P2B38: A Camshaft Profile Actuator B Control Circuit High Bank 2
The control circuit of camshaft profile actuator B on the intake side of bank 2 reports a control circuit high condition. Cam profile B (high-lift or VTEC-style) cannot be commanded reliably.
What P2B38 means
P2B38 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 higher than it should ever be — often an open ground, a short to power, or a failed sensor. Bank 2 is the side of a V or flat engine opposite cylinder 1.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- Yes — can fail inspection
- Limp mode possible
- Yes
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Power loss especially in mid-rpm range
- Possible rough idle or stalling
- Increased fuel consumption
Common causes
- 01Control wire shorted to B+Most likely
- 02Open actuator coilPossible
- 03Connector pins corroded - high contact resistanceLess likely
Can I drive with P2B38?
Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop.
This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
Why we rate it urgent
- Can put the vehicle in limp mode (reduced power)
- Turns on the check engine light
- Emissions-related: will usually fail an OBD inspection
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.
How to diagnose P2B38
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P2B38. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for P2B35, P2B3B, P2B3E, P002F. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the a camshaft profile actuator b bank 2 and wiring harness 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
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Control wire shorted to B+; open actuator coil; connector pins corroded - high contact resistance. Test before replacing parts.
- 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
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.
P2B38 repair cost estimate
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
- Moderate
- Good DIY job?
- Usually a shop job
Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.
Parts and systems involved
- A camshaft profile actuator B bank 2
- Wiring harness
- ECM
P2B38 FAQ
What does P2B38 mean?
P2B38 means “A Camshaft Profile Actuator B Control Circuit High Bank 2”. The control circuit of camshaft profile actuator B on the intake side of bank 2 reports a control circuit high condition. Cam profile B (high-lift or VTEC-style) cannot be commanded reliably.
Is P2B38 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P2B38 as urgent severity. Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop. This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
What causes P2B38?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Control wire shorted to B+; Open actuator coil; Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P2B38?
Typical labor is about $125–$500 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 P2B38 myself?
DIY difficulty is moderate. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P2B38 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.