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 Intake/Exhaust
The function of the camshaft is to detect the cam rotor's flanks. The signal from the sensor is used by the Engine Control Module (ECM) to determine the camshaft's angle position. Camshaft position sensor uses a pulse wheel on the camshaft consisting of five teeth (one tooth positioned by each flank) to detect the flanks.
In the event of misfire or engine knock, the control module is able to determine which cylinder is misfiring or knocking using the camshaft position sensor signal.
Also see Design - Knock sensor and Design - Engine speed (RPM) sensor.
The sensor, which is a magnetic resistor with a permanent magnet, is grounded in the control module and supplied with 5 V from the control module.
When one of the teeth on the camshaft pulse wheel passes the camshaft position sensor, a signal is transmitted to the control module from the camshaft position sensor. The signal becomes high when a tooth is in contact with the camshaft position sensor and low when the tooth leaves the camshaft position sensor.
There is camshaft position sensor for each camshaft.
The camshaft position sensors are located by the camshafts on the engine's right side.
The Engine Control Module (ECM) can diagnose the camshaft position sensors.
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.
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