What does it mean?
If a code P0367 accompanies a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) in your vehicle, it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a problem with the exhaust camshaft position sensor (or circuit) for engine bank one. Bank 1 represents the bank of the engine that contains the number one cylinder. Sensor B indicates that the malfunction is occurring with the camshaft position sensor circuit that pertains to the exhaust camshaft.
The PCM uses input signals from the camshaft sensor/s and the crankshaft sensor to monitor the position and revolutions per minute (RPM) of these vital engine components, manage timing fluctuations, and map fuel delivery strategy. Clearly, variations in engine configuration will dictate the number of camshaft sensors that are required. For instance; an overhead valve engine will typically be equipped with a single camshaft sensor because the engine has only one camshaft.
An overhead cam, four-cylinder engine will likely have only one camshaft sensor as well (because it has only one engine bank), but an overhead cam, V6 requires at least two camshaft sensors (one per engine bank). Likewise, a dual overhead cam, V8 engine will require four camshaft sensors because there are two engine banks with two camshafts in each bank. Each camshaft sensor has a circuit (or circuits) dedicated to providing the PCM with individual input signal/s.
Camshaft position and camshaft speed are compared to the speed and position of the crankshaft in order to prevent engine damage and calculate ignition timing and fuel delivery strategy. Since the camshaft/s turn at half the speed of the crankshaft, it is critical that the PCM is able to distinguish between engine intake and exhaust stokes (rotations). This is also accomplished with the camshaft position sensor.
The most common camshaft position sensor design utilizes an electromagnetic hall effect sensor positioned in very close proximity (usually only several thousandths of an inch) from a circuit completing engine ground. In most cases, either a reluctor ring (with precisely machined teeth) is affixed to the camshaft pulley or there are cogs stringently integrated into the camshaft itself. The camshaft position sensor is mounted so that these teeth/cogs pass very closely to its magnetic end.
As the camshaft rotates, the raised areas complete an electromagnetic circuit. When the indentations (between the teeth pass) pass the camshaft sensor, the circuit is briefly interrupted. Since the camshaft rotates very quickly, the process of repeatedly completing and interrupting the circuit occurs in milliseconds. This progression of completing and interrupting the camshaft position sensor circuit produces a waveform pattern. This pattern is recognized by the PCM as camshaft position.
All of the camshaft position sensors and the crankshaft sensor function in a similar manner. When the engine is running, the PCM constantly compares input signals from the camshafts and the crankshaft. If the camshaft position is not within a specified degree of variation from the crankshaft and other camshafts, under certain circumstances, for a set period of time, a P0367 code will be stored and a MIL may be illuminated.
Typically, when this code is set, the engine will continue to start and run but will fail to perform at an efficient level.