What Impact Does a Faulty Camshaft Sensor Have on a Car?

[DiHarmony]

A faulty camshaft sensor can have the following impacts on a car: 1. Difficulty in accelerating; 2. Ignition problems; 3. Idling and illuminated fault light; 4. Sudden engine stalling when the car is warm. The camshaft sensor is a sensing device, also known as a synchronization signal sensor. It serves as a cylinder identification and positioning device, inputting camshaft position signals to the ECU and acting as the primary control signal for ignition. The camshaft sensor consists of a signal disk, signal generator, distributor, sensor housing, and wiring harness connector. Its functions include: 1. Timely control of the ignition system, issuing ignition commands based on the actual conditions of the cylinder; 2. Performing emergency ignition operations.

[DianaAnn]

Last time I was driving, that camshaft sensor failed, and it was absolutely terrible! The car was super hard to start, constantly failing to ignite, and it would suddenly shake violently while driving, as if it was about to fall apart. When accelerating, it felt particularly weak, with no response even when I floored the gas pedal—it was like being dragged along. Fuel consumption also skyrocketed; normally, a full tank could last 500 kilometers, but now it was gone after just 350 kilometers, costing me a lot more on gas. What’s even more annoying was the dashboard lighting up with a warning light, which just made me panic. I think in such a situation, it’s best not to force it and head straight to the repair shop for a check-up, otherwise, it could damage other components.

[VanRobert]

I've seen quite a few sensor issues in auto repair. When the camshaft sensor fails, the car can't accurately control engine ignition and fuel injection, resulting in hard starts or stalling. The engine will shake violently during operation, with unstable idling that feels like a cylinder misfire. Acceleration becomes sluggish, sometimes accompanied by strange noises. If not repaired promptly, it may damage spark plugs or the catalytic converter, increasing repair costs. It's recommended to use a diagnostic scanner to read trouble codes, which makes it easy to determine if the sensor is faulty.

[AdrianAnn]

As a veteran driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, I place great emphasis on safety. A faulty camshaft sensor can cause the vehicle to suddenly stall, which is especially dangerous on highways—losing power and control of the steering is terrifying. The engine may also experience severe shaking or fail to start. If the car stops in the middle of traffic, it could easily lead to an accident. Additionally, if the emission fault light comes on and the vehicle fails inspection, it becomes even more troublesome. If any abnormalities are detected, it's crucial to get it checked immediately and avoid taking risks on the road.