Camshaft & Crankshaft Sensors

Camshaft and Crankshaft sensors are an essential part within modern vehicle engine management systems. Since the introduction of electronic fuel injection, sensors have been used to monitor and communicate the position of the engine to the engine control unit (ECU). Using these measurements, the ECU can trigger or delay fuel injection and ignition relative to the engine’s operating conditions.

What do the Sensors do?

The Camshaft Sensor monitors the positions of the camshaft to allow for correct ignition timing.

The Crankshaft Sensor detects the position of the crankshaft, allowing the ECU to calculate its position in relation to the pistons in the engine.

Troubleshooting:

Cambiare is backed with technical knowledge and considers the need for understanding common faults and failures, when it comes to engine position sensors. When the sensor fails, it stops transmitting the signal which contains the vital data for the ignition and other parts in the system. This can cause faults such as the engine idling erratically, starting failure, poor starting or flat acceleration. If the engine is revved up when it has a bad or faulty sensor it may cause misfiring, excessive engine vibration or backfiring.

Possible causes for failure can be from exposure to extreme heat, oil or dirt ingress from a failing seal, resulting in damage to a wire connector and/or the sensor element.

Testing:

To test the camshaft sensor disconnect it from its electrical connectors. Ensure that the ignition is turned off before disconnecting.

For INDUCTIVE type sensors;

  • Check that the resistance of the inductive coil. If it is typically between 500 and 1.500 ohms it would be considered serviceable. If the resistance is outside of that range, (including zero or infinite), the sensor could be considered faulty. This is only a guide and the actual resistances for specific sensors should be checked against the manufacturer’s specification.
  • Ensure there is the correct air gap between the sensor and the trigger wheel. As a guide this is typically between 0.8 – 1.5 mm.
  • Ensure the electrical connections are clean, secure and undamaged.
  • Check the continuity and condition of the wires, connectors, terminals and the condition of the shielding between the sensor and the ECU.
  • With the sensor unplugged, check that there is an output AC voltage when cranking the engine. A typical output voltage signal could be between 1 V and 2 V (ensure the meter is set to AC voltage) during the engine cranking.

Other components to check:

  • Timing belt (this may have jumped teeth)
  • Ignition system

Common Fault Codes (Camshaft)

  • P0020 “A” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)
  • P0021 “A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)
  • P0022 “A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)
  • P0023 “B” Camshaft Position – Actuator Circuit (Bank 2) See Trouble Code P0020
  • P0024 “B” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2) – See Trouble Code P0021
  • P0025 “B” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2) – See Trouble Code P0022

Common Fault Codes (Crankshaft)

  • P0016 Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
  • P0017 Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)
  • P0018 Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)
  • P0019 Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor B)

Why choose Cambiare?

Cambiare has 500 + parts covering over 65 million vehicles on the UK roads. Cambiare Camshaft and Crankshaft sensors are precision-made for outstanding performance and manufactured to meet and all original equipment specification and test requirements.

Highlights include:

  • VE363068 - Crankshaft Sensor - Vauxhall Corsa - 1.2 - 00-04
  • VE363239 - Camshaft Sensor - Mini Cooper - 1.6 - 06-12
  • VE363067 - Crankshaft Sensor - Ford Focus - 1.6 - 98-04

Cambiare’s Value Added Services

  • 2 year or 30,000 mile warranty, whichever comes first
  • Technical helpline: 0845 543 8280
  • OE quality, BER compliant parts