When your engine starts to misfire, there’s one thing you don’t want to worry about: the camshaft sensor. This tiny device sits at the front of the camshaft, and it senses when the valves are opening and closing properly. If it starts seeing irregularities, it will send a signal to your engine controller to correct the issue. Unfortunately, these signals can be disrupted by a number of things—from debris in the oil to a bad camshaft sensor. In most cases, this will just result in a loss of power and poor fuel economy. If you notice that your engine is losing power or dropping in mileage despite normal driving conditions, it may be time to replace your camshaft sensor. Check out our guide below for more information on how much to replace it and when to do so.
What is the Camshaft Sensor and What Does it Do?
The camshaft sensor is a device that monitors the camshafts in your engine. It helps to control the timing of your engine valves, which can improve fuel economy and performance.
How to Test for a Camshaft Sensor
If your car is displaying odd or missing engine performance, it’s time to check your camshaft sensor. A camshaft sensor measures the position of the valves and transmits this information to the engine controller. If the camshaft sensor is malfunctions, the engine might not start or run properly. By checking for a malfunctioning camshaft sensor, you can determine if there’s a more serious issue with your car’s engine performance.
To test for a malfunctioning camshaft sensor, first turn off your car and remove the key from the ignition. Next, disconnect the negative battery cable. Finally, disconnect both spark plugs from the electrical connector on the firewall.
Now you can inspect each coil wire for damage. If any of these wires are fried, it could be indication that there’s a problem with your camshaft sensor. If one of these wires looks damaged or burnt, replace your Camshaft Sensor as soon as possible!
How to Replace a Camshaft Sensor
Replacing a camshaft sensor can be a frustrating experience, but it’s definitely worth it to restore your car’s engine performance. Here’s how to do it:
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the air intake hose and exhaust pipe from the catalytic converter.
3. Detach the camshaft cover by unscrewing the two screws on each side of it.
4. Pull out the camshaft sensor by gently pulling on it from behind. Be careful not to damage it!
5. Clean the metal surfaces of the camshaft sensor mating surface and of the engine block where it will be installed with some degreaser and rubbing alcohol. Let dry completely before installing new sensor.
6. Install new camshaft sensor by pressing it into place and screwing in screws on either side of engine block, making sure that mating surface is clean and smooth before tightening screws down completely
What to Do If the Camshaft Sensor Doesn’t Fix the Problem
If the camshaft sensor still doesn’t fix the problem, then it is likely that there is a problem with the engine itself. In this case, the best option is to have the engine replaced. However, if you just need to replace the sensor, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue yourself. First, make sure that the camshaft sensor is properly installed by checking for proper alignment of the sensor and camshaft journal. Also make sure that there is no debris or debris on the sensors contacts. If all of these checks look good and the issue still persists, then it may be necessary to replace the sensor.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing problems with your engine, it’s time to replace the camshaft sensor. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to replace the camshaft sensor on a 2007-2013 Toyota Camry.