Where is the camshaft sensor located in your car? And how does it operate? The camshaft sensor is mounted on the cylinder head in the engine. It records signals from the sprocket on the camshaft. The camshaft position sensor works closely with the crankshaft sensor. The sensors ensure that the position of both the camshaft and the crankshaft is sent to the engine computer (ECU). This way the sensors ensure correct timing of opening and closing the inlet and outlet valves so that the right combustion can take place.
If the sensor detects a malfunction, there is a good chance that a light will light up on your dashboard. In this case, the ?check engine? light will flash up. If this is the case, you or a mechanic need to analyse the ECU to check what the problem is that your car experiences. But the camshaft sensor can also break down over time. You can read how to recognize and replace the camshaft sensor below.
Camshaft sensor fault symptoms
If the engine of your car is not running as smoothly or your car does not drive as it used to, it may indicate a bad camshaft position sensor. In some cases, it is even possible that your car won?t start at all. Another symptom that may indicate a failing camshaft sensor is that the car spontaneously stops when the engine is hot. In many cases, the engine won't start while still hot, whereas if you wait until the engine has cooled off a bit, the engine will start again.
It is difficult to check whether the camshaft position sensor is actually defective. The symptoms of a failing camshaft sensor can also lie somewhere else. To really find out if the camshaft sensor is failing, you need to connect it to the right analyse tooling and run an analysis. Are you sure the camshaft sensor is causing the engine to fail? If so, then it definitely needs replacement.
Replacing a camshaft sensor
The camshaft position sensor is located at the top, at the front of the engine block, where the camshaft is powered. Replacing this sensor is an easy job. Generally, the position sensor is easily accessible. Most camshaft sensors can be removed by unscrewing a bolt and disconnecting a connecting plug. Assembly works in reverse order and is just as easy. Experiencing that the camshaft position sensor is really stuck? Then spray some penetrating oil on the fixing point and let it do its job. It should certainly be a lot easier to remove the camshaft sensor now.
Buying a new camshaft sensor
You can buy a new camshaft sensor quick and easy at Winparts. Just enter your number plate or select your car by choosing make, model and engine type, and the right products for your car will be displayed. Also looking for other sensors for your car? At Winparts you can find any sensor your car is equipped with such as crankshaft sensors, coolant sensors, temperature sensors and tyre pressure sensors.