How To: Replace a Camshaft Position Sensor

Camshaft position sensors, or CAM sensors, help adjust engine timing for optimum fuel efficiency and power. When one or more camshaft position sensors fail, it can cause the engine to run rough or even cause problems starting the vehicle. If the engine control module isn’t receiving a signal from one or more cam sensors, it will trigger a check engine light. You can have your code scanned at your local O’Reilly Auto Parts store to determine which camshaft position sensor has failed.

Supplies Needed for This Job:

0:00 Welcome Back
0:14 Camshaft Sensor Basics
1:07 Prep the Vehicle
1:32 Remove the Old Sensor
1:59 Inspect the Sensor
2:13 Install the New Sensor
2:29 Reinstall Removed Items

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Hey everybody— Dani here from O’Reilly Auto Parts to show you how to change your camshaft position sensors. Before I get into that, take a second to subscribe to our channel if you haven’t already, so you don’t miss out on any of our new content.

Camshaft position sensors help adjust engine timing for optimum fuel efficiency and power. When one or more camshaft sensors fail, it can cause the engine to run rough or even cause problems starting the vehicle. If the engine control module isn’t receiving a signal from one or more cam sensors, it will trigger a check engine light. You can have your code scanned at your local O’Reilly Auto Parts store to determine which sensor has failed.

Today, I’ll be changing the camshaft position sensor on this 2005 Jeep Liberty with a 3.7 liter engine. This vehicle only has one camshaft sensor, but other vehicles may have two. Procedures will vary from one vehicle to the next, so be sure to know the specifics for your vehicle before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.

If you’ve determined this is your problem and you’ve got your supplies together, here’s what you’ll do:

Park on a level surface and open the hood.
For this or ANY time you work with sensors or electrical components, always disconnect your positive battery cable.
It may be easiest to remove and replace the camshaft sensor from under your vehicle, but we’ll show you how to do it from the top by removing the air filter housing.

Unsnap the spring clips from the air filter housing cover.
Loosen the hose clamp that attaches the housing cover to the air inlet tube.
Remove the air filter housing cover and air filter.
Remove the air inlet above the radiator support by pulling out at the base and disconnecting from the air filter housing.
The air filter housing simply snaps into the inner fender, and can be removed by pulling up on the housing firmly.

Locate the camshaft position sensor.
You’ll find the cam sensor on this Jeep on the passenger side of the engine, near the front.
Remove the electrical connector.
Visually inspect the camshaft pigtail to make sure it isn’t damaged or dirty.
Oil and corrosion could affect the signal from the sensor to the engine control module.
Remove the bolt on the camshaft position sensor retaining ring. In our case, it’s 10mm.
Twist gently to remove the cam sensor.
Visually inspect the camshaft position sensor to make sure it hasn’t been contaminated by a leak from another engine component.
If it has, repair the leak to prevent the new camshaft position sensor from being damaged.
Check to make sure the o-ring from the cam sensor hasn’t fallen into its hole.

**View full video for complete instructions**

[cashtower]

Spot on! Using this video you saved the day. I was able to talk my son through the repair on his 2003 Jeep Renegade. He was stranded in a parking lot and it would not start after parking. Good Job Danni.

[carmelitadelmundo]

Thank you. She explained very clearly and I give her 100%.excellent.

[TombunnyHunter]

One thing I would add to this vehicle, before putting the sensor in place, take a little oil and rub onto the o-ring so it gets a good seal when you put it in.

[jricarte]

Finally with this information my truck run already I’m not changed the sensor even I’m not buy an new one ?? Thanks people of O’realys ?? You guys got my like for you guys arre pues ??

[dash]

This is awesome! Thank you for the clear and easy instructions!

[carmelitadelmundo]

She's good I like her she explains very clear . 100 percent

[Person]

Good for you O’Reilly for having a woman do this video.

[The_Notorious_N.O.E.]

Of course you chose a vehicle model that had the most convenient sensor location. More than likely you'll have to uninstall multiple parts just to get to the sensor

[DragoMusivini]

Tried looking online but keep getting different answers....
How many camshaft positions sensors are on a 350z 2008 Enthusiast coupe?

[denorrisfreeman]

Where do the camshaft sit at on a 2004 Acura TL at

[RebeccaDeRosa-cw]

What do I have to do to get you people to understand I want to know where my crank shaft position sensor is on my 2003 cadillac Seville

[MrAlberto]

Video on a 2010 Honda Civic lx replacing a Camshaft Position sensor?

[Jamessmth]

I just replaced my 2012 Tiguan camshaft sensor and vehicle still starts and immediately cuts off. Help!!!

[kkc]

Hm nothing mentioned about any possible relearn procedures that may be necessary with some vehicles. The owner may be able to replace a sensor with a video like this to save money but if they can't get the light off due to a necessary relearn procedure they won't pass emissions or completely fix the problem. Video fails to mention anything about it.

[denorrisfreeman]

Can u tell what side do the camshaft sit on a 2004 Acura tl

[CountryBlessingz]

Greetings and thanks for the video. Is the camshaft position sensor for 2006 Kia Optima located in this area as well???

[giastravelexperience]

If i change the camshaft sensor, do i need to replace crankshaft too?

[feralfreebirds]

Ive been trying to remove my crank shaft sensor on my transit ( same shape part as this, ) but CAN'T get the bolt out, it just keeps going round & round but won't come out, where its positioned on the back of the engine you can't get any tools in their and iv tried to put a screw driver between the plastic casing and the crank body to leaver, but can't ...im at a loss what to try next, and such a simple job...one bloomin bolt to remove ..anyone any ideas ? much appreciated !

[Orlandoprivatetransportation]

Where is this part on the 2022 KIA Telluride?

[tommydixon]

Where is the camshaft position sensor at on a pontiac sunfire