These are all signs of a problem with the camshaft, but again, you’ll need to take a closer look. The engine may stutter or surge, use more fuel than usual, have poor acceleration, stall or not even start at all. You may additionally notice problems with drivability. From there, you can do a diagnostic scan to suss out a camshaft issue, but it won’t tell you whether the problem is the sensor or the component it’s monitoring. Sensory DeprivationĪ camshaft sensor problem will usually trigger the check engine light. Basically, camshaft and crankshaft position sensors work together to show the computer when the conditions are right for intake, compression, combustion and exhaust. Together, the information from these two sensors shows when a piston is at the top center for a potential intake stroke and confirms that the valves are aligned to deliver air and fuel. They work closely with crankshaft position sensors to paint a more complete picture for the ECU. If a camshaft controls those valves, what is a camshaft position sensor, and why is it necessary? Camshaft position sensors monitor the camshaft’s position and send information to the ECU about when each valve is open on a particular cylinder. The camshaft controls the position of the inlet and exhaust valves, while the crankshaft controls the location of the pistons themselves. The camshaft and crankshaft are two of these important components. If there is a mechanical problem and one of the components is faulty or broken, the sensors will let the ECU know to either adjust or alert you. It then sends a signal to an actuator that changes or maintains a condition, including air, fuel and spark, to reflect information from the sensors. The ECU receives input from sensors and makes an immediate call based on programming. If the timing is too far off or if one piece is missing, you may not get any combustion.Īn engine’s precision is enabled by a system of car sensors that monitor components and conditions and interface with the electronic control unit (ECU), the vehicle’s main computer.
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These three elements must be available at the right time and in the right quantity for efficient combustion. Gasoline combustion engines have very specific needs for air, fuel and spark in order to run as designed. But, what is a camshaft position sensor, and why is it so important? A Time for Timing Many components are responsible for keeping everything humming along, but an important one is the camshaft sensor. Modern engines are impressive machines made up of individual parts interacting with precision, which is necessary for top performance, efficiency and safety.