BMW P0385 Crankshaft Position Sensor B Circuit

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0385 BMW

Crankshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0385 BMW definition:
The crankshaft position sensor (CKP) measures crankshaft location and relays this information to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). Depending on the vehicle, the PCM uses this crankshaft position information to time the spark properly or on some systems it is only for misfire detection and does not control spark timing. The CKP sensor is stationary and works in harmony with a reluctor ring (or toothed ring) that is attached to the crankshaft. As this reluctor ring passes in front of the CKP sensor, the magnetic field created by the CKP sensor is interrupted and this creates a square wave voltage signal that the PCM interprets as crankshaft position. If the PCM detects that there are no crankshaft pulses or if it sees a problem with the pulses on the output circuit, P0385 BMW will set.

Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0385 BMW
NOTE: If the crank sensor is used only for misfire detection and NOT spark timing (this varies with the vehicle), the vehicle should start and run with MIL (Malfunction indicator lamp) illumination. Also, some vehicles require several key cycles to illuminate the MIL. If this is the case, there may be no MIL illumination until the problem often enough over time. If the crank sensor is used for BOTH misfire detection and spark timing, the vehicle may or may not start. Symptoms may include: Vehicle may not start (see above) Vehicle may run rough or misfire MIL illumination

Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0385 BMW
Damaged CKP sensor connector Damaged reluctor ring (missing teeth or not turning due to sheared-off keyway) Sensor output open Sensor output shorted to ground Sensor output shorted to voltage Failed crank sensor Failed PCM

Possible Solutions

Using a scan tool, check if, when engine is running or cranking, that there is an RPM signal. If there is no RPM reading, then visually inspect the crank Sensor Bnd connector for any damage and repair as necessary. If there is no visible damage, and you have access to a scope, you could check the CKP 5 Volt square wave pattern. If you do not, then, obtain a resistance reading of your crank sensor from a repair manual. (There are so many different types of crank sensors that there’s no way to put here which resistance reading is correct). Then check the resistance of the CKP sensor by disconnecting the Sensor Bnd measuring resistance of the sensor. (It is best to check resistance readings from the PCM connector. This rules out any wiring problems from the start. But it does require some mechanical skill and shouldn’t be performed if you’re not familiar with automobile electrical systems). Is the sensor within resistance specs? If not, replace the CKP sensor. If so, recheck resistance reading from the PCM connector. Is the reading still okay? If not, repair open or short in the wiring to the crank Sensor Bnd re-check. If the reading is okay, the problem is intermittent or the PCM may be at fault. Try reconnecting and checking for RPM signal again. If there is now an RPM signal, wiggle test the wiring harness to try and induce the fault.

Related Codes

P0335 BMW P0335 BMW P0385 BMW P0016 BMW P0017 BMW P0018 BMW P0019 BMW P0335 BMW P0336 BMW P0337 BMW P0338 BMW P0339 BMW P0385 BMW P0386 BMW P0387 BMW P0388 BMW P0389 BMW


The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For BMW:

2013 BMW X6 M50d,2013 BMW X6,2013 BMW X5 eDrive Concept,2013 BMW X5 Security Plus Concept,2013 BMW X5 M50d,2013 BMW X4 Concept,2013 BMW X1,2013 BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe,2013 BMW M6 Coupe US-Version,2013 BMW M6 Coupe,2013 BMW M6 Convertible,2013 BMW M5 US-Version,2013 BMW M550d xDrive Touring,2013 BMW M550d xDrive,2013 BMW M4 Coupe Concept,2013 BMW M135i,2013 BMW Active Tourer Outdoor Concept,2013 BMW 7 ActiveHybrid,2013 BMW 750Li,2013 BMW 7-Series,2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe,2013 BMW 640d xDrive Coupe,2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe UK Version,2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe,2013 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid,2013 BMW 4-Series Coupe Concept,2013 BMW 3 ActiveHybrid,2013 BMW 3-Series Touring,2013 BMW 3-Series Long Wheelbase,2013 BMW 1-Series 3-door,2012 BMW i8 Spyder Concept,2012 BMW i3 Coupe Concept,2012 BMW Zagato Roadster Concept,2012 BMW Zagato Coupe Concept,2012 BMW M5 UK Version,2012 BMW M5,2012 BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition,2012 BMW M3 CRT,2012 BMW M135i Concept,2012 BMW Active Tourer Concept,2012 BMW 650i Convertible,2012 BMW 640d Coupe,2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe,2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible,2012 BMW 3-Series,2012 BMW 1-Series Urban Line,2012 BMW 1-Series Sport Line,2012 BMW 1-Series Coupe,2012 BMW 1-Series Convertible,2012 BMW 1-Series,2011 BMW i8 Concept,2011 BMW i3 Concept,2011 BMW Z4,2011 BMW X5,2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i,2011 BMW X3 xDrive20d,2011 BMW X3,2011 BMW X1 xDrive28i,2011 BMW M5 Concept,2011 BMW M3 Pickup Concept,2011 BMW M3 GTS,2011 BMW M3 Frozen Gray,2011 BMW ConnectedDrive Concept,2011 BMW ActiveE Concept,2011 BMW 750Li,2011 BMW 5-Series Touring,2011 BMW 5-Series Long-Wheelbase,2011 BMW 5-Series,2011 BMW 335is Coupe,2011 BMW 328 Hommage Concept,2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe,2011 BMW 3-Series Convertible,2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe US Version,2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe UK Version,2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe MotoGP Safety Car,2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe,2010 BMW Z4 UK Version,2010 BMW Z4 GT3,2010 BMW Z4,2010 BMW X6 M,2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid,2010 BMW X5 M,2010 BMW X1,2010 BMW Scooter C Concept,2010 BMW M3,2010 BMW Gran Coupe Concept,2010 BMW ActiveE Concept,2010 BMW 7 ActiveHybrid,2010 BMW 760Li,2010 BMW 7-Series High Security,2010 BMW 6-Series Coupe Concept,2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo,2010 BMW 5-Series ActiveHybrid Concept,2010 BMW 320d EfficientDynamics,2010 BMW 135i Coupe,2010 BMW 135i Convertible,2009 BMW X6 UK Version,2009 BMW X6,2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d BluePerformance,2009 BMW X5 Security Plus,2009 BMW X5 Security,2009 BMW X3 Limited Sport Edition,2009 BMW M3 Saloon UK Version,2009 BMW M3 Race Version,2009 BMW M3 Convertible UK Version,2009 BMW M3 Convertible,2009 BMW EfficientDynamics Concept,2009 BMW 750Li,2009 BMW 730d,2009 BMW 7-Series UK Version,2009 BMW 7-Series,2009 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo Concept,2009 BMW 335d BluePerformance,2009 BMW 3-Series UK Version,2009 BMW 3-Series Touring UK Version,2009 BMW 3-Series Touring,2009 BMW 3-Series,2009 BMW 1-Series Convertible UK Version,2008 BMW X5 M-Package,2008 BMW X1 Concept,2008 BMW M5 Touring,2008 BMW M3 Sedan US-Version,2008 BMW M3 Sedan,2008 BMW M3 Coupe US-Version,2008 BMW M3 Coupe UK Version,2008 BMW M3 Coupe,2008 BMW M1 Concept,2008 BMW M-Zero Concept,2008 BMW GINA Light Visionary Model Concept,2008 BMW EfficientDynamics Concept,2008 BMW Coupe Range,2008 BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid Concept,2008 BMW 650i Convertible,2008 BMW 635d Coupe,2008 BMW 530i,2008 BMW 5-Series Touring,2008 BMW 5-Series Security,2008 BMW 5-Series,2008 BMW 135i Coupe,2008 BMW 128i Convertible,2008 BMW 1-Series Range,2008 BMW 1-Series Coupe,2008 BMW 1-Series Cabrio,2008 BMW 1-Series 5-door,2008 BMW 1-Series 3-door,2007 BMW X6 Concept,2007 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid Concept,2007 BMW X5 4.8i,2007 BMW X5 3.0d,2007 BMW X3,2007 BMW M6 Convertible Neiman Marcus,2007 BMW M6 Cabrio,2007 BMW M5,2007 BMW M3 Concept,2007 BMW Hydrogen 7,2007 BMW Concept CS,2007 BMW 530Li,2007 BMW 335i Coupe,2007 BMW 335i Convertible,2007 BMW 1-Series tii Concept,2006 BMW Z4 Roadster,2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster,2006 BMW Z4 M Coupe UK version,2006 BMW Z4 M Coupe,2006 BMW Z4 Coupe,2006 BMW Mille Miglia Coupe Concept,2006 BMW Art Car Collection,2006 BMW 7 Series High Security,2006 BMW 760Li,2006 BMW 750i,2006 BMW 750Li with Shadow Line,2006 BMW 750Li,2006 BMW 330i,2006 BMW 325i Touring,2006 BMW 320si E90 WTCC,2006 BMW 320si,2006 BMW 320d Touring,2006 BMW 320d,2005 BMW Z4 Coupe Concept,2005 BMW X5,2005 BMW X3 EfficientDynamics Concept,2005 BMW X3,2005 BMW M6,2005 BMW M5,2005 BMW H2R,2005 BMW 630i,2005 BMW 545i Touring,2005 BMW 530xi Touring,2005 BMW 530xi,2005 BMW 530d Touring,2005 BMW 330i M-Package,2005 BMW 320d Touring,2005 BMW 130i M-Package,2005 BMW 130i,2005 BMW 120i UK Version,2005 BMW 120i,2005 BMW 120d,2004 BMW X5 4.8is,2004 BMW X5 4.4i,2004 BMW X3 3.0i,2004 BMW X3 2.0d,2004 BMW H2R Hydrogen Racecar,2004 BMW Concept M5,2004 BMW 645Ci Convertible,2004 BMW 645Ci,2004 BMW 5 Series,2004 BMW 530i,2004 BMW 530d,2004 BMW 330Ci Coupe,2004 BMW 330Ci Convertible,2004 BMW 330Cd Coupe,2004 BMW 325Ci Coupe,2004 BMW 320Cd Convertible,2004 BMW 318Ci Convertible,2003 BMW Z4 2.5i,2003 BMW Z4,2003 BMW M3 CSL,2003 BMW 760Li E66,2003 BMW 325ti Compact,2003 BMW 3-Series Compact,2002 BMW xActivity Concept,2002 BMW X5 4.6is,2002 BMW CS1 Concept,2002 BMW 7 Series,2002 BMW 760i,2002 BMW 760Li Yachtline Concept,2002 BMW 740d,2002 BMW 730d,2002 BMW 3-Series Touring,2002 BMW 3-Series,2001 BMW Z8

 

Note:

1. The list of automotive Makes at the right edge of the screen. The currently selected ODB-ii codes is for the BMW makes.

2. Look up the other OBD II Trouble Codes, please use the search box. Enter the 5 character trouble codes in the search box and submit the search.

3. Don’t assume a particular OBD-II code means the same for other auto manufacturers as there are many makes specific codes in use.

4. If your OBD-II trouble codes are for a different car, select that vehicle series before searching for the diagnostic codes because not all OBD2 codes used by one manufacture are used by the other makes.

5. The information contained on this site is presented for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any actions you take on your vehicle. If you have any doubt as to repairs on your vehicle, please contact your technician.