How can you tell if a cam sensor is bad?

If your vehicle idles roughly, stalls frequently, has a drop in engine power, stumbles frequently, has reduced gas mileage, or accelerates slowly, these are all signs your camshaft position sensor could be failing.

Where is the camshaft position sensor CMP located?

Beneath the timing belt cover is where the CMP Sensor is mounted. The camshaft position sensor can be found in the right side of the engine compartment at the rear of the valve cover.

What causes a cam sensor to go bad?

Different things can cause the camshaft position sensor to malfunction. It can fail due to use over a long time, moisture, water damage, and oil build up on the engine. Sometimes an oil leak due to a bad head gasket or defective or loose oil cap can cause the sensor’s signal from the wires to be interrupted.

What happens if a cam sensor goes bad?

Poor Drivability A failing camshaft position sensor begins losing its ability to quickly transfer data. Mismatched fuel delivery and ignition timing, even if off by a few milliseconds, will cause your vehicle to sputter, accelerate poorly, lack power, stall or even shut off.

How much does it cost to replace a cam sensor?

What is the typical cost for Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement? In most case, this is not a expensive repair. The sensor will cost somewhere between $50 and $100 depending on the manufacturer. Installation can vary depending upon the car, and will run from $40 to $200 depending upon the location.

Where is the camshaft position sensor on a GM car?

Look around the top section of the timing belt/chain cover (in the front of the engine) or at the rear end of the cylinder head. Some GM models may have a special compartment for the sensor.

What happens when a camshaft sensor goes bad?

A failing camshaft position sensor (CMP sensor) can produce a confusing range of problems, depending on the way it fails and the model of the car: On some vehicles, a failing camshaft sensor may lock the transmission in a single gear until you turn off and restart the engine.

What kind of Hall effect does a camshaft position sensor use?

The Hall-effect type uses an external power source to produce a digital signal (a “square wave,” on-or-off) and has three wires. Note: If you are new to all this, you should know that the camshaft position sensor is a different part from the crankshaft position sensor.

What should the voltage be on a camshaft sensor?

After these checks, use a digital multimeter that can test either alternate current (AC) voltage or direct current (DC) voltage, depending on your particular type of camshaft position sensor. You’ll also need the correct electrical values for your particular type of sensor. You may find this information in your vehicle repair manual.