5 Symptoms of a Bad Camshaft Position Sensor
Internal combustion engines have a device called a camshaft. The camshaft’s role is to control the delivery of gasoline and the discharge of exhaust gases through the exhaust system.
The camshaft has offset cams that control the exhaust and intake valves. A timing belt or chain connects the camshaft to the crankshaft and drives it.
The vehicle’s engine control unit monitors the rotational position of the camshaft using a part called a “camshaft position sensor.” Based on the information sent by the sensor, the engine control unit determines how much fuel should be injected into the combustion chamber and when the spark should ignite. If your camshaft position sensor is faulty, your vehicle may experience a variety of issues. You will become aware of these issues when the symptoms become more noticeable. Below are 5 common signs that indicate a bad camshaft position sensor:
1) Ignition issues (car starting issues)
A spark is needed for the air and fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine to ignite. In some vehicles, a spark may not be produced if the camshaft position sensor is faulty or defective. If you can’t create a spark, you can’t start your engine. You might not immediately think that the camshaft position sensor is the cause of your engine not starting.
2) Difficulty Changing Gears (Dual Clutch Transmission with Paddle Shift)
If you’re driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission and the camshaft position sensor is defective, you can expect the gear you set to lock up. This means that you’ll have difficulty shifting into another gear, if not be able to shift at all. The only thing you can do is to turn off the car, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. This is only a temporary solution to get the vehicle to the nearest mechanic immediately.
If you do not replace the camshaft position sensor, the shifting problem will definitely come back.
3) Poor engine performance (no power steering)
When the camshaft position sensor fails, it will inject the wrong amount of fuel into the cylinder chambers. The engine does not respond very well to this as it needs the right mixture to function properly.
4) Poor Fuel Economy (High Fuel Consumption)
If your camshaft position sensor is bad, it could be that the injectors are pumping too much fuel into the cylinder chambers. Increased fuel consumption will cause fuel economy issues for your vehicle. You’ll notice your fuel economy drops and the need to refuel more frequently.
5) Check Engine Light
The camshaft position sensor is a component inside your engine. If this sensor malfunctions or breaks, it will set off a chain reaction that affects other functions of your engine.
Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost
Of all the sensors on your vehicle, the camshaft position sensor is often one of the least expensive. In most cases, you can expect to pay between $20 and $100 to replace the sensor, depending on the make and model.
Expect to pay more if you have it replaced at a dealership or if you drive a certain luxury or high-performance vehicle.
Fortunately, those with less mechanical experience can often replace the sensor themselves using a repair manual or vehicle-specific YouTube video.