P0369 on 2014-2018 Ram 2500: Intermittent Cam Sensor Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2014-2018 Ram 2500

For this generation of Ram trucks, code P0369 is more complex than on many other vehicles. A manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), specifically a STAR Case (#05149141A), was issued that instructs dealership technicians to contact a factory engineer before replacing the camshaft position sensor for this code. This is highly unusual and indicates a known underlying issue that may not be solved by a simple sensor swap. It points towards hard-to-diagnose wiring problems or software sensitivities that the manufacturer was actively investigating at a high level.

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 stalls intermittently, sometimes when coming to a stop
• Rough or erratic idle
• Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
• Hard starting or extended cranking time
• Vehicle may enter 'limp mode' with reduced power and speed
• Traction control light may illuminate simultaneously

Most Likely Causes

1. Wiring Harness or Connector Damage 🔴 High Probability The engine bay environment exposes wiring to significant heat and vibration. The cam sensor harness, particularly where it runs near the back of the engine close to the firewall, can rub against other components or brackets. This causes wires to chafe or break internally, leading to an intermittent signal that sets P0369.
   How to confirm: With the engine running, carefully wiggle the wiring harness leading to the Bank 1 camshaft position sensor, focusing on the area near the firewall and the connector itself. If this action causes the engine to stumble, stall, or the code to appear, you've found the problem area. Visually inspect the entire length of the harness for melted insulation, chafing, or corrosion in the connector.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire or replace the connector pigtail. Use heat-shrink tubing for a durable repair. Ensure the harness is properly secured away from heat sources or sharp edges using zip ties.
   Est. part cost: $15-$50
2. Failing Camshaft Position Sensor 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft Position Sensor The sensor itself, located on the rear of the passenger-side cylinder head, can degrade over time from extreme heat cycles, leading to erratic signal output. While it's a common cause, the intermittent nature of P0369 and the associated TSB suggest ruling out wiring first. Forum members consistently report better long-term success with OEM Mopar sensors over aftermarket alternatives.
   How to confirm: If the wiring is confirmed to be good, the sensor is the next likely culprit. An oscilloscope is the best tool to view the sensor's square wave signal and spot dropouts. A DIY method is to swap the Bank 1 sensor with the Bank 2 (driver's side) sensor and see if the code changes to P0394 (the equivalent code for Bank 2).
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 1 (passenger side) camshaft position sensor. Using a high-quality OEM part from Mopar is strongly recommended to avoid repeat failures.
   Est. part cost: $40-$90
3. PCM Software Calibration ⚪ Low Probability FCA has released software updates for similar engines to make the PCM less sensitive to very brief, insignificant signal glitches. TSB 18-049-20 for 2016-2017 Durango/Grand Cherokee changed this code from a one-trip to a two-trip fault. This indicates the factory calibration may be overly sensitive, and a similar logic may apply to the Ram trucks, making a software update a potential fix for persistent, non-mechanical faults.
   How to confirm: A dealership or a well-equipped independent shop can check if your vehicle's PCM has the latest software version installed using a wiTECH scan tool by checking your VIN against available TSBs.
   Typical fix: Reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. This is a dealer or professional-level repair.
   Est. part cost: $0-$200

Rare But Worth Checking

• Stretched Timing Chain: → Shop Engine Timing Chain On higher-mileage HEMI engines, a worn timing chain can introduce enough slack to cause erratic readings between the cam and crank sensors. This is usually a more severe issue and is often accompanied by rattling noises 🎬 Watch: Detailed explanation of the 6.4 Hemi camshaft removal process. or other timing-related codes like P0016.
• Failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) In rare cases, the internal driver circuit in the PCM that interprets the sensor's signal can fail. This should only be considered after all other possibilities, including wiring and the sensor itself, have been exhaustively ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check for other DTCs. Pay close attention to any other cam, crank, or circuit-related codes.
2. Perform a thorough visual inspection of the Bank 1 (passenger side) camshaft position sensor, its connector, and the wiring harness. The sensor is at the back of the cylinder head and can be difficult to see. Look for obvious signs of damage, melting, or chafing, especially where the harness runs near the firewall.
3. With the engine idling, carefully wiggle the sensor connector and the harness section behind the engine. Listen for any change in engine idle, stumbling, or stalling, which would indicate an intermittent connection.
4. If a multimeter is available, disconnect the sensor and check for a 5-volt reference and a good ground at the connector with the key on, engine off.
5. If accessible, swap the Bank 1 (passenger side) and Bank 2 (driver's side) camshaft position sensors. They are typically the same part. Clear the codes and drive the vehicle to see if the fault code moves to Bank 2 (P0394). If it does, the sensor is faulty.
6. If the problem persists, advanced diagnosis with an oscilloscope is the definitive way to monitor the sensor's signal pattern for dropouts or noise while performing a wiggle test.
7. If all else fails, consult a dealer to check for any available PCM software updates as mentioned in related TSBs.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Camshaft Position Sensor (Bank 1) (OEM #5149054AC (may be superseded by 5149054AD or 5149054AE)) — This sensor is the primary component that generates the signal. If wiring is good, the sensor itself is the next most likely part to have failed. Note: Part number is based on data for HEMI engines; always verify with VIN. 🎬 See this walkthrough for a quick sensor swap on Ram trucks.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Bosch, NTK
  OEM price range: $50-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$60
• Camshaft Position Sensor Connector Pigtail — If the connector itself is damaged or corroded, or if the wires are broken right at the connector, replacing the pigtail is the standard repair.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Dorman
  OEM price range: $25-$50
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0365 — This is the code for 'Camshaft Position Sensor 'B' Circuit (Bank 1)'. P0365 indicates a general circuit malfunction, while P0369 specifies that the malfunction is intermittent. They often appear together as the PCM tries to classify the fault.
• P0344 — This is the intermittent fault code for the 'A' (intake) camshaft sensor on the same bank. If both appear, it could point to a shared wiring or power/ground issue affecting both sensors on Bank 1.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 05149141A: Instructs technicians to contact a specific engineer at Chrysler before replacing a camshaft position sensor for a P0369 fault, indicating a complex underlying issue was being investigated.
• 18-049-20: (Supersedes 18-024-17 REV. C) While not for the Ram 2500 specifically, this TSB for other models with the same engines involves a PCM update to change P0369 from a one-trip to a two-trip fault to reduce false positives from transient glitches.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A notable Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #05149141A), a STAR Case, exists for this code, instructing dealers to contact Chrysler engineering before replacing the sensor. This points to a known complex issue beyond a simple part failure, likely related to hard-to-find wiring faults.
• A related TSB for other FCA vehicles with the same engines (TSB #18-049-20) involves a PCM software update to make the system less sensitive to intermittent signal drops, suggesting the factory calibration can be too sensitive.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Position Sensor 5-Volt Supply — expected: 4.5 - 5.2 Volts with key on, engine off.. Failure: Voltage below 4.5V or above 5.5V points to a problem in the supply circuit from the PCM or the PCM itself.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Signal (Live Data/Scope) — expected: A clean digital square wave pattern that switches between approximately 0V and 5V as the engine runs.. Failure: Irregular spikes, dropouts to 0V, or a noisy pattern indicate an intermittent sensor, wiring, or ground fault.
• Sensor Ground Circuit Resistance — expected: Less than 3.0 Ohms between the ground pin at the sensor connector and a known good chassis ground. Some sources state less than 0.2 Ω to the battery negative terminal is ideal.. Failure: High resistance indicates a corroded or loose ground connection, which can cause erratic sensor signals.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Connector Pinout (HEMI V8) — expected: Pin 1: 5V Supply (Brown/White wire). Pin 2: Ground. Pin 3: Signal (Green/White wire).. Failure: Incorrect voltages on any pin. With key on, engine off, you should see 5V on Pin 1, good ground on Pin 2 (reads 12V when testing from battery positive), and 5V on Pin 3 (signal wire bias voltage).

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH or equivalent professional scanner: Live Data Graphing (Camshaft Sensor Voltage/Signal) — This is the most critical function for P0369. It allows a technician to view the sensor's signal in real-time while performing a 'wiggle test' on the harness to see if the signal drops out, confirming an intermittent wiring or connector fault.
• wiTECH or equivalent professional scanner: PCM Reprogram/Flash — If no physical faults can be found in the sensor or wiring, checking for an updated PCM calibration is a valid step. Related TSBs for other FCA vehicles show that software updates were released to make the PCM less sensitive to minor, transient signal glitches that could set this code.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Main Engine-to-Chassis Ground Strap — Typically a braided strap from the engine block (often near the alternator or passenger side of the block) to the vehicle's frame rail or firewall.. A corroded or loose main engine ground can introduce electrical noise and unstable voltage references for all engine sensors, including the camshaft position sensor. This can cause intermittent signal faults like P0369 even if the sensor's specific circuit appears intact.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Connector (Bank 1) — At the rear of the passenger-side cylinder head, near the firewall. It is a 3-pin connector.. This is the primary point of failure due to heat and vibration. Loose pins, corrosion, or broken wires right at the connector are extremely common causes for this intermittent code.
• PCM Connector — The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is located in the engine bay, often near the fuse box or on the firewall. The cam sensor wires terminate here.. In rare cases of persistent faults where the sensor and harness test good, checking for corrosion or pushed-out pins at the PCM connector is the final step in diagnosing the circuit.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Forum User (2016 Ram 2500 Outdoorsman 4x4 6.4L HEMI, 7100 miles) — Truck went into Limp Mode intermittently. Codes P0369 and P0394 were present.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The dealership initially could not replicate the problem.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The technician found a ground wire that was not properly secured from the factory. After tightening the ground connection, the problem was resolved.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• While the most common fixes are the sensor and wiring, a real-world case on a 2016 Ram 2500 with only 7,100 miles was resolved by finding and tightening a loose factory ground wire. This highlights the importance of checking fundamental connections, as suggested by the unusual TSB, before replacing parts, even on low-mileage trucks.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 5149054AA → 5149054AB, then 5149054AC — Standard part revision and improvement by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: The latest revision (5149054AC or newer) is recommended and should be fully compatible with all specified model years. Using older stock (AA, AB) is not advised.