Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Camshaft Position Sensor: Operation
The Camshaft Position Sensor is located above the water pump and under the throttle body (Fig 1 ).
The camshaft position sensor provides cylinder identification to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) (Fig 2 ). The sensor generates pulses. The PCM determines crankshaft position from the camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position sensor inputs. The PCM uses the input to determine fuel injection synchronization and to determine which ignition coil to energize.
The camshaft position sensor detects when a step down in the camshaft sprocket passes beneath it (Fig 3 ). When the sensor detects the step down, the input voltage from the sensor to the PCM switches from low (0.3 volts) to high (5 volts). As the step up returns to the sensor, the input voltage switches back to low (0.3 volts). The paper spacer is not used on Viper. Don't use at all it plugs up the oil pickup screen.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.