A Camshaft sensor is an electronic device that monitors the position and speed of the camshaft. After monitoring the data, the sensor sends it to the vehicle’s engine control module (ECM). The data is very much important to the ECM just to control the amount of fuel that enters the combustion chamber and the ignition timing. When the air/fuel mixture gets ignited precisely at the right time. As a result, you can get better engine power and mileage at the same time. It includes one more benefit, and that is decreasing smoke from the tailpipe. But if your sensor gets into a fault, how can you get it? What are the foremost defective camshaft position sensor symptoms?
Let’s talk about the symptoms in a detailed way and how you can bypass them.
A Failing Camshaft Position Sensor Symptoms
Just like every other auto part, a camshaft position sensor can also be defective. Generally, it fails because of everyday use. It can be because of wear and tear as well as accidents. But your vehicle can indicate in some manner that the sensor is not in good health. These are the most common Camshaft position sensor symptoms.
Poor Fuel Performance:
A failing or defective camshaft position sensor gives wrong data to the ECM. In this way, your fuel can not perform at its top level. As a result, your engine will consume more fuel, and the user will get lower mileage.
Check Engine Light:
The most common indicator that indicates that your camshaft sensor is getting defective is the check engine light on your dashboard. OBD II is there to detect any software or hardware-based issue because of any car part before it completely fails. You can also get connected to the ECM via the DIY scan tool to figure out the problem. But this symptom stands as one of the most prominent among all.
Unsatisfying Drivability:
A faulty camshaft sensor carries data to the ECM, and the ECM sends the wrong amount of fuel and time to the combustion chamber. This way, the vehicle can face a lot of drivability issues like late start, poor acceleration, sputter, or even shut off.
Shifting Problems in The Transmission:
If your vehicle is running with a defective camshaft position sensor symptom, you might face an issue like shifting problems in your transmission. You might face an issue from operating or changing the gears. In some models, just to protect the engine, there is a mode called “limp-home mode”. In this mode, the engine gets security by restricting engine speed.
Engine Misfires:
Because of a failing camshaft sensor, your engine’s spark plugs can be defective, and random inappropriate misfires can happen in your vehicle.
Gas-Smell from The Engine Compartment:
Because of the unburnt oil, a gas smell can come out from the engine compartment or the tailpipe. A badly conditioned Camshaft sensor can send a higher amount of fuel to the combustion chamber, and unburnt oil can cause a smell of gas.
- Apart from these, a rough idle engine or stalling problem can also indicate an issue with the camshaft sensor.
Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement: Process, Cost, And Other Details
If any user is facing any issue with the camshaft position sensor, then the user should consider replacing it right away. Because of early-stage negligence, any other major issues can happen to other car parts.
You should book an appointment with your closest mechanic as soon as possible. It is not a highly time-required job. So, you can get it done from any of the local mechanic shops within a short period of time. But in case if you want to do it by yourself, you can follow the following steps;
Process For the Camshaft Sensor Replacement
When you see any camshaft position sensor symptoms that indicate replacement of the part. Then here are the steps you can follow and complete the replacement process.
- Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal and then locate the sensor from the top, front, or rear of the engine.
- Release the tab to disconnect the wire from the sensor and also remove the bolts that hold the sensor to the engine. This should be an 8mm or 10mm bolt.
- Slightly twist the sensor to pull it off and install the new sensor to the position. Tighten all the holding bolts correctly.
- Reconnect the wire connector and reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Replacement Cost For Camshaft Position Sensor
However, it depends on various factors but only for parts can you expect the cost between $95-$200. $70-$100 can also get added as labor charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can drive with a bad camshaft sensor, but experts do not suggest that, as it can cause issues like mileage issues or transmission shifting problems.
● Issues with the engine.
● Bad fuel performance.
● Check engine gets turned on.
● Engine misfire.
● Accidental acceleration.
The camshaft position sensor controls the combustion chamber entering the fuel amount and the ignition timing.
On average, a camshaft sensor costs you around $90-$100. Additional labor charges may get added to the total amount while replacing.
