Camshaft position sensor

The camshaft sensor enables the engine control to determine the exact position of the crankshaft drive. This information is required to calculate the ignition point and injection point, among other things. On this page, you can find out how a fault on the camshaft sensor can manifest itself, and which steps should be taken during troubleshooting.

Important safety note

The following technical information and practical tips have been compiled by HELLA in order to provide professional support to vehicle workshops in their day-to-day work. The information provided on this website is intended for suitably qualified personnel only.

1. Functional principle

Camshaft position sensor function

The task of the camshaft sensor is to work with the crankshaft sensor to define the exact position of the crankshaft drive. Through the combination of both sensor signals, the engine control unit knows when the first cylinder is in the top dead point.

This information is needed for three purposes:

  1. For the start of injection during sequential injection.
  2. For the actuation signal of the solenoid valve for the pump-nozzle injection system.
  3. For cylinder-selective knocking control.

The camshaft sensor works according to the Hall principle. It scans a ring gear on the camshaft. The rotation of the ring gear changes the Hall voltage of the Hall IC in the sensor head. This change in voltage is transmitted to the control unit and evaluated there in order to establish the required data.

2. Symptoms

Camshaft position sensor faulty

A faulty camshaft sensor can cause the following symptoms:

  • Starting difficulties
  • Engine indicator lamp comes on
  • Fault code is stored
  • Control unit enters an emergency program
3. Cause of failure

Camshaft position sensor faulty

Reasons for failure of the camshaft sensor can be:

  • Mechanical damage
  • Break in the encoder wheel
  • Internal short circuits
  • Interruption in connection to the control unit
4. Troubleshooting

Checking the camshaft position sensor

TROUBLESHOOTING:

  • Check sensor for damage ✓
  • Read out the fault memory ✓
  • Check the electrical connections of the sensor wiring, the connector, and the sensor for correct connection, breaks, and corrosion ✓
1

Checking the connection line

Check the connection line from the control unit to the sensor using the ohmmeter. Remove the connector from the control unit and remove the sensor, check the individual cables for continuity. A circuit diagram is required for the pin assignment. Reference value: approx. 0 Ohm.

2

Checking the connection lines for short circuit to frame

Check the connection lines for short circuit to frame. Measurement between sensor plug and vehicle ground, control unit plug removed. Reference value: >30 MOhm.

3

Checking the supply voltage

Check the supply voltage from the control unit to the sensor. Insert the control unit plug, switch the ignition on. Reference value: approx. 5 V (note manufacturer's specifications).

4

Checking the signal voltage

Check the signal voltage. Connect the measuring cable from the oscilloscope and start the engine. A square wave signal must be displayed on the oscilloscope.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Make sure that the distance to the encoder wheel is correct and that the seal fit is correct.

How helpful is this article for you?

Not helpful at all
5
4
3
2
1
Very helpful
Success

Wrong Captcha

Wrong Captcha

Error

Something went wrong

Spare Parts Finder
Licence Plate Manual vehicle identification OE-No.

Enter the Licence Plate number of your vehicle in the input field. You will find the Licence Plate number in your vehicle registration document.

Top manufacturers
Other manufacturers
Vehicle series Back
Vehicle Back

Enter the OE number in the input field. You will usually find the OE number on the spare part itself or in the vehicle documents.

Spare Parts Finder
Simple vehicle identification with licence plate number Also determine spare parts with OE numbers Detailed product information Find wholesalers near you
dummy
Processing Selected Car

Choose category:
Back
dummy
Teilen Sie
Send via Copy link
URL copied to the clickboard !
Article NUmber
Number
Article Number Was Copied !
Search The Web Mounting Instructions
More Details
Name Value
Less Details

Your Dealer
Autoteile Krammer GmbH
dummy
Lechstraße 1-3
68199 Mannheim
Show Map

You might also be interested in

Driver assistance systems overview
Basic Knowledge
Overview of driver assistance systems
Driver assistance systems at a glance: from ACC and glare-free high beam to lane departure warning - everything for the workshop.
Reading time: 2 minutes
coding car keys and changing the battery
Basic Knowledge
Programming car keys and changing batteries
How does a remote control key work? Everything about the structure, coding and programming, explained using the example of a VW Golf 5.
Reading time: 5 minutes
Keyless go
Basic Knowledge
Keyless Go & Keyless Entry system
Introduction to the Keyless Go system - from function and possible faults to diagnostics, ideal for vehicle workshops.
Reading time: 12 minutes
Secondary air system
Basic Knowledge
Secondary air injection system: faults & overview
Structure and function of the secondary air system, common fault symptoms and causes of failure - knowledge for your workshop.
Reading time: 5 minutes
Lane change assistant
Basic Knowledge
Lane change assist
Learn all about the lane change assistant - diagnostic and repair instructions, supplemented by a clear video.
Reading time: 13 minutes
Service work on the loading system
Basic Knowledge
Service work on the charging system
Step-by-step instructions for servicing the charging system, including visual inspection and signal testing on the controller.
Reading time: 6 minutes
Activated carbon container
Basic Knowledge
Activated charcoal canister – facts & info
Everything about the activated charcoal container: how it works, typical fault symptoms and causes in the event of a fault - including workshop tips.
Reading time: 2 minutes
abs esp control units for braking and driving dynamics
Basic Knowledge
ABS and ESP control units
Important basics and diagnostic information for ABS and ESP control units - everything your workshop needs for repairs.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Media pump
Basic Knowledge
Media pump - design, function and troubleshooting
Find out more about the function and system integration of the medium pump as well as testing and repair options.
Reading time: 7 minutes
Check multifunction controller
Basic Knowledge
Check multi-function regulator
Find out how to check the multifunction regulator, measure the generator voltage and ensure that the regulator is functioning correctly.
Reading time: 4 minutes

Great! Just one more Step

Subscription successful

Head to your inbox and confirm your email address so that you don’t miss our updates!

Get ready for brand new technical videos, car repair advice, trainings, helpful diagnostic tips, marketing campaigns and much more... delivered straight to your inbox every two weeks!