How to distinguish between intake and exhaust camshafts on a Cruze?
2 Answers
The method to distinguish between the intake and exhaust camshafts on a Cruze is: Open the camshaft cover, the valve with larger clearance is the exhaust valve, and the one with smaller clearance is the intake valve. The camshaft is a component in a piston engine, responsible for controlling the opening and closing of the valves. Below are the steps to test the camshaft position sensor: 1. Unplug the connector, turn the key to the second position, and use a voltmeter to measure and confirm that the power wire has voltage output. 2. Use the meter to identify the ground wire. Connect one probe of the voltmeter to the confirmed power wire, and the other probe to the remaining two wires. The wire that shows voltage is the ground wire, and the remaining one is the signal wire. 3. Now, turn off the key, extend the signal wire, plug the connector back in, start the engine, and measure the signal wire against the ground wire to check for signal voltage output. The output voltage should be less than the supply voltage. 4. While performing the above steps, also inspect the signal teeth on the camshaft, and ensure there are no obstructions between the camshaft sensor and the signal teeth, and that the gap is normal.
When working on car repairs, I found that distinguishing the intake camshaft from the exhaust camshaft on a Cruze mainly depends on their position and markings. In the engine bay, the camshaft facing the radiator is the exhaust camshaft, while the one near the intake manifold is the intake camshaft. Many Cruze models have 'IN' and 'EX' markings stamped on the camshafts, making identification straightforward. If there are no markings, observe carefully: the intake camshaft connects to the intake valve components and is positioned slightly higher, while the exhaust side is closer to the exhaust manifold and often sits lower. Installing them incorrectly can cause unstable engine operation, increased fuel consumption, or even damage to the valve mechanism. I recommend consulting the owner's manual or online repair forums before starting, to find diagrams specific to your model year. For vehicles equipped with a VVT system, precision in identification is even more critical, as calibration errors can affect power output. Regular maintenance checks on this small detail can prevent major repair headaches.
