+ miles of mixed driving and the long crank is gone, the repair is confirmed.

  Some emissions-test states require the OBD-II readiness monitors to show "Ready" before testing. Drive a full warm-up cycle plus highway segment before heading to the inspection station.

How Much Does P0368 Cost to Fix?

Costs depend entirely on the root cause. P0368 is one of the cheaper OBD-II codes to resolve when caught early — most fixes are well under $100. The table below reflects realistic 2026 pricing across independent shops and DIY parts suppliers.

Per the EPA's emissions standards ↗ EPA Vehicle Emissions I/M Program, a vehicle with an active P0368 code will fail an OBD-II emissions test because the powertrain monitor is incomplete. If your vehicle is under the federal emissions warranty (8 years / 80,000 miles), the camshaft sensor and PCM may be covered — check with your dealer before paying out of pocket.

Which Vehicles Are Most Prone to P0368?

These platforms have well-documented P0368 patterns due to sensor design, valve cover gasket leak rates, or harness routing that exposes the connector to oil and heat. We've written dedicated deep-dives for the two highest-volume platforms — Chrysler/Jeep V6/V8 and BMW inline-sixes — below the table.

P0368 on Chrysler / Jeep / Dodge V6 & V8 (3.5L, 3.7L, 4.7L — 2002–2012)

The 3.5L V6 (300, Pacifica, Sebring), 3.7L SOHC V6 (Liberty, Grand Cherokee, Dakota, Ram 1500), and 4.7L V8 (Grand Cherokee, Dakota, Ram 1500) share a common P0368 pattern that techs call "the Chrysler camshaft cocktail":

1. Valve cover gasket leaks (root cause). The valve covers on these engines develop weeping leaks around 80,000–120,000 miles. Oil migrates down the harness via capillary action and pools in the camshaft sensor connector.

2. Oil intrusion into the connector. Once the connector cavity has even a thin film of oil, the signal wire shorts to the 5V reference — instant Circuit High code. Many owners replace the sensor twice before realizing the leak is the underlying cause.

3. Sensor itself fails secondarily. Sustained oil exposure damages the sensor's Hall element. So by the time you diagnose the code, both the connector cleanup and a new sensor are usually needed.

P0368 on BMW N51 / N52 Inline-Six (328i, 528i, X3, X5 — 2006–2013)

The N51 (PZEV) and N52 magnesium-block inline-sixes power a large swath of mid-2000s to early-2010s BMWs. P0368 on these engines almost always points to two culprits — and an OEM Bosch part is the only reliable fix:

1. Exhaust camshaft position sensor failure. The N52's exhaust camshaft sensor sits in a hot location on the back of the cylinder head and fails internally over time. Symptoms are textbook P0368: long crank when the engine is fully warm.

2. Valve cover gasket leak (very common on N52). The plastic valve cover and its gasket are a known leak point. Oil contaminates the camshaft sensor connector, repeating the Chrysler pattern. BMW dealers will often quote a full valve cover replacement; many independents do just the gasket.

3. Genuine Bosch sensors only. Aftermarket camshaft sensors fail in BMW applications at high rates — owners commonly report a new code within months. Pay the OEM premium; it pays back in not doing the job twice.

Should You DIY or Call a Mechanic?

Related Codes You May See With P0368

Frequently Asked Questions