A faulty camshaft position sensor can lead to other issues, such as poor fuel economy, higher emissions, catalytic converter damage, and failure to start at all. As with most problems related to the car’s engine, the best thing you can do is recognize there’s something wrong, diagnose it accurately, and get it fixed at the earliest possible opportunity. This is the recommended course of action if you want to avoid knock-on problems and more expensive repairs down the road.

When it comes to camshaft position sensor failure, the big challenge lies in accurately diagnosing the problem, as many of the symptoms are the same you’d see with other issues.

Below, we’ll break down exactly what the camshaft position sensor does, how it differs from the crankshaft sensor, the symptoms you’re likely to experience if your vehicle’s camshaft position sensor is malfunctioning, what other problems could produce the same symptoms, how to get an accurate diagnosis, and what to do next.

What the Camshaft Position Sensor Does

The camshaft position sensor monitors the position of the camshaft as it rotates, sending the data to the vehicle’s electronic or engine control unit (ECU). The ECU uses the data to help manage ignition, fuel injection, and valve timing to ensure the engine runs efficiently.

The camshaft works together with the crankshaft. They’re linked by the timing belt, timing chain, or gears, which keep the engine’s moving parts synchronized.

The crankshaft is connected to the pistons and rotates as they move up and down during combustion. This rotation drives the camshaft at a precise speed so the engine’s intake and exhaust valves open and close at exactly the right times. This allows air and fuel into the engine and allows exhaust gases to exit the engine.

When the timing between the camshaft and crankshaft is off, the engine can run poorly, misfire, enter limp mode, or fail to start altogether. The camshaft sensor is there to help the ECU detect faults and manage the timing accurately.

Camshaft vs. Crankshaft Sensor: Why It Matters

There are sensors monitoring both the camshaft and the crankshaft. However, when they fail, the symptoms they produce are similar, so it’s important to understand the distinction if you’re going to avoid replacing the wrong parts.

• The crankshaft sensor tracks the speed and position of the crankshaft as it rotates.
• The camshaft sensor tracks the camshaft’s speed and position to help determine valve timing and cylinder identification.

While the symptoms are similar if either one fails (engine misfires, stalling, rough running, no-starts), they typically trigger different diagnostic trouble codes:

• Crankshaft sensor issues: P0335–P0339
• Camshaft sensor issues: P0340–P0344

As you can see, skipping a thorough diagnosis is a mistake in this scenario. Going ahead with a repair without properly identifying the issue can easily lead to unnecessary expense, and the problem is likely to persist.

Symptoms of a Failing Camshaft Position Sensor

When the camshaft position sensor isn’t working properly, the ECU doesn’t receive the accurate data it needs to manage ignition timing, fuel injection timing, and valve timing efficiently. This can lead to a range of driveability and engine performance issues. The typical symptoms you see in this scenario include:

• Check engine light appears (bear in mind there are many check engine light causes, so this, on its own, doesn’t tell you enough to confirm that it’s a bad camshaft sensor)
• Intermittent misfires that don’t follow a single-cylinder pattern
• Rough idling or surging
• Hard starts, especially when the engine is warm
• Reduced power or limp mode activation

Intermittency can be an important clue in diagnosing a camshaft sensor malfunction, as the sensor may function correctly when cold but begin to fail once heat-soaked.

How to Diagnose It Before Spending Money on Parts

Before you commit to spending your hard-earned cash on potentially unnecessary repairs, run through the following checklist:

1. Start with an on-board diagnostics (OBD) scan. If the scan tool shows P0340-P0344 codes, this indicates it’s a camshaft position sensor issue you’re dealing with.
2. Next, check the sensor’s wiring and connector for corrosion or other damage. A corroded connector or chafed wire can trigger the same fault codes even if the sensor is fine, and they cost next to nothing to fix.
3. If the wiring and connector are fine, your next step is to replace the sensor.

Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement: Cost, Difficulty, and DIY Viability

On most vehicles, the camshaft position sensor is accessible, and replacing it is a relatively straightforward procedure that many people could confidently carry out. A replacement sensor on its own ranges from $115-$170. Replacing it could take as little as 30 minutes, saving you a lot of money on auto repair shop labor costs.

If you don’t feel comfortable replacing the camshaft position sensor yourself for any reason, or if it isn’t readily accessible on your car, you’re going to be looking at a shop repair bill of around $220-$320.

What Happens If You Ignore It

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and suspect you have a faulty camshaft position sensor, you shouldn’t stick your head in the sand and ignore it.

Left unaddressed, a failing camshaft position sensor can result in:

• The ECU defaults to open-loop fueling, which means poor fuel economy and higher emissions
• Repeated misfires, which can cause catalytic converter damage
• Failure to start, leaving you stranded

As with most automotive issues, a small repair now can easily become something considerably more onerous and end up costing you a lot more later if neglected.

How a VSC Applies to a Camshaft Sensor Repair

In many cases, when your vehicle’s camshaft position sensor fails, having a vehicle service contract (VSC) in place can significantly reduce your liability.

Mid-tier or higher auto protection plans may include coverage for engine management and electrical system components, which is the category that a camshaft position sensor fault falls under. As this fault can be more challenging than usual to diagnose, you may benefit from a plan that includes diagnostic charges for covered repairs—not just the replacement part and labor.

Of course, coverage varies from one provider to another, and it’s important to check the details of each plan to see what is covered and what isn’t.

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You can also find plenty more information and resources on our extended warranty blog.