P1350 — SGC (Cam Position) Sensor Circuit Malfunction/ Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation

How do I diagnose P1350 myself?

Start with a scan: confirm P1350, save the freeze frame and note any companion codes. Then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the camshaft position and variable valve timing, and verify the suspect component against live data before buying parts.

What is the most common cause of P1350?

The most common causes are: stuck or clogged VVT oil control valve (OCV), faulty camshaft position sensor, low or dirty engine oil affecting VVT.

Will P1350 clear itself?

Sometimes P1350 clears after a few drive cycles if the fault was intermittent — for example a loose connector or a tank of bad fuel. The underlying cause usually remains, so the code tends to return. Clear it once; if it comes back, diagnose rather than erase it repeatedly.

What are the symptoms of P1350?

Drivers most often notice: hard starting or extended cranking, rough idle and poor low-end torque, Check Engine Light on, increased fuel consumption.

How much does it cost to fix P1350?

Replace the camshaft position sensor — $120–$350; Timing chain/belt repair — $800–$2,500; Replace the VVT oil control valve — $200–$500. Exact cost depends on the root cause, your vehicle and local labor rates — a proper diagnosis is the cheapest first step.

The engine control module logs OBD2 trouble code P1350 when it detects a problem with the camshaft position sensor circuit or the relationship between crankshaft and camshaft timing. In plain language, this code indicates that the signals coming from the camshaft position sensor don't match what the ECU expects based on crankshaft position data. Modern engines use variable valve timing (VVT) systems that depend on precise synchronization between the crankshaft and camshaft(s) to optimize power, fuel economy, and emissions. When this synchronization breaks down or the sensor circuit malfunctions, the control module sets P1350 and illuminates the Check Engine light.

The ECU continuously watches the camshaft position sensor output and compares it against the crankshaft position signal. These two signals must stay in a predictable relationship for the engine to fire correctly. If the readings drift outside the acceptable window for the programmed number of drive cycles, the module stores P1350 and records freeze frame data showing exactly what the engine was doing at the moment the fault occurred. That snapshot—engine speed, load, temperature, and vehicle speed—is the first place to look when you start troubleshooting.

Common Symptoms of P1350

The Check Engine light appears on your dashboard, which is the module's way of telling you something is wrong with the valve timing or cam sensor circuit.

The engine may crank longer than normal before starting, or fail to start altogether in more serious cases where timing has jumped significantly.

Idle quality suffers noticeably. You might feel a rough or unstable idle, and low-end torque often drops, making the car feel sluggish off the line.

Fuel economy worsens because the engine management system can't maintain proper air-fuel ratios when cam-crank correlation is off.

Reduced engine power is common, especially under load, as the VVT system either stays stuck in one position or the ECU reverts to a safe-but-limited operating mode.

In severe cases, particularly on interference engines where valves and pistons occupy the same space at different times, the engine may not start at all if timing has jumped badly.

What Causes P1350?

A stuck or clogged VVT oil control valve ranks among the most frequent culprits. These valves use engine oil pressure to actuate the cam phaser, and dirty or low oil causes them to seize.

Worn timing chain or timing belt components, including jumped timing, directly affect the relationship between crankshaft and camshaft rotation, triggering P1350.

A faulty camshaft position sensor itself can send incorrect or intermittent signals to the ECU, making it appear that timing is off when the real issue is the sensor.

Worn cam phaser (the variable valve timing actuator) can fail to move to the commanded position, breaking the synchronization the ECU expects.

Damaged wiring, corroded connectors, or a warped reluctor ring on the cam sensor distorts the signal the control module receives.

Dirty or low engine oil directly impacts hydraulic VVT operation, since these systems rely on clean oil pressure to function.

How to Diagnose P1350

Pull the code with an OBD2 scanner and capture the freeze frame data. This recorded snapshot tells you engine RPM, load percentage, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed at the exact moment the fault was detected—critical information for recreating the failure condition.

Check for related diagnostic trouble codes before starting. Codes pointing to oil pressure, other sensor circuits, or timing-related systems often reveal the root cause faster than focusing on P1350 alone. Also search for any applicable TSBs for your specific make and model, as manufacturers sometimes publish software updates or known fixes for recurring issues.

Visually inspect the wiring harness and electrical connectors tied to the camshaft position sensor and VVT system. Look for frayed wires, corrosion, bent pins, or loose connections that could interrupt the signal.

Examine the engine oil next. Check the level with the dipstick and evaluate the condition—dark, sludgy, or low oil prevents proper VVT function and can set P1350 even when everything else is mechanically sound.

Monitor live data on a scan tool while the engine runs. Compare the commanded cam position versus the actual reading as you rev the engine. A large gap between these values points toward a mechanical failure in the phaser or a seized oil control valve rather than an electrical problem.

Clear the code and complete a drive cycle that recreates the freeze frame conditions. If P1350 returns, you have confirmed an active fault and can proceed with targeted repairs.

Repair Options and Costs for P1350

Start with the least expensive likely cause before committing to major repairs:

Replacing the camshaft position sensor typically runs $120–$350, including parts and labor at an independent shop. This is often the fix when the sensor itself has failed electrically.

Repairing or replacing the timing chain or belt assembly costs $800–$2,500 depending on engine design and how much labor is involved. This becomes necessary when jumped timing or a stretched chain is the underlying problem.

Installing a new VVT oil control valve generally runs $200–$500. This repair addresses the most common mechanical cause of P1350 on higher-mileage vehicles.

Total Cost Summary for P1350 Repairs

The total bill hinges entirely on which part is actually faulty. Simple sensor replacement lands at the low end around $120, while full timing chain work climbs to $2,500 or more on some engines. Always confirm the root cause through proper diagnosis before purchasing parts—the worst-case scenario should never be your first assumption.

Can You Drive with P1350?

Drive with caution. The engine may run roughly or activate a failsafe mode that limits performance until the issue is resolved. If the timing chain has jumped or the phaser has failed completely, continued operation on an interference engine risks catastrophic valve and piston damage. Address this code promptly and avoid long trips until you have diagnosed the underlying cause.

Related OBD2 Codes

• P1300: Multi-faults - Bank 1 - With Low Side Shorts
• P1301: Multi-faults - Bank 2 - With Low Side Shorts
• P1302: Injector High Sides Shorted Together
• P1303: IDM Failure
• P1304: Cylinder Head Overtemperature Protection Active
• P1305: Boost Calibration Fault