Camshaft Position Sensor

The camshaft position (CMP) sensor senses the protrusion of the signal plate installed to the camshaft (INT) front end to identify a particular cylinder. The camshaft position sensor senses the piston position.

The sensor consists of a permanent magnet and Hall IC.

When engine is running, the high and low parts of the teeth cause the gap with the sensor to change.

The changing gap causes the magnetic field near the sensor to change.

Due to the changing magnetic field, the voltage from the sensor changes.

When the crankshaft position sensor system becomes inoperative, the camshaft position sensor provides various controls of engine parts instead, utilizing timing of cylinder identification signals.

Fig 1: Identifying Camshaft Position Sensor

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

ECM receives the signals as shown in the figure.

Fig 2: Camshaft Position Sensor Signals Timing Pattern

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.