Camshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

LOCATION

Fig. 8 Camshaft Position Sensor Location:

The camshaft position sensor is located on the timing chain case/cover on the left-front side of the engine.

DESCRIPTION
The camshaft position sensor is used in conjunction with the crankshaft position sensor to differentiate between fuel injection and spark events. It is also used to synchronize the fuel injectors with their respective cylinders.

OPERATION
The sensor generates electrical pulses. These pulses (signals) are sent to the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM will then determine crankshaft position from both the camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position sensor.

Fig. 9 Sensor Operation:

A low and high area are machined into the camshaft drive gear. The sensor is positioned in the timing gear cover so that a small air gap exists between the face of sensor and the high machined area of cam gear.

When the cam gear is rotating, the sensor will detect the machined low area. Input voltage from the sensor to the PCM will then switch from a low (approximately 0.3 volts) to a high (approximately 5 volts). When the sensor detects the high machined area, the input voltage switches back low to approximately 0.3 volts.

CIRCUIT OPERATION
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) supplies 5 Volts to the camshaft position sensor on circuit K6. Circuit K6 connects to cavity A17 of the PCM.

The PCM receives the camshaft position sensor signal on circuit K44. Circuit K44 connects to cavity A18 of the PCM.

The PCM provides a ground for the camshaft position sensor (circuit K44) through circuit K4. Circuit K4 connects to cavity A4 of the PCM connector.