Camshaft Vs Crankshaft Position Sensor

When the cam rotates away from the valve the valve closes.

Camshaft vs crankshaft position sensor.

The crankshaft position sensor is normally located in the timing cover or on the side of the block with a cylindrical portion that inserts into the block. The camshaft sensor monitors the frequency at which the camshaft is turning. The most common failure crankshaft position sensor symptoms. The camshaft position sensor gathers information about the vehicle s camshaft speed and sends it to the vehicle s engine control module ecm.

When the camshaft turns the individual cams push against specific valves and cause them to open. The speed and position of the crankshaft are two key parameters that the car s computer uses for engine management calculations. The camshaft position sensor tells the computer which 360 degree portion of that 720 degree process is currently happening. The camshaft is a rod with specifically placed protuberances that stick out from the rod.

If any symptoms are. Crankshaft sensors can be a pain since the crankshaft is located on the bottom of the block. The camshaft position sensor is typically located in the cylinder head of the engine and has a cylindrical portion that inserts into the head. These are called cams.

The camshaft position sensor gathers information about the vehicle s camshaft speed and sends it to the vehicle s engine control module ecm the ecm uses this data to determine the timing of the ignition as well as the timing of the fuel injection that the engine requires. Alongside the crankshaft sensor the position sensor on the camshaft is an essential for the modern car and is used in all sequentially fuel injected engines to ensure optimum performance. The ecm uses this data to determine the timing of the. The position sensor on your car s camshaft continually assesses the frequency at which the camshaft is turning.

Testing a 3 wire sensor requires many steps we have used japanese cars whose sensors work perfectly. A crankshaft position sensor gives the engine computer an accurate reading of what angle the crankshaft is at in the 720 degree 4 stroke process. They tend to be located in the valve cover since most engines these days are overhead cam design. Camshaft sensors tend to be easy.

Do not drive with a malfunctioning crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. Both can easily be used to determine engine speed.