A camshaft position sensor is a device that uses a magnetic field to read or sense the position of a camshaft as it rotates. An engine can feature anywhere from one to four camshafts, each having its own camshaft position sensor.

In order for your engine to run properly, each of its internal components must move together in concert the way instruments play along with one another in an orchestra. Synchronized by the timing belt, the crankshaft, pistons, valves, and camshaft(s) all need to play together at the same time and in relationship to the fuel injection and ignition systems. One of the ways it does so is through the use of two types of sensors, one for the crankshaft and the other for the camshaft.

Mounted at the top of your engine near the camshaft, the camshaft position sensor sends information about the position of the camshaft to the engine’s main computer, the Engine Control Module (ECM). There it is used to determine the relationship of the camshaft(s) to the crankshaft. If they are not timed correctly, the ECM makes adjustments to the fuel injection and ignition systems to make sure your engine runs at maximum efficiency and power, and to avoid internal damage and premature wear.