How to Fix P0366 Trouble Code?
2 Answers
P0366 trouble code can be resolved by replacing the camshaft. This code indicates a fault in the B (exhaust/right/rear) camshaft (CMP). The reasons for camshaft failure are as follows: 1. The camshaft is located at the end of the engine lubrication system, so the lubrication condition is not ideal. If the oil pump fails to provide sufficient oil pressure due to prolonged use, or the lubrication channels are blocked preventing oil from reaching the camshaft, or the bearing cap fastening bolts are overtightened preventing oil from entering the camshaft clearance, all these can cause abnormal wear of the camshaft. 2. Abnormal wear of the camshaft can increase the clearance between the camshaft and the bearing seat, causing axial displacement during camshaft movement, which results in abnormal noise. Abnormal wear can also increase the clearance between the cam lobe and the hydraulic lifter, causing impact and noise when they engage. 3. The camshaft may sometimes suffer severe failures such as fractures. Common causes include shattered or severely worn hydraulic lifters, severe lubrication failure, poor-quality camshaft, or a broken camshaft timing gear. 4. Incorrect disassembly or assembly of the camshaft during engine repair can lead to camshaft failure. For example, forcibly striking the camshaft bearing cap with a hammer or prying it with a screwdriver during removal; installing the bearing cap in the wrong position causing mismatch with the bearing seat; overtightening the bearing cap fastening bolts. When installing the bearing cap, pay attention to the directional arrows and position numbers marked on the cap surface, and strictly follow the specified torque using a torque wrench to tighten the bearing cap bolts.
Seeing the P0366 trouble code, I remember encountering a similar issue before, usually related to the camshaft position sensor circuit. I'll first check if the sensor itself is damaged or contaminated with oil, using a multimeter to measure the resistance value, which should normally be between 250 and 1500 ohms. If the reading is abnormal, it might be due to sensor aging causing inaccurate signals. Next, I'll inspect the wiring connectors to see if there are any loose, corroded, or broken connections. Just last month, I helped a friend fix a car where water in the connector caused a short circuit—cleaning it made the trouble code disappear. Then, I'll consider whether a loose timing chain is affecting the sensor signal and check the wear on the belt or chain. If all these seem fine, it's best to use a diagnostic tool to read detailed information from the engine control unit, as sometimes the issue is a software fault in the ECU that requires an update. The whole process requires careful attention to avoid misdiagnosis. I recommend starting with the simplest checks and troubleshooting step by step—taking the time to address each potential issue will lead to a solution. Of course, safety comes first; always ensure the engine is off during inspection to prevent any accidents.
