CAMSHAFT camshaft sensor

Camshaft position sensors - CAMSHAFT

 

A camshaft position sensor is found in every modern car. This sensor is an essential part of any car, as it ensures the correct operation of the engine. When you look under the hood of your car, you may have trouble finding the sensor. Typically, each car manufacturer will have their unique location to put the sensor next to the engine. It can be found behind the muffler, in the lift valley of the vehicle or adjacent to the engine block.

 

What is a camshaft position sensor?

 

The camshaft position sensor tracks the rotation of the camshaft, focusing on when the valves open and close. Most camshaft sensors are located just above the camshaft notched ring. Most of these sensors will use a magnet to generate or modify an AC electrical signal, which will be used in conjunction with a crankshaft position sensor to determine when a position is approaching top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke. This data will help fine-tune spark timing and injector pulse. It is also called a cylinder identification sensor or phase detector.

The ECU in a sequential fuel injection system must decide which cylinder to fire. The cylinder identification sensor provides this information. Whenever the first cylinder is in top dead centre during engine rotation, the sensor sends a signal to the on-board controller (TDC).

Functions of the camshaft position sensor (CAM):

 

• To determine which cylinder is in the power stroke, the machine's computer uses a sensor to monitor the rotational position of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft position. This information will be used to modify spark timing and fuel injector operation.
• The CAM sensor, also known as the camshaft position sensor, is responsible for informing the ECM of the camshaft position.

 

The camshaft position sensor collects and communicates vehicle camshaft speed data to the engine control module (ECM). This information is used by the ECM to determine the ignition timing as well as the fuel injection timing required by the engine. The engine could not operate efficiently without this information.

 

Operating principle:

 

The operation of a camshaft position sensor is less complex and can be easily understood. As stated earlier, the ECU in a sequential fuel injection system must decide which cylinder to fire. The cylinder identification sensor provides this information. Whenever the first cylinder is in top dead centre during engine rotation, the sensor sends a signal to the on-board controller (TDC).

As a result, the duration of pulse injection can be calculated. The on-board controller in simultaneous fuel injection systems does not identify the cylinders or the firing sequence, as it is not required for the system to operate. The exact cylinder is determined when a crankshaft or distributor advance ignition signal comes in by detecting the mechanical locations of the crankshaft, camshaft, valves or distributor shaft.

 

 

Common symptoms of a faulty camshaft position sensor:

 

- Engine check light is on

- Ignition problem

- Locking the engine

- Poor acceleration

- Problem changing gear