P3638 Oakland 6 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P3638 Oakland 6 code definition:
P3638 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Oakland 6.

P3638 Oakland 6 is triggered when the bank 1 camshaft position sensor doesn't match the signal from the crankshaft position sensor. The PCM then uses this data to provide the right strategies for the fuel delivery and ignition timing of the engine.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P3638 Oakland 6 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Poor fuel economy
Possible spark knock (detonation / pre-ignition)
Misfire
Rich or lean exhaust

Possible Causes :

The Mass Airflow sensor will also cause this problem. Mass Airflow circuit malfunction.
Fuel with a large percentage of sulfur will clog the DPF quickly
A large vacuum leak would cause a massive amount of un-metered air to enter the intake manifold resulting in an overly lean mixture.

Common Misdiagnoses

Vehicle Speed Output Circuit Problem
Cruise Control Servo Indicates Low Problem
A/C System High Pressure High Temperature Problem
PCM Stack Overrun Problem
Transmission Control Module Reprogrammable Memory Problem

Repair Processes :

Find out what kind of system you have and verify that voltage to the fuel level sensor is present at the fuel pump wiring harness. Oxygen sensors signal the engine management computer the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust, which is used in determining and controlling the fuel ratio. Now, clear the codes and test-drive the vehicle to see if the code is reset.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P3638 Oakland 6 is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before P3638 Oakland 6.

Fortunately, P3638 Oakland 6 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.