P03E8: A Camshaft Position Actuator Position Sensor C Circuit High Bank 1

What does P03E8 mean?

On some engines the intake cam phaser (camshaft position actuator A) has its own position sensors, which tell the engine module where the phaser actually is; sensor C is the third of them, bank 1 the side with cylinder 1. P03E8 means the sensor signal stays above its upper limit – typically an open sensor ground, a signal wire shorted to 5 V or battery voltage, or a faulty sensor. No manufacturer document available to us uses this code. GM's 2.7-litre engine monitors comparable position sensors on its sliding camshaft under other codes (P2C05 ff), with an open circuit above 200 kΩ and a short below 0.5 Ω in 4 of 5 samples – only as a comparison. The phaser is then usually held in its base position, with a loss of power.

The code tells you which monitor failed, not which part is broken. Test before replacing parts.

Symptoms

• Check engine light on
• Cam phasing held in its base position, loss of power
• Possibly rough idle or higher consumption

Common causes

• High Sensor ground open or connector corroded
• Medium Signal wire shorted to 5 V or vehicle voltage
• Medium Sensor faulty
• Low Engine module

Likelihood is a general estimate across vehicles; your make and model may differ.