If you’ve identified the camshaft sensor as the source of your car’s loud noises beneath the hood, replacing it is the obvious first move. To finish the repair, you must do a few further tasks.
It would help if you reprogrammed the camshaft sensor with an OBD-II scanner to remove any error messages after replacing it. Suppose you don’t reprogram the new one. In that case, the engine computer will continue to get inaccurate signals from the old camshaft sensor, which might lead to cylinder misfire and other drivability problems.
This manual will walk you through the procedure for replacing the camshaft sensor in your vehicle. We will go through every step of the repair process, from planning to ultimate completion. If you adhere to these instructions, you should have no problem resolving this issue yourself!
What Is a Camshaft Sensor?
An electrical sensor known as a camshaft sensor is used to track the location or rotational speed of the camshaft. The engine control unit (ECU) uses this data to modify the timing of the fuel injection and ignition systems.
The ECU’s ability to control when to ignite the spark plugs and feed gasoline into each cylinder is crucial since it affects how well the engine will operate. Power and efficiency might be recovered if the timing needs to be corrected. In rare circumstances, it even has the potential to harm the engine.
The magnetic pickup and the electrical circuit comprise the two primary components of the camshaft sensor. The magnetic pickup, which comprises a magnet and a coil of wire, is often placed close to the camshaft pulley or sprocket.
The magnet spins past the coil as the camshaft rotates, producing an electrical signal.
This signal is subsequently sent to the ECU, which uses it to determine the camshaft’s position. The ECU may then modify the fuel injection and ignition timing as necessary.
The camshaft sensor may sometimes be utilized to keep track of other engine variables like coolant temperature or oil pressure.
Numerous issues may arise if the camshaft sensor fails. The most common warning sign is a lit “check engine” light on the dashboard. Other signs might include a rough idle, misfires, or power loss.
How to Check a Cam Sensor
The cam sensor should always be checked when your car’s engine won’t start or is operating poorly. The engine has a cam sensor that measures the camshaft’s position. When to ignite the spark plugs and when to feed gasoline into the cylinders is determined by it.
It may seriously harm an engine if the cam sensor is malfunctioning. It would help if you had a multimeter to test the cam sensor. Connect the multimeter’s leads to the cam sensor’s terminals with the Ohms setting engaged.
There should be a resistance of 2,000 to 2,500 Ohms. The cam sensor must be changed if it falls outside this range.
Replacing your cam sensor as soon as possible is crucial if it is not functioning correctly. If the sensor is not changed promptly, engine damage may result.
Always refer to your car’s owner’s handbook for detailed advice on inspecting or replacing the cam sensor. The processes for inspecting and changing components vary from automobile to car. To prevent engine damage, adhere to the recommendations in your user’s handbook.
What Are the Signs of a Malfunctioning Camshaft Sensor?
A malfunctioning camshaft position sensor may make the engine operate unpredictably. The dashboard’s check engine light may also go on.
Here are five typical signs that the camshaft position sensor needs to be replaced.
Check Engine Light Is On
A lit check engine light is one of the first indicators that a camshaft position sensor has been damaged or failed. One or more cylinders may misfire if the camshaft position sensor isn’t functioning correctly. The dashboard’s check engine light, which illuminates often, might be used to identify this.
Engine Misfiring
Engine misfires are another sign of a defective or failed camshaft position sensor. One or more of the cylinders might misfire if the sensor is malfunctioning. This often leads to losing power and might make the engine tremble or shiver.
Rough Idle
A rough idle is a third sign that the camshaft position sensor may fail. The engine may run unpredictably and have a harsher-than-usual idle if the sensor is not functioning correctly. The engine could even stall in a few circumstances.
Stalling
Stalling is another sign that there is a camshaft position sensor issue. The sensor’s malfunction might lead to the engine running erratically and finally stalling. A loss of power may often be experienced in conjunction with this.
Reduced Fuel Economy
Reduced fuel efficiency is another of the camshaft position sensor’s more widespread symptoms. Poorer fuel economy might come from the engine running less efficiently if the sensor is not functioning correctly.
How to Replace the Camshaft Sensor
There are a few considerations you should make while changing a camshaft sensor. To begin with, you should confirm that you are equipped with the appropriate equipment and are knowledgeable in your field. This is particularly true if you need more mechanical aptitude.
Many internet resources can guide you through the procedure step by step if you need help with replacing a camshaft sensor. Additionally, you may discover videos that demonstrate how to accomplish it.
It’s time to start after you have the necessary knowledge and resources.
The old sensor has to be found first, of course. This will often be near the firewall on the engine block. After locating it, you must unplug the electrical connection.
The old sensor must then be removed from its mounting place. Typically, a few bolts holding it in place must be removed to achieve this. While doing this, don’t harm any of the nearby components.
You may now install the new sensor after removing the old one. Reconnect the electrical connection first, then tighten each bolt to a snug fit. Before starting the engine, make sure everything is secure.
Timing for Camshaft Position Sensor Reprogramming
The camshaft position sensor is an electronic gadget that determines the camshaft’s orientation and communicates that information to the car’s computer through an electrical signal. This informs the computer when to press the piston in each engine cylinder.
The computer won’t be able to correctly regulate the engine’s cylinders if the camshaft position sensor is destroyed. The outdated camshaft position sensor may have declined performance and fuel economy.
You should be able to resolve the problems brought on by the outdated camshaft position sensor and resume regular camshaft functioning if you replace the problematic camshaft sensor with a new one.
You MUST reprogram the new camshaft position sensor after a successful installation. To remove any fault codes saved in the engine controller, you must also utilize an OBD-2 diagnostic scanner.
The new camshaft sensor must be correctly initialized to start giving precise signals to the engine computer.
The engine computer will continue to receive flawed signals from the old sensor if you don’t reprogram the new camshaft position sensor. Cylinder misfiring and other drivability problems will result from this. It is sometimes possible for the engine to not start if the camshaft position sensor is not reprogrammed.
Check the electrical connection to see if the code has been manually cleared using the OBD-2 Scanner tool after installing the replacement camshaft sensor. There’s a strong chance the link needs to be made correctly.
Consider changing a new camshaft sensor if you still receive an error signal after verifying the connection; sensors may sometimes malfunction.
The Camshaft Position Sensor Should Not Always Be Reprogrammed
The ECM can precisely time the ignition and injection firing with your new camshaft sensor and old crankshaft sensor.
It will then look at the intervals between signal pulses delivered from the module to and from the sensor, compare that information to an existing database, and find the ideal pulse intervals.
There is no need to configure the sensor if the reading is accurate. After changing the camshaft sensor, if any error codes appear, look for any more problems and resolve them, but don’t give up. If you get issues even after fixing others, there is a problem with the camshaft sensor.
To reset the ECM, try unplugging the negative battery connection for a few minutes; in most situations, this will work. If not, there is a possibility that the brand-new camshaft sensor is defective and has to be changed.
FAQs
What Is the Lifespan of a Camshaft Sensor?
Although camshaft sensors normally survive the whole life of a vehicle, it is common for them to fail before their time.
A camshaft sensor failure may be caused by various things, including exposure to too much heat, vibration, and contamination. The majority of the time, a damaged camshaft sensor must be replaced to get the engine running properly again.
What Takes Place When a Camshaft Sensor Breaks?
A malfunctioning camshaft sensor often causes an engine to misfire. The engine may also stall regularly and run rough. A malfunctioning camshaft sensor may sometimes cause the check engine light to illuminate. If the sensor is the real culprit, the issue will need to be diagnosed by a technician.
How Can Camshaft Sensor Failure Be Prevented?
You may take the following actions to lessen the likelihood of camshaft sensor failure:
- Plan regular oil changes and maintain optimal engine condition.
- Keep your engine from idling excessively or operating at high speeds for a lengthy time.
- Be cautious to clean and shield the sensor from debris if your car is subjected to hard circumstances (such as off-roading).
What Leads to a Camshaft Sensor Failure?
Several factors may damage a camshaft sensor, including the following:
- Exposure to excessive heat or cold
- Wiring problems
- Mechanical wear
- Faulty manufacturing
- Vibration
- Contamination
How Much Does a Camshaft Sensor Repair Cost?
A camshaft position sensor replacement might cost between $95 and $200. While the materials range from $25 to $100, professional labor will cost you at least $70 to $100.
Conclusion
It will help if you determine whether or not to reprogram the camshaft sensor after replacing it.
If you don’t configure the new one, the engine computer will continue to get false indications from the old camshaft sensor. Cylinder misfiring and other drivability problems will result from this.
The engine may sometimes only start if the camshaft position sensor is reprogrammed. Check the electrical connection to see if the code has been manually cleared using the OBD-II Scanner tool after installing the replacement camshaft sensor.
Because there’s a strong chance the link hasn’t been made correctly, consider replacing the replacement camshaft sensor if you still get an error signal after verifying the connection.