P1397 fault code: what it means

P1397: Exhaust camshaft position sensor (B) circuit fault, bank 1.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Costly if missed

Usual causes, most likely first

faulty exhaust camshaft sensor
oil in the plug
wiring fault

P1397 by make

BMW

Exhaust camshaft position sensor (B) circuit fault, bank 1.

Usual causes: faulty exhaust camshaft sensor; oil in the plug; wiring fault

Mini

Exhaust camshaft position sensor (B) circuit fault, bank 1.

Usual causes: faulty exhaust camshaft sensor; oil in the plug; wiring fault

Porsche

Bank 2 camshaft position sensor fault. Can cause stalling or no start; check cam timing if the sensor is good.

Usual causes: faulty camshaft sensor; signal wire fault to the DME; cam timing fault (chain)

What the repair usually costs

Crankshaft or camshaft position sensor replaceNZ$100–NZ$590 · A$100–A$580
Timing chain, tensioner and guides (4-cylinder)NZ$1,120–NZ$2,530 · A$1,160–A$2,570

Not sure what P1397 means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.