Camshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION
The Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor is mounted through the top of the engine block at the rear of the valley cover. The CMP sensor works in-conjunction with a 1X reluctor wheel. The reluctor wheel is located at the rear of the camshaft. The CMP sensor is used to determine whether a cylinder is on the firing or the exhaust stroke. As the camshaft rotates, the reluctor wheel interrupts a magnetic field produced by a magnet within the sensor. The CMP sensor internal circuitry detects this and produces a signal which is used by the PCM. The PCM uses this signal in combination with the CKP 24X signal to determine crankshaft position and stroke.

DIAGNOSTICS
The diagnostic for the Camshaft Position sensor checks for a loss of Camshaft Position sensor signal to the PCM. The PCM also monitors the CMP sensor signal circuit for malfunctions. The following DTCs set when the PCM detects a CMP sensor that is out of the normal operating range.

^ DTC P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) Circuit Performance.
^ DTC P0342 Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) Circuit Low Voltage.
^ DTC P0343 Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) Circuit High Voltage.