P23EDPowertrain · Timing, cam & crankGeneric (SAE) code

P23ED: Camshaft B Position Signal Output Circuit Low Bank 1

Same as P23EA on cam B bank 1. Wiring faults of this kind typically come from chafing, water ingress at connector seals, or pin push-back — a wiggle test on the harness while the code is active often confirms the location.

Typical labor cost
$40–$150 est.
18 min–1.2 h at an assumed $125/hr · parts extra · use your rate
Most common fix
Output line shorted to ground
DIY difficulty: Easy · DIY-friendly
01 —What it means

What P23ED means

P23ED is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the timing, cam & crank group. In plain English: the computer sees a voltage on that circuit that is lower than it should ever be — often a short to ground, an open, or a failed sensor. Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1 (inline engines only have bank 1).

P
Powertrain
2
Generic (SAE)
3
Subsystem group
ED
Specific fault
How to read P23ED. We group it under Timing, cam & crank.
Check engine light
Usually on
Emissions-related
No
Limp mode possible
Not typical
Drive cycle to clear
Not required
Code data: OBDex (CC0)

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02 —Symptoms

Symptoms

What drivers typically notice
  • Check engine light on
  • Power loss especially in mid-rpm range
  • Possible rough idle or stalling
  • Increased fuel consumption
Code data: OBDex (CC0)
03 —Causes

Common causes

Ranked from most to least likely
  1. 01Output line shorted to groundMost likely
  2. 02Connector pins corroded - high contact resistanceLess likely
  3. 03Harness chafing through insulationLess likely
Code data: OBDex (CC0)
04 —Severity

Can I drive with P23ED?

Moderate

Usually yes, for a short time.

The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.

Why we rate it moderate

  • Turns on the check engine light

Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
05 —Diagnosis

How to diagnose P23ED

General procedure — follow the service manual for your vehicle
  1. 1

    Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data

    Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P23ED. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.

  2. 2

    Check for related codes first

    Look for P23EA, P23F0, P2615. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.

  3. 3

    Test the circuit

    Inspect the wiring and connector at the cam position signal b bank 1 output for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.

  4. 4

    Test the likely causes in order

    Start with the most likely cause and work down: Output line shorted to ground; connector pins corroded - high contact resistance; harness chafing through insulation. Test before replacing parts.

  5. 5

    Check for recalls and service bulletins

    Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.

  6. 6

    Clear the code and verify the repair

    After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
06 —Cost

P23ED repair cost estimate

Labor only — set your local shop rate
Labor estimate for P23ED
$40–$150
18 min–1.2 h of labor × $125/hr (assumed rate) · parts extra

Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.

DIY difficulty
Easy
Good DIY job?
Yes, with a scan tool

Basic hand tools; a common first DIY job.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
07 —Components

Parts and systems involved

  • Cam position signal B bank 1 output
Code data: OBDex (CC0)
09 —FAQ

P23ED FAQ

What does P23ED mean?

P23ED means “Camshaft B Position Signal Output Circuit Low Bank 1”. Same as P23EA on cam B bank 1. Wiring faults of this kind typically come from chafing, water ingress at connector seals, or pin push-back — a wiggle test on the harness while the code is active often confirms the location.

Is P23ED serious? Can I keep driving?

We rate P23ED as moderate severity. Usually yes, for a short time. The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.

What causes P23ED?

The most common causes, from most to least likely: Output line shorted to ground; Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance; Harness chafing through insulation. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.

How much does it cost to fix P23ED?

Typical labor is about $40–$150 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.

Can I fix P23ED myself?

DIY difficulty is easy. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.

Will P23ED clear itself?

If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)