Common signs of a faulty camshaft sensor

A camshaft sensor is a device that monitors the position and rotation of the camshaft, which controls the opening and closing of the valves in the engine. The camshaft sensor sends signals to the engine control unit (ECU), which uses them to adjust the fuel injection and ignition timing for optimal performance and efficiency.

 

However, a camshaft sensor can fail due to wear and tear, damage, or electrical problems. When this happens, the ECU may receive incorrect or no signals from the camshaft sensor, leading to various engine problems. Here are some common symptoms of a faulty camshaft sensor:

 

– **Check engine light**: The ECU will detect a malfunction in the camshaft sensor circuit and store a trouble code, which will trigger the check engine light on the dashboard. The check engine light can indicate many different issues, so it is important to scan the ECU with a diagnostic tool to read the specific code related to the camshaft sensor¹.

– **Engine won’t start**: If the camshaft sensor fails completely, it may not send any signal to the ECU, which will prevent the engine from starting. The ECU needs to know the position of the camshaft and the crankshaft to determine when to inject fuel and spark the plugs. Without this information, the engine will not be able to run².

– **Poor engine performance**: If the camshaft sensor sends inaccurate or intermittent signals to the ECU, it may cause the engine to run poorly. The ECU may inject too much or too little fuel, or ignite the fuel at the wrong time, resulting in hesitation, stalling, misfiring, loss of power, or rough idling³.

– **Transmission shifting problems**: Some vehicles use the camshaft sensor data to control the transmission shift solenoids, which regulate the gear changes. If the camshaft sensor fails, it may cause the transmission to shift erratically, harshly, or not at all. The ECU may also enter a limp mode, which limits the engine speed and power to protect the engine from damage⁴.

– **Bad fuel economy**: A faulty camshaft sensor can affect the fuel efficiency of the engine, as the ECU may not be able to optimize the fuel injection and ignition timing. The engine may consume more fuel than necessary, or run too lean, which can damage the catalytic converter and increase the fuel consumption.

 

A faulty camshaft sensor can cause serious problems for your engine and your vehicle. Therefore, it is advisable to replace it as soon as possible. If you think you might need a camshaft sensor replacement, contact us today on 07458148084. Remember, your car deserves the best care, and so do you.