Camshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Fig. 5 CMP Sensor Location:

The Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor is located on the timing chain case/cover on the left-front side of the engine.

The CMP 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. 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.8 CMP 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.