Camshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor:

The Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor (1) is located in a distributor style housing (2) on the back of engine head (3). The PCM uses he CMP sensor input in order to control the fuel injectors and the ignition timing. The CMP sensor is adjustable.

Operation:

Operation
The CMP sensor (3) contains a signal generator hall switch (2). A signal rotor (2), with 11 notches, is located in the CMP sensor housing and is driven by the camshaft. The CMP sensor has a specified air gap between the sensor core end and the signal rotor. When the signal rotor in the housing turns, a magnetic flux from the magnet is applied to the hall element repeatedly. The hall element generates a voltage that is proportional to the magnetic flux. This voltage signal is wave-shaped and is modified into a digital pulse before being sent to the PCM. The PCM uses the pulse and/or revolution signal in determining the engine speed and the position of each cylinder.