Camshaft position sensor - what is its function in a car? How to check the camshaft sensor? Know the symptoms of rejection

What is the function of the camshaft position sensor?

Analyzing the design of modern vehicles, an accurate camshaft sensor is one of the most important measuring elements you will find in your vehicle. Timing sensor with a measuring disk on the flywheel of the power unit. It is usually slotted or fitted with gears or magnets. It determines the current position of the crank assembly and determines when the piston of the first cylinder is in a place known as the so-called blind spot. Thus, it allows you to accurately determine the start of the sequential injection process.

The task of a serviceable camshaft sensor is also to generate a signal that allows you to control the solenoid valve, which is an element of injection systems containing unit injectors. At the same time, it controls the operation of the engine, preventing contact combustion in the cylinders. It uses the Hall effect by reading measurements from the ring gear. The timing sensor is an element that affects the correct operation of the engine. For this reason, care should be taken to periodically check the correctness of the voltages transmitted by them at the diagnostician.

How to check the operation of the camshaft sensor?

If you want to check how the camshaft position sensor works and if the signals it gives out are correct, then you should have several tools at your disposal. First of all, you will need an ohmmeter to measure electrical resistance. With it, you can check the resistance between the ground and the signal terminals of the measuring element. Often a simple multimeter is not enough and an oscilloscope is required. This will allow you to see the shape of the pulse sent by the component.

The diagnostic capability also allows you to check the supply voltage between the engine control unit and the camshaft position sensor. The voltmeter should show 5 V. The exact value should be provided by the vehicle manufacturer. Self-measurement requires specialized equipment. If you do not have a professional multimeter or oscilloscope, use the services of a diagnostician. The specialist will help you make sure the readings are correct.

What are the symptoms of a damaged camshaft position sensor?

One of the important elements that regulate the operation of the drive unit of a passenger car is the camshaft position sensor. Symptoms of its incorrect operation are:

• inability to start the engine normally;
• system error signaling by a control lamp;
• recording a fault code in the memory of the on-board computer;
• operation of the vehicle controller in emergency mode.

The symptoms of a bad camshaft sensor should never be underestimated. However, some of them cannot be detected independently without special equipment. That's why regular visits to the mechanic and diagnostic technical inspections are very important.

Remember that a damaged camshaft position sensor does not always give symptoms that are felt while driving. At the same time, problems with starting the engine will not always be associated with its mechanical damage. It may turn out that the essence of the malfunctions lies in short circuits in the wiring harness and incorrect signals to the on-board computer. Another common problem is the mechanical interruption of communication between the measuring element and the control system.

What are the consequences of operating a vehicle with a damaged camshaft position sensor?

A faulty CMP camshaft sensor can cause a number of complications while driving. Moreover, its defeat often does not manifest any noticeable symptoms. However, it contributes to a decrease in vehicle performance, i.e. weaker acceleration and reduced power. The engine may suddenly stall during operation. Errors in its operation can also contribute to a significant increase in fuel consumption and transmission blockage. The symptom may also be twitching.

How much does a new camshaft position sensor cost?

The purchase price of a new camshaft position sensor is usually between 50 and 50 euros. It depends on the make and model of the car. You must also consider the possible cost of repair services to replace the component. It can vary from 100 to 40 euros. It is also possible to self-assemble this component. Appropriate manual skills, vehicle technical documentation and specialized tools are required.