mmhmbeer

Hi there,

I'm getting a couple engine codes (P0365 and P0368) on my 08 RX350 AWD. Sometimes the code(s) will disappear while driving even though I did not clear it/them. Sometimes it's just the P0368 code alone. Sometimes it's both. P0365 has not be observed by itself. Both codes seem to correspond to camshaft position sensor 'B', circuit bank 1. I found a diagram that points me toward the two CPS units on the backside of the engine. The Air/Fuel Ratio sensor was replaced about 1000 miles ago.

Question 1) Is one of these sensors 'A' and the other 'B'? If so, which one is 'B'?

Question 2) I've seen multiple mentions that the connectors are suspect as well. Would the intermittent nature of the codes indicate that the connector is probably fine? I'm assuming that a broken connector wire would throw a code that wouldn't stop?

Question 3) I'm a decently skilled diy mechanic, am I out of my league here?

Thanks!

DennisMik

Bank 1 is next to the firewall in the RX. It has cylinders 1, 3 and 5. It is also called the right bank.
Bank 2 is next to the radiator in the RX. It has cylinders 2, 4 and 6. It is also called the left bank.

There are a total of 4 camshaft sensors on the engine, one for each camshaft.

Each cylinder head has 2 camshafts, one for the intake valves and one for the exhaust valves.
The camshaft sensor for the intake valve cam is referred to as sensor A or sensor 1.
The camshaft sensor for the exhaust valve cam is referred to as sensor B or sensor 2.

The intake valve camshaft is located towards the center of the engine where the intake manifold attaches.
Your problem is the sensor B for the exhaust valve camshaft. This camshaft is closer to the outside edge of the head where the exhaust manifold attaches.

The sensor B is located on the top of the head, not exactly centered, but off to the side of center. You need a 10mm socket to remove the one bolt that holds it in. then it theoretically slides right out. Reality says the o-ring that seals the oil in will make it tough to pull out. So twist and pull and grunt. But when you unplug the wire harness, look at the electrical contact for corrosion that looks like a greenish or whitish powdery stuff. If there is no corrosion, the sensor is most likely bad.

Margate330

Hi mmhmbeer,

Sensor A is Intake Cam Sensor and Sensor B is the Exhaust Cam Sensor.
Freeze frame data would be helpful to see what the conditions are when codes are set or if it is all the time(clearing the code and it always instantly reappears would mean it is constant failure of some kind and would be easier to troubleshoot but not necessarily easier to fix).
Checking wiring integrity is easy with a schematic but only if it stays broken long enough to find the problem- if it is intermittent be ready for pulling out hair. lol
Diagnosing this is well within range for DIY for someone decently skilled but I wouldn't expect to count on the camshaft waveforms in the manual for anything more than reference because I found them useless on the RX330 3MZFE engine for measuring the camshaft timing and a scope like the Hantek 1008C would be needed to dig in that deep so hoping you don't have to go there.

Hopefully it's something simple like a bad/loose plug for you.

Axeman

Is this true for a 2003 Rx300 1MF-FE engine? I am not able to find any exhaust cam sensors as stated. Am I missing something? Mine has Cam sensor on the rear of each head on an angle, looking at mine, but I don't see my sensors in the valley where the intake manifold is. Thank you