P0372

Timing Reference High Resolution Signal A Too Few Pulses

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0372?

No — the ECM relies on this timing signal to fire the engine correctly. A dropout can cause stalling or a no-start, so address it before driving further.

Q: Can I just clear P0372?

It will return until the sensor, wiring, or reluctor wheel is repaired, and clearing won't stop a stall if the signal keeps dropping.

Ignition / engine timing Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P0372 means the ECM counted fewer pulses than expected on the high-resolution timing reference signal A — the precise crank/cam signal it uses to time spark and fuel. Missing pulses point to a failing timing sensor, its wiring, or a damaged reluctor wheel, and can cause misfires, poor running, or a no-start, so it should be diagnosed promptly.

High

Can I keep driving? It may run poorly, misfire, or fail to start — treat this as urgent and be prepared for a possible no-start.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0372 scans

P1646in 83.6% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Misfire, rough running, or hesitation
Hard starting or intermittent no-start
Reduced power or stalling

Common causes

Most likely first

Faulty high-resolution timing reference sensor (optical/Hall sensor)Likely
Open, shorted, or chafed wiring in the timing reference signal circuitCommon
Poor or corroded connection at the sensorCommon
Damaged crank/cam reluctor ring or tone wheel with missing teethLess often
Faulty ECM (least likely)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and confirm the fault is the high-resolution timing reference signal A.
Inspect the sensor's connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or an open.
Check the signal, power, and ground at the sensor against specification.
Inspect the reluctor/tone wheel for damaged or missing teeth and debris.
If the circuit and wheel are good, replace the high-resolution timing reference sensor. Clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0372?+

No — the ECM relies on this timing signal to fire the engine correctly. A dropout can cause stalling or a no-start, so address it before driving further.

Can I just clear P0372?+

It will return until the sensor, wiring, or reluctor wheel is repaired, and clearing won't stop a stall if the signal keeps dropping.

Read & clear P0372 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX