P0369 on 2016-2017 Acura MDX: Cam Sensor Fault or Major Engine Problem?

What's Unique About the 2016-2017 Acura MDX

For this specific generation of Acura MDX with the 3.5L V6 engine, P0369 is a well-documented and critical code. Acura has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) acknowledging that this code is frequently a symptom of a deeper mechanical failure: excessive camshaft end play. This causes the camshaft to move back and forth, disrupting the sensor's reading and triggering the code. The TSB explicitly states that the cause is a camshaft thrust cover with out-of-spec surface roughness, which is then worn down further by the camshaft. Simply replacing the sensor 🎬 Watch: Locate the camshaft position sensor on your MDX will not fix the underlying mechanical problem and the code will return.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light (MIL) is on
• Engine running in reduced power mode ("limp mode")
• Engine hesitates or stumbles during acceleration
• Rough idle
• Difficulty starting the engine
• Potential for the engine to stall
• VSA and other warning lights may illuminate on the dash

Most Likely Causes

1. Excessive Camshaft End Play 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft Acura TSBs #B18010G and #BTS161201 state that the surface roughness of the camshaft thrust cover can be out of spec, leading to premature wear and excessive movement. The camshaft then 'machines' the cover, worsening the problem over time and causing the intermittent signal.
   How to confirm: A mechanic must measure the camshaft end play using a dial indicator. The standard specification is 0.05-0.25 mm (0.002-0.010 in.), with a service limit of 0.5 mm (0.02 in.). Readings exceeding the service limit confirm the mechanical issue.
   Typical fix: Replacement of the affected Bank 1 (rear) camshaft and the camshaft thrust cover as a set. The camshaft position sensor is also typically replaced at the same time due to potential damage or as a preventative measure. The TSB also advises checking the camshaft pulley for damage.
   Est. part cost: $500-$800
2. Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft Position Sensor While less likely to be the root cause than end play on this specific vehicle, the sensor itself can fail from heat and age like on any car.
   How to confirm: If camshaft end play is confirmed to be within specification, the sensor itself can be tested. With the key on, the power wire and signal wire should both show approximately 5 volts. The ground wire should have continuity to the battery negative terminal. If voltages are correct, the sensor is the likely culprit.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 1 Camshaft Position Sensor 'B'.
   Est. part cost: $70-$160
3. Wiring or Connector Issue ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for the Bank 1 CMP sensor for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose pins. Test for proper voltage (approx. 5V) and ground at the connector per the service manual. Check for a blown fuse, which may be labeled 'SNS' or 'sensor' in the fuse box.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged wiring or replace the connector pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $15-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is very uncommon. The PCM should only be considered after all other possibilities, especially the known TSB issue, have been thoroughly ruled out.
• Timing Belt Issue: → Shop Engine Timing Chain A timing belt that has skipped a tooth or a failing tensioner could theoretically cause this code, but it is much less likely than the documented camshaft end play problem. This repair often involves timing belt service, so the components will be inspected anyway.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the fault codes with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0369 is present.
2. Crucial Step: Following Acura's TSBs, mechanically check for excessive camshaft end play on Bank 1 (rear bank). This is the most important diagnostic step for this specific vehicle and code.
3. If end play is excessive (greater than the 0.5 mm service limit), proceed with the mechanical repair outlined in the TSBs (replacing the camshaft and thrust cover). Also inspect the camshaft pulley for damage.
4. If end play is within specifications, proceed with electrical diagnosis.
5. Inspect the camshaft position sensor's wiring harness and connector for damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
6. Use a multimeter to test for correct voltage at the sensor connector. With the key on, you should see ~5V on the power wire and ~5V on the signal wire.
7. Monitor the live data from the CMP sensor on a scan tool while the engine is running. Look for signal dropouts or erratic readings that correspond with engine RPM changes.
8. If the wiring is good but the signal is intermittent, replace the camshaft position sensor.
9. After repairs, clear the code and perform a test drive, including acceleration, to ensure the issue is resolved.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Camshaft (Bank 1, Rear) (OEM #14200-RLV-A00) — This is the primary fix recommended by Acura's TSBs when excessive end play is the cause.
  Trusted brands: Acura (OEM)
  OEM price range: $300-$450
• Camshaft Thrust Cover — Must be replaced along with the camshaft to provide a new, in-spec surface and prevent the problem from recurring.
  Trusted brands: Acura (OEM)
  OEM price range: $30-$50
• Camshaft Position Sensor (Bank 1, Sensor B) (OEM #37840-R70-A01) — This is the part that logs the fault. It should be replaced if it has failed, or as part of the larger camshaft replacement job.
  Trusted brands: Denso, NGK/NTK, Acura (OEM)
  OEM price range: $100-$160
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$90

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• B18010G (January 2018): "Reduced Engine Power: MIL On with DTC P0369... From our investigation, we've found that the camshaft thrust cover surface roughness is out of spec... For now, replace the affected camshaft and camshaft thrust cover together, along with the damaged CMP sensor."
• BTS161201: "We're getting reports of reduced engine power with the MIL on. Service techs are seeing DTC P0369 (CMP sensor circuit intermittent interruption) and signs of excessive camshaft end play."

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Acura has identified an issue where the camshaft thrust cover's surface roughness is out of specification, leading to excessive camshaft end play. This mechanical movement causes an intermittent signal from the camshaft position sensor, triggering code P0369. This is detailed in TSBs #B18010G and #BTS161201.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft End Play — expected: 0.05–0.25 mm (0.002–0.010 in.). Failure: Exceeds service limit of 0.5 mm (0.02 in.)
• CMP Sensor Connector Voltage (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: Approx. 5V on power wire and 5V on signal wire, relative to ground.. Failure: No voltage or significantly lower voltage on either wire points to a wiring or PCM issue.
• CMP Sensor Ground Circuit Test — expected: Approx. 12V (Battery Voltage) when measuring between the sensor connector's ground pin and the positive battery terminal.. Failure: A reading of 0V or significantly less than battery voltage indicates a bad ground connection.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Honda Diagnostic System (HDS): CMP NOISE in DATA LIST — After starting the engine, a technician can monitor the 'CMP NOISE' parameter. An abnormal reading can help confirm an intermittent electrical or mechanical issue affecting the CMP sensor signal before performing a physical teardown.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Engine Hanger (Ground Point) — Under the plastic engine cover, there is a metal engine hanger bracket which Acura designates as the official grounding point for procedures like jump-starting.. While not a direct ground for the CMP sensor, ensuring all main engine grounds are clean and secure is a critical first step in diagnosing any electrical fault. A poor main ground can cause floating voltages and erratic sensor behavior across the engine.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Acurazine.com user (2017 Acura MDX, 72,000 miles) — Check Engine Light, limp mode, P0369 code stored.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The user went straight for the TSB diagnosis, so no other parts were tried first.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The dealer diagnosed excessive camshaft end play per the TSB. The user was quoted for the full repair including camshaft and thrust cover replacement. The user noted Acura corporate was unwilling to provide goodwill assistance despite the known manufacturing issue.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 14200-5J6-A20 → 14200-RLV-A00 — Part revision or supplier change. The TSB for the end play issue specifies using the newer parts.
  Heads up: Using the older part number may re-introduce the original wear problem.
• 14200-RLV-A00 → 14200-5MR-A00 — Part revision for newer models.
  Heads up: Part 14200-5MR-A00 is listed for newer Honda/Acura models and may not be backward compatible with the 2016-2017 MDX. Stick with 14200-RLV-A00 for this repair.