What is a camshaft positioning sensor for
What is a camshaft positioning sensor on an Infiniti fx-35 for and what's does it do
My car has 115600 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Thank you for your question about your 2005 Infiniti FX35.
The camshaft position sensor gathers and sends information about the vehicle’s camshaft speed, and sends it to the vehicle’s electronic control module. The computer receives this information and then uses the data to determine the timing of the ignition, as well as the timing of the fuel injection that the engine requires. Without this information, the engine would not be able to function properly. Over time, the camshaft position sensor can fail due to normal wear and tear. There are a few warning signs to watch out for before your camshaft position sensor completely fails and shuts down the engine, indicating service may be required.
1. Vehicle does not drive like it used to
If your vehicle has poor idling, frequent stalling, a drop in engine power, frequent stumbling, bad gas mileage, or abnormal acceleration, these are all signs your camshaft position sensor is failing. If you have any of these symptoms, this means the camshaft position sensor needs to be replaced by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. It needs to be completed before the engine cuts out and dies while you are driving, or does not start at all.
2. Check Engine Light comes on
The Check Engine Light will come on once the camshaft position sensor starts to go bad. Since this light can come on for a variety of different reasons, it is best to have the vehicle looked at by a professional. The mechanic will read the computer and see what error codes are being shown, and diagnose the problem much faster. If you ignore the Check Engine Light, it can lead to serious engine problems, such as the engine failing.
3. Vehicle will not start
If the other problems are ignored, eventually the vehicle will not start. As the camshaft position sensor weakens, the signal it transmits to the vehicle’s computerized control system also weakens. Eventually, the signal will weaken so much the signal will switch off, and so will the engine. This can happen while the vehicle is parked, or while you are driving. The latter can be a dangerous situation.
As soon as you notice your vehicle does not drive like it used to, the Check Engine Light is on, or the vehicle will not start properly, the sensor may need to be replaced. This problem should not be ignored because eventually the engine will stop working, perhaps at an inopportune time leaving you stuck.
If you need assistance with diagnostics or replacement of the Camshaft Position Sensor, feel free to contact YourMechanic at any time and we will help you further.
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The camshaft position sensor is used to determine which cylinder is firing to synchronize the fuel injector and coil firing sequence.
A failing camshaft position sensor begins losing its ability to quickly transfer data. Mismatched fuel delivery and ignition timing, even if off by a few milliseconds, will cause your vehicle to sputter, accelerate poorly, lack power, stall or even shut off.
This means that replacing it might require some patience. “name”: “What Happens When A Camshaft Sensor Goes Bad”, Some cars come with four sensors(four-cylinder engine cars, V6 engine cars, and V8 engine cars) whereas other cars come with six sensors(e.g V12 engine cars).
The short answer is yes, it is safe to drive with a bad camshaft sensor, but it`s not good for your engine long-term. You`ll likely see a higher fuel consumption and poorer engine performance the longer you wait to get it fixed.
A camshaft acts as a timing device that controls the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves, as well as setting the valve overlap that occurs at the top dead centre on the exhaust stroke. The shaft is constructed with several journals that ride on bearings within the engine.
Engine Misfires or Vibrates A failing crankshaft position sensor cannot provide the right information about piston positioning in the engine, causing a cylinder to misfire. This could also occur from faulty spark plug timing, but if the spark plug checks out, then the crankshaft sensor is likely the source.
Definitely don`t submerge the sensor. Cam/Crank sensors are usually hall-effect magnetic sensors that wear over time due to heat. Cleaning them will not commonly make them work any better.
Error code P0340 indicates a malfunction with the camshaft position sensor A circuit. This type of malfunction can cause serious issues that require immediate repair because the underlying cause of the code could damage your vehicle`s engine if you continue to drive it.
The camshaft position sensor monitors the rotation speed of the camshaft, which indicates valve position in the combustion cycle, while the crank position sensor monitors speed of crankshaft rotation, which gives piston location.
Evidently, you cannot reset a camshaft position sensor. Therefore, you will need to replace the component if your camshaft malfunctions (check engine light on, acceleration issues, sputtering and stalling, etc.).
Car Will Not Start: Over time, as the camshaft position sensor fails, the signal it sends to the engine control module weakens. When the engine no longer receives the signal, you will not be able to start your car.
If the oil level is very low, to the point where the engine overheats however, yes. Excessive heat can cause a camshaft position sensor to fail. More likely in a “low oil level” situation is for the camshaft, lifters, or camshaft variable timing actuator to fail due to inadequate oil pressure and lubrication.
The camshaft is usually driven either directly, via a toothed rubber “timing belt”` or via a steel roller “timing chain”. Gears have also occasionally been used to drive the camshaft. In some designs the camshaft also drives the distributor, oil pump, fuel pump and occasionally the power steering pump.
Two major types of camshafts exist: flat tappet and roller. Within those categories are two options: solid or hydraulic—four variations in all. Tappets ride against the camshaft lobes—their movements open and close the valves.
There are two types of Camshaft Sensors, Magnetic, and Hall-effect.
There are two different crankshaft position sensors on your vehicle, one designated “A” and the other “B”. Both of these sensors are mounted to the engine block.
Each time the car is started, the camshaft position sensor will play a vital role. The camshaft position sensor on a car is built to last as long as the car does, but in most cases it will have to be replaced well before that.
The crankshaft position sensor is the most important of all engine management sensors, and the engine will absolutely not run without it.
The crank sensor can be used in combination with a similar camshaft position sensor (CMP) to monitor the relationship between the pistons and valves in the engine, which is particularly important in engines with variable valve timing.
The crank sensor can be used in combination with a similar camshaft position sensor (CMP) to monitor the relationship between the pistons and valves in the engine, which is particularly important in engines with variable valve timing.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I bought camshaft position sensor off of eBay and car is cutting off a lot. Still has check engine light for camshaft position sensor
ANSWER : Hello, thanks for writing in. From my experience with eBay sensors, chances are that it is bad. This happens all of the time with these sensors. A bad crank position sensor can also cause this as well as a failing timing chain. I usually install a computer scan tool to be able to see which codes are coming up and which readings look like they are off. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
Camshaft Position Sensor
ANSWER : Hello, thanks for writing in about your Dodge Challenger. From what you’ve described it sounds like you may have a different sensor than what the auto parts store has listed. If you go to the dealer you would be able to get the correct one. They use your VIN to get the correct parts. If you need assistance with finding the right sensor or installing it, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can come to your home and ensure a correct replacement of your camshaft position sensor.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON
ANSWER : The on board diagnostic (OBD) sets a pending code each time the ECU detects a problem. It confirms the code if it sees the same problem twice. So you’re really only dealing with the two codes : P0016 and 17.These codes are telling you that the timing between the crankshaft and the camshaft are off on Bank 1 (the driver’s side) cylinder bank. This could be a sensor error, a problem in the reluctor ring on the harmonic balancer, or a timing chain problem. Without doing a thorough diagnosis, it’s impossible to say what parts specifically need to be replaced. If you contact Your Mechanic, they can send a technician to your home or office to investigate the codes on you Mercedes and then let you know what it will take to fix it.
How many camshaft position sensor are on my 2012 BMW 328I 2.0 turbo
ANSWER : There are two camshaft position sensors on your model. Both position sensors, as well as the crankshaft position sensor, should be tested using an appropriate scan tool or automotive scope to determine if they are functioning. Due to the availability of scan tools and other diagnostic techniques, it is almost never necessary to replace parts on a "trial and error" basis. Also, it is very costly and wasteful to proceed that way. The best thing to do is have the vehicle fault actually diagnosed (pinpointed) and then replace only those parts which are confirmed by testing to be faulty. In your circumstance, the best way to proceed is to request a check engine light diagnostic. A certified mechanic from YourMechanic would use a code scanner to retrieve the specific diagnostic trouble code(s) from your car’s PCM that have caused the check engine light to illuminate. Using those codes, the appropriate individual vehicle components or sub-systems (often a sensor, circuit, and the like) are then carefully tested, based on specifications set forth in your car’s Factory Service Manual, to pinpoint the cause of the fault or the reason why the check engine light has illuminated. Once the faulty part or component is identified, it is explained to your satisfaction and the mechanic will let you know of the cost to repair. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
I have a 07 Tiburon and showing a code for the camshaft position sensor bank 1. Is there more then 1 camshaft sensor?
ANSWER : The engine in your vehicle is an overhead-cam V6. That means there are camshafts on both sides of the Vee, so to speak. One side of the Vee is considered bank 1, and the other side bank 2. The typical position with a transverse-mounted engine and transmission like in your vehicle would be the front three cylinders you see when you open the hood are considered bank 1. The three cylinders facing the firewall would be considered bank 2. If the sensor for bank 2 has never been replaced, then you should assume it is the same age as the bank 1 sensor. Once verified that the bank 1 camshaft position sensor is at fault, you may want to consider replacing both bank 1 and bank 2 sensors. If they are the same age, the sensor for bank 2 may fail a short time later. Replacing them at the same time, would save you time and costs later.
Bad camshaft position sensor?
ANSWER : Hi there. You might find reading this article very helpful in trying to diagnose your P0016 OBD-II trouble code issue. It explains common causes, symptoms and solutions.
Can a camshaft position sensor problem masquarade as a timing belt malfunction??
ANSWER : Hi There,
While it may be possible that the motor may have jumped time, this is not likely. It may be much more likely that your issue does in fact relate to a faulty camshaft position sensor as this is one of the main culprits of poor fuel mileage and sluggish running conditions. There are a number of things that can cause poor fuel mileage and a faulty camshaft position sensor is one of them. The camshaft position sensor is a magnetic sensor that monitors camshaft speed to regulate ignition timing and fuel injection timing. It gathers and sends information about the car’s camshaft speed (and as a result the position of each piston) to the car’s electronic control module. This information is received by the computer, which then uses this data to further calculate the time of ignition and the timing of fuel injection required by the engine. When this is not working properly, you may experience a drop in power, poor idling, poor fuel mileage and problems starting the vehicle.
A clogged or dirty EGR valve may also cause poor fuel mileage. The EGR valve is a small component designed to allow the flow of exhaust gases into the intake manifold in controlled amounts. Whenever you start the engine, the valve comes alive and waits in a closed position, blocking the flow of exhaust gases. Once the engine reaches operating temperature and speed increases, the valve, either through vacuum or electronic control will gradually open, allowing burned exhaust gases to enter and combine with the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber. When the EGR valve is clogged or dirty, as they are prone to, it may not function properly causing the engine to idle rough, stall at idle speeds, cause the car to get poor fuel mileage, or emit a strong smell of fuel due to excess hydrocarbons which also results in failing emissions tests.
A clogged or failing catalytic converter can cause the vehicle to have poor fuel economy. As you may already know, the catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When this is clogged, this causes these gases to be backed up into the exhaust system not allowing the engine to breathe properly. When this happens, the engine is forced to work much harder to expel these gases. This often results in the engine bogging down, hesitating, shaking and causing very poor fuel economy. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
Need to replace Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor
ANSWER : The TPS and a scanner to test it is all that you need. The code P0122 points to the sensor but a through pinpoint test should be done to make sure the sensor is failing before you replace it.
If you need help with this, contact a certified mechanic who can diagnose your Check Engine Light code and make the necessary repairs to your vehicle.
