How to Determine if the Camshaft Sensor is Faulty?
2 Answers
Camshaft sensor's primary function is to collect the position signals of the valve camshaft and transmit them to the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU then uses this information to sequentially control fuel injection, ignition timing, and fuel management. Symptoms of a faulty camshaft sensor include: 1. Ignition issues: Difficulty in starting the engine. 2. Stalling when hot: Difficulty in accelerating when the engine is warm. 3. Increased fuel consumption: The malfunction indicator light remains on, and the vehicle may shake. The camshaft sensor also determines valve opening to ensure timely ignition and can serve as a temporary emergency ignition source when the crankshaft sensor fails. Therefore, if your vehicle exhibits symptoms like rapid fuel consumption, hard starting, unstable idle, occasional jerking while driving, or abnormal malfunction indicator light activity, it's advisable to promptly visit a professional repair shop for inspection.
The camshaft sensor was faulty, and my car had this issue with very typical symptoms. That day, the engine hesitated several times during startup, and the check engine light stayed on. While driving, the engine shook violently, like riding a horse. At first, I thought it might be the spark plugs or fuel pump, but later, using an OBD-II scanner, I retrieved the P0340 trouble code, confirming it was a sensor issue. The mechanic said sensor aging or moisture intrusion could cause signal inaccuracies, affecting the ECU's control over ignition and fuel injection, leading to unstable idling and power loss. If you encounter similar issues, he advised scanning for trouble codes first instead of guessing parts randomly. Ignoring it long-term might damage the valves or catalytic converter, increasing repair costs, so it’s best to address it promptly at a shop.
