What is the detection method for the camshaft position sensor?
2 Answers
The detection method for the camshaft position sensor is: 1. Detection of the sensor's power supply voltage; 2. Detection of the wire resistance. The working principle of the camshaft position sensor is to provide signals for ignition timing and confirmation of the crankshaft position, used to detect the piston top dead center, crankshaft angle, and engine speed. Symptoms of a damaged camshaft position sensor include: 1. Difficulty in ignition and engine starting; 2. Difficulty in accelerating when the engine is hot; 3. Increased fuel consumption, lack of power, and difficulty in acceleration; 4. Engine trembling while driving. The function of the camshaft position sensor is to collect the position signal of the valve camshaft and input the signal into the electronic control unit to determine the ignition timing and fuel injection timing.
When testing the camshaft position sensor, I have a set of DIY repair methods: First, connect a diagnostic scanner to the OBD port to check for trouble codes. If codes like P0340 appear, it confirms the issue source. Next, turn off the engine, unplug the sensor connector, and use a multimeter to measure the supply voltage—typically around 5V or 12V, depending on the vehicle model. Also, verify the ground wire has zero resistance. Then, test the signal wire; the voltage should fluctuate regularly when starting the engine. If it remains constant or fluctuates abnormally, the sensor may be faulty internally. Additionally, visually inspect the sensor surface for oil contamination or damage, and check if excessive gap affects the signal. I once encountered this—a dirty sensor caused engine shaking, which was resolved by cleaning or replacing it at a cost of just tens of dollars, saving significant repair fees. Regular engine bay inspections and cleaning during driving help prevent issues and ensure peace of mind.
