Where is the camshaft position sensor usually located in a car? It’s usually near the front or on the upper side of the engine block. However, the position may vary from vehicle to vehicle. Not only that, the method of navigating the sensor is not the same for different cars as well. But it’s important to know where this sensor is located in your car because it’s an essential component for any fuel-powered automobile.
Want to know about the camshaft position sensor location? Give this article a thorough read. Here you will not only get to know where this sensor is located, but you will also get an idea of how to detect and replace a faulty sensor. By the end, you shouldn’t have any confusion at all.
What Is Camshaft Position Sensor
A camshaft position sensor, as the name suggests, is a sensor that detects the precise position of the crankshaft drive. Your car uses the information of this positioning to analyze the injection point and ignition point.
In case you are not sure what it means, then let me clarify it for you. If your camshaft position sensor gets damaged or stops working, it will fail to send proper signals to your vehicle’s system. As a result of this, your car will have incompatible fuel delivery and faulty ignition timing. If the ignition timing is mismatched even by a few milliseconds, the vehicle will go out of control. In such cases, the car usually sputters, stalls, or demonstrates a lack of power. Your vehicle can accelerate poorly, or, in the worst-case scenario, the car can shut off completely.
Camshaft Position Sensor Location
Let’s take a quick look at the camshaft position sensor location in common vehicles,
| Car Model | Location of Camshaft Position Sensor |
| Vortec 5.3 | Right behind the intake manifold on the top of the block |
| Ford F150 | Near the crankshaft |
| Hemi 5.7 | Front of the cylinder head |
| Vortec 5.7 | The backside of the engine beneath the intake manifold |
| Powerstroke 6.0 | Behind the power steering pump |
| Powerstroke 7.3 | Above the dampener at the front of the engine |
| Cummins 6.7 | Lower-front part of the engine |
| Dodge 4.7 | The rear part of the engine |
Keep reading if you want to know the detailed location of these vehicles. Knowing about some of the precise location can help you get to your car’s camshaft position sensor with utmost ease.
Camshaft Position Sensor Location 5.3 Vortec
In the 5.3 Vortec, the camshaft position sensor is located behind the intake manifold on the top of the block. You can find the intake manifold on the top of the engine. And you probably already know where the engine of your 5.3 Vortec is.
Camshaft Position Sensor Location Ford F150
You will find the camshaft position sensor of Ford cars near the crankshaft. However, the location of the crankshaft varies from model to model. In Ford F150, the crankshaft is right beneath the heat shield.
Camshaft Position Sensor Location 5.7 Hemi
The camshaft position sensor of 5.7 Hemi is located at the front part of each cylinder head. Just remove the engine cover, and locate the cylinder near the engine. The camshaft position sensor is right there.
Camshaft Position Sensor Location 5.7 Vortec
Vortec 5.7 has the camshaft position sensor in the same position 5.3 Vortec does. Just go to the back part of the engine, and look under the intake manifold. You will find the sensor in this spot.
Camshaft Position Sensor Location 6.0 Powerstroke
The camshaft position sensor of 6.0 Powerstroke is located on the engine block, behind the power steering pump. This power steering pump can be found high on top of the engine. Try looking around the crankshaft to pinpoint the part. Oh, 6.4 Powerstroke camshaft position sensor location is nearly the same but with a slight move.
Camshaft Position Sensor Location 7.3 Powerstroke
The 7.3 Powerstroke has the camshaft position sensor right above the dampener at the front part of the engine. You have to open the engine cover to unravel the engine and then look for the position sensor there.
Camshaft Position Sensor Location 6.7 Cummins
Similar to most vehicle models, the 6.7 Cummins also has the camshaft position sensor around the engine. Look at the lower-front section of the engine for the sensor.
Camshaft Position Sensor Location Dodge 4.7
In the case of Dodge 4.7, the camshaft position sensor is at the back section of the engine. Remove the engine cover and take a peek there.
The function of a Camshaft Position Sensor
In simple words, the purpose of the camshaft position sensor is to detect the cylinder approaching the top-dead-center. The sensor identifies which cylinder is coming up and this information is sent to the engine.
The engine then adjusts the amount of fuel injection and the time of fuel injection using this data. This information also helps the engine to energize the ignition coil. As a result of this, the car gets a smooth combustion process.
Apart from this, the camshaft position sensor has two other functions. This sensor helps the pump-nozzle injection system by sending an actuation signal to the solenoid valve. And finally, this sensor helps with controlling the knocks in an engine.
The Symptoms of a Faulty Cam Sensor
As you probably realize, the camshaft sensor is a vital component of your car. Any damage to it affects your vehicle’s overall functionality. But how do you know if the sensor is faulty? Here are a few symptoms of it,
Difficulty Turning on The Engine
There will be difficulty with starting the vehicle. Your car won’t easily start even if the fuel tank is full and the engine is running perfectly.
Blinking Engine Light
The engine indicator light will blink. There are a few reasons why the check engine light can be on. A faulty cam sensor is one of them.
Control Unit in Emergency Program
The whole control unit will enter an emergency program. Your vehicle’s system will do this so that you don’t accidentality force the sensor to function.
Problematic Drivability
Your vehicle will sputter, stall, and will have bad acceleration. This happens when the fuel delivery and ignition timing mismatches because of a faulty cam sensor.
Poor Fuel Economy
Excess fluid consumption is a common symptom of a faulty cam sensor. The problematic cam sensor will keep the fuel injectors open for a longer duration. As a result, an unnecessary amount of fuel will get into the combustion chamber.
Engine Won’t Start
Your engine may not start at all if your vehicle’s cam sensor is faulty. A problematic cam sensor won’t send the necessary signals to your car’s engine. As a result of this, your vehicle will fail to turn on.
Gaseous Odor
As you already know, excessive fuel can enter the combustion chamber when the camshaft sensor doesn’t work. When there is too much fuel in the chamber, the unburned fuel will emit the odor of gas. This smell will leak all the way to you in the car.
These are the most common and easily detectable symptoms of a problematic camshaft position sensor.
Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost
The overall cost of replacing the camshaft position sensor can range from $100 to $250. This price variation depends on the equipment used and who’s going to perform the replacement.
A sensor replacement will need a new camshaft position sensor. This sensor can cost $30 to $150. If you already have the necessary tools, the entire replacement process will be covered in this budget. However, if you don’t have the accessories, you are going to need to spend $50 more on a toolkit.
However, installing a new sensor with the help of a professional can cost you an extra $150. In this case, the total cost can be $250.
Exceptional cases can increase the price of replacement to $300. But this is likely to happen if the camshaft sensor of your vehicle is hard to find.
How To Replace Camshaft Position Sensor
Replacing the camshaft position sensor is a piece of cake if you know the right way. Handling this task all by yourself can save you up to $100. So how do you do it? Check out the steps below,
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools
Having all the necessary equipment near your reach makes the process easier. Here’s what you are going to need,
Got all the tools? Now let’s go on to the next step.
Step 2: Locate the Camshaft Position Sensor in Your Car
At this stage, you have to pinpoint the sensor in your vehicle. The table at the beginning of this article has the information you need.
Check the table out and determine which location you should look for.
Step 3: Prepare the Car
Now get your vehicle ready before proceeding to the next step. First, disconnect the negative battery cables and detach the sensor electrical connector. Just push down on the tab and slide it off.
Once all the connections are out of the way, you are ready for the next step.
Step 4: Remove the Sensor
It’s time to remove the old, broken sensor. For this, you have to remove the sensor mounting screws first. Just use a simple wrench or a ratchet to loosen up the screw and then remove the sensor from its place.
Step 5: Install a New Sensor
Finally, install the new sensor reversing the removal process.
Push the new sensor in the position where the old one was. Make sure to align the bolt flange along the mounting hole. Tighten up the screws and make sure the sensor is stably placed.
Finally, install the electric connector with the sensor. Conclude the process by reinstalling the negative battery cable to the battery.
And now you have a new camshaft position sensor in your car. The problems you were having with your vehicle should be solved by now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does a broken camshaft sound like?
A broken camshaft will backfire and pop very frequently. As a result of this function, the cylinder will misfire and cause tapping or ticking noises. This sound will come from the upper engine.
How do you reset a camshaft position sensor?
Unfortunately, you can’t reset a camshaft position sensor. If the sensor is broken, the only solution left for you is to replace that component entirely.
Can you replace a camshaft sensor yourself?
Yes, replacing a camshaft sensor is very easy if you have the right tools. However, if there is an extra hundred bucks you can afford to spend, it would be better to get a mechanic.
What happens if a camshaft sensor goes out?
As the purpose of the camshaft sensor is to transmit data, once the sensor goes out, the information is no longer passed on to the engine system. As a result, your fuel chamber gets mismatched fuel delivery, and the ignition timing is ruined. Consequently, the vehicle starts to sputter, stall, and eventually comes to a halt.
Will a car run without a camshaft sensor?
Yes, a car can run without a camshaft sensor. In fact, it’s safe to do so. However, it’s not a recommended practice because your engine won’t work that well without a camshaft sensor. Eventually, this will cause your engine to die out slowly.
Conclusion
The camshaft position sensor is a tiny component but has a huge significance. It helps your engine move smoothly and saves fuel while doing so. Any damage to this tiny device can significantly affect your vehicle.
Fortunately, now that you know everything about the camshaft position sensor location, you shouldn’t worry about finding it in your car. And once you know how to access it, you can replace the part all by yourself, saving hundreds of dollars in the process. So closely follow each step and get your car fixed today.
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Sadeek Matt
Sadeek Matt, “The Human Truckopedia”, has dealt with all types of trucks for 6 years with another 2 years of experience in the automobile industry. He is one of our key team members who solve truck-related problems for Vehicle Bro’s content team to come up with answers to readers’ queries.
He loves scuba diving apart from handling trucks and according to team members, he’s a guy with a great sense of humor who loves living life to the fullest.
