Safety Glasses
Nitrile Gloves
Flathead Screwdriver
10mm Socket/= and ¼” Ratchet
Camshaft Position Sensor
Park your vehicle on a level surface and open the hood.
If your camshaft position sensor isn’t working correctly, your vehicle will likely experience reduced engine performance. Symptoms of a faulty camshaft sensor include engine misfires, rough idling, poor fuel economy, and an illuminated Check Engine light. If you need to replace your cam sensor, take a look at your vehicle’s service manual for manufacturer replacement recommendations. You can also follow these step-by-step instructions from O’Reilly Auto Parts to change your camshaft position sensor. If you don’t feel completely comfortable doing this yourself, we can also refer you to a professional technician in your area.
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle
Step 2: Disconnect Your Battery
Disconnect your negative battery cable. You should always do this when you work with sensors or electrical components on the vehicle.
Step 3: Remove the Air Filter Housing
On some vehicles, it may be easier to remove and replace the camshaft sensor from underneath the engine, but on our example vehicle, it can also be done from the top by removing the air filter housing.
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Do It Right: If you decide to remove the air filter housing, do so by unsnapping the spring clips from the air filter housing cover, loosening the hose clamp and removing the air inlet tube, and removing the air filter housing cover and air filter. Remove the air inlet above the radiator support by pulling out at the base, disconnecting from the air filter housing, and pulling up on the housing firmly. |
Step 4: Locate the Camshaft Position Sensor
Locate the camshaft position sensor. On this Jeep, the sensor is located on the passenger side of the engine, near the front. Remove the camshaft position sensor electrical connector.
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Do It Right: Visually inspect the electrical connector to make sure it isn’t damaged, corroded, or dirty. Oil and corrosion could affect the signal from the sensor to the engine control module. |
Step 5: Remove the Camshaft Sensor Retaining Bolt
Remove the bolt on the camshaft position sensor retaining ring with your ratchet and socket. In this case, the bolt requires a 10mm socket.
Step 6: Remove the Camshaft Position Sensor
Twist gently to remove the camshaft position sensor. Inspect the sensor plug to make sure that it hasn’t been contaminated by a leak from another engine component. If it has, repair the leak before installing the new sensor. You should also check to make sure that the O-ring from the sensor hasn’t fallen into the hole in the engine block before installing the new sensor.
Step 7: Install the New Camshaft Position Sensor
Lubricate the O-ring on the new sensor with a small amount of clean engine oil. Push the new sensor into place, ensuring it is fully seated. After the sensor is secured in place, replace the retaining bolt and reinstall the electrical connector.
Step 8: Tighten the Bolt
Tighten the bolt to manufacturer specifications, being careful not to overtighten the bolt so you don’t damage the mounting ear of the new sensor.
Step 9: Replace the Air Filter Housing
Replace the air filter housing by pushing it into the clips in the inner fender. Then replace the air inlet, air filter, air filter housing cover, air inlet tube, and tighten the hose clamp.
Step 10: Reconnect the Battery
Reconnect the negative battery cable, start the vehicle, and take it for a test drive. It could take ten to twenty minutes with the vehicle running for the Check Engine light to shut off.
Step 11: Test Your Vehicle
Start the vehicle, and take it for a test drive. It could take ten to twenty minutes with the vehicle running for the Check Engine light to shut off. If the Check Engine light stays on, visit your local O'Reilly Auto Parts and ask for an O'Reilly VeriScan to ensure that the problem has been resolved.
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The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.