Camshaft Position Sensor Cost
The camshaft position sensor, located adjacent to the engine camshaft, helps relays information about the camshaft’s current position of the rotation while the car is running. The sensor, essentially, will notify the car’s onboard computer (PCM) if one cylinder is close to reaching the top dead center of its compression stroke, and with this information, it can be used to then help control the ignition timing as well as the timing of the fuel injectors.
How much does a camshaft position sensor cost?
As with most car repairs, the costs of a camshaft position sensor will depend on the mechanic you choose, the car you drive and your geographical region. Based on the many quotes we did find online, the costs seemed to range anywhere from $125 to $275+, with parts retailing for $20 to $115+, whereas labor would cost another $100 to $200 or so, again, depending on the factors mentioned prior.
This estimate is only for the camshaft position sensor part only and will not include any other additional repairs that commonly are required during this repair as well. Damage done to the camshaft position sensor is often due to oil leaks, according to YourMechanic.com, which means you may need to budget for additional repairs, for example.
How does the part work?
Whenever the camshaft spins, the sensors interpret the camshaft position from a locked location alongside the shaft. As long as the car is running, the information will be sent continuously to the car’s onboard computer to compare this data. When these two signals eventually get to the computer, then a match is essential for the computer to determine there is no problem; however, if the crankshaft position is different from that of the position of the camshaft, then the computer will sense a mismatch and will document that an engine timing problem is happening and will adjust the settings to protect an engine failure.
Repair process
To confirm the camshaft position sensor is the faulty part and the cause of your car problems, a mechanic can usually diagnose the problem quite easily by connecting your car to a commercially graded scanner. If the position of both the crankshaft and the camshaft are not as they should be when compared to the current engine position or if the reading is conflicting, then the actual part will be tested and replaced from there as necessary. Also, common OBD codes, such as P0640, P0341, and P0342, can indicate a problem relies on the camshaft position sensor as well.
To repair, there are two positions where the camshaft position sensor part can be located, either inside of the timing cover, near the timing chain or near the valve cover of the engine.
Before the part is removed, the battery is first disconnected and the electrical connector connected to the camshaft position sensor will be removed.
Next, in the case of a part near the valve cover, the valve cover and timing cover may need to be removed in order to gain access to the part, but this will depend on your vehicle’s setup. Once exposed, the holding fastener keeping the sensor in place will be removed and the mounting area, once the sensor is removed, will be cleaned.
The new sensor will then be installed in the same position and all parts, including the mount and electrical connectors, will be installed in reverse order.
As the last step, your mechanic will clear any of the PCM codes so the onboard computer can recalibrate itself, and he or she will then perform a test drive to ensure the problem resolved itself.
Symptoms of a bad camshaft position sensor
Check engine light: If your car’s onboard computer senses a mismatch, then the check engine list will illuminate on your dashboard, and while this could be due to a myriad of problems, an OBD trouble code will confirm the part is, indeed, the problem at hand. This isn’t always the case, however, as the mass air flow sensor and timing belt can sometimes trigger the code as well.
Engine problems: You may start to notice that your engine will attempt to start, stall and/or even fail to start at times since some models are designed to prevent the car from starting as a safety precaution. Aside from this, you may start to feel a loss of poor, poorer-than-average fuel mileage and/or a hesitant-like feeling as you accelerate.
Oil leaks: As mentioned prior, one of the most common reasons a camshaft position sensor fails is often due to oil leaks.
Tips to know
For many new car models, the software needs to be updated anytime the sensor is replaced.
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