Keep reading to learn about the common symptoms of bad camshaft position sensors, why they may fail, and the steps involved in replacing a faulty sensor.

What does abad camshaftlook like

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Camshafts are designed to last around 186,000 to 248,000 miles or more, but this can vary based on your vehicle’s make and model, the sensor’s quality, and driving conditions.

Camshaftreplacement cost

A bad camshaft position sensor creates an overly rich fuel mixture that doesn’t burn completely and increases harmful emissions like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, etc., from the exhaust.  These elevated pollutant levels in your exhaust can make your vehicle fail an emissions test.

When the camshaft sensor fails, the Engine Control Unit detects an irregularity in the camshaft’s position data and activates the check engine light.

If a bad camshaft sensor (or a faulty crankshaft sensor, too) relays incorrect data to the ECU, spark timing will be affected. The spark plug may ignite at the wrong time, leading to incomplete fuel combustion, which results in an engine misfire or car stuttering.

Symptoms of abad camshaft

A camshaft position sensor failure can happen for several reasons, including regular wear and tear. Some common causes include:

The Deep Groove Ball Bearing, known as 6204-N Generic, has an inner diameter of 20 mm, an outer diameter of 47 mm and a thickness of 14 mm.

Misfires caused by a faulty camshaft sensor and problematic spark timing can make your engine idle roughly. This rough idling manifests as noticeable vibrations or shaking in the vehicle, making the car feel less stable.

Bad camshaftsensor symptoms

A bad camshaft sensor can disrupt your vehicle’s smooth operation by diminishing engine performance, reducing fuel efficiency, and posing safety concerns. So, if you notice bad camshaft position sensor symptoms in your vehicle,  it’s best to get professional help.

The camshaft sensor works with the crankshaft position sensor (crank sensor) to define the exact position of the crankshaft drive.

That’s where AutoNation Mobile Service steps in.We’re a mobile auto repair service available seven days a week, offering upfront pricing, convenient online booking, and a 12-month, 12,000-mile repair warranty.Contact us, and our mechanics will resolve your camshaft sensor malfunction right in your driveway! Have a bad crankshaft sensor or timing belt issues? We can help you, too.

A camshaft position sensor can damage your car’s transmission system by sending incorrect information about the engine speed to the ECU. This can lead to problems like mistimed gear shifts, transmission slips, poor fuel economy, and vehicle stalls.

Means "increased internal clearance". Often referred to as high-speed, this means that the bearing is designed for high rotational speeds and moderately high temperatures. CAUTION: a bearing with increased internal clearance will not operate optimally at low speeds. Please refer to the data sheet for the bearing you are looking for to find out its rotation speed limit.

No, it’s not safe to drive with a faulty camshaft position sensor, as it can lead to reduced engine power, poor acceleration, or complete vehicle shutdown.

These suffixes indicate that the cage (the part of the bearing that holds the balls apart) is made of polymer material. Usually made of glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide.

A camshaft sensor monitors the position of the camshaft, which controls the opening and closing of the engine’s valves for precise fuel injection and ignition timing.

A mechanic will first use an OBD-II scanner to read the car’s computer for error codes and check if a bad camshaft position sensor is the culprit. If the cam sensor is faulty, here’s how they’ll replace it:

Note: Some cars also have a “limp-home mode”, wherein the ECU limits the vehicle’s speed to prevent transmission and engine issues. This allows car drivers to drive to a mechanic for repairs safely.

The camshaft position sensor (CMP sensor) ensures the engine’s valves open and close at the correct times for smooth engine performance.

In contrast, the crankshaft position sensor monitors the crankshaft’s rotation and converts the engine’s linear motion into rotational motion. The crankshaft sensor helps the ECU determine the crankshaft’s position and the engine speed (RPM).

How long can you drive with abad camshaft

A failing camshaft position sensor disrupts ignition timing, resulting in slower responses and less engine power when accelerating. This poor acceleration makes your car feel sluggish and less responsive.

Note: The check engine light can also illuminate due to a bad crankshaft position sensor or other faulty components. It’s best to get professional help inspecting your vehicle to diagnose the issue accurately.

The ABEC standard is used to classify bearings according to their machining tolerance. This standard is regularly called into question because it does not include certain technologies that are important for guaranteeing proper operation, both in terms of efficiency and bearing life.123Roulement therefore makes little use of this standard.

A stainless steel bearing is generally magnetizable, as it is made from AISI 420 stainless steel, which is harder and more shock-resistant than standard stainless steel (AISI 304).To check whether your bearing is made of stainless steel, simply read the reference engraved on the side of the bearing. This reference should begin with the prefix "S" meaning "Stainless Steel".

The Deep Groove Ball Bearing, known as 6204-N Generic, has an inner diameter of 20 mm, an outer diameter of 47 mm and a thickness of 14 mm.

Bad camshaftsound

A malfunctioning camshaft position sensor disrupts the fuel injection timing, causing the fuel injector to remain open longer than required. This allows excess fuel to enter the combustion chamber, resulting in incomplete combustion and fuel wastage.

Worncamshaftlobe symptoms

These suffixes mean "with 1 or 2 sheet metal deflectors", for dust-tightness. At 123Roulement, we specify whether the bearing is sealed on 2 sides with "ZZ".

Some bearings are available with more or less important variants (high or low internal clearance, special grease, very high temperature, etc.). These variants are systematically indicated by prefixes and suffixes in the part number.For example, the suffix "2RS" means that the bearing is splash-proof, thanks to a sealing flange on both sides of the bearing.The suffix "C3" means that the bearing has increased internal clearance, and will require a higher operating temperature, or a higher rotation speed.

Incorrect CMP sensor data can cause your engine to behave erratically because it relies on this data to time the ignition and fuel injector operation.

Brokencamshaftcauses

Yes, some cars can have multiple camshaft position sensors. The number of sensors in a vehicle may vary depending on the number of camshafts in the engine.

A camshaft position sensor malfunction can disrupt the vehicle’s fuel injection and ignition timing by sending inaccurate or delayed signals to the Engine Control Unit (ECU).

Most modern engines have one sensor per camshaft, so cars might have one, two, or even four sensors. But, sometimes, a vehicle may have only two sensors, even with multiple camshafts.

This suffix indicates that the bearing is designed for very high operating temperatures. In general, the temperature is indicated after this suffix.Beware, these bearings are not suitable for all applications, and will require a high temperature for optimum service life.

The Deep Groove Ball Bearing, known as 6204-N Generic, has an inner diameter of 20 mm, an outer diameter of 47 mm and a thickness of 14 mm.

As a result, the engine may not receive the spark or fuel required for smooth and continuous operation, leading to unexpected vehicle stalling while driving or idling. It can also make your vehicle hard to start.

They can also fail prematurely due to regular wear and tear, corrosion, engine oil leaks, etc. So you must replace them if you notice signs of a malfunctioning camshaft position sensor.

These suffixes mean "with 1 or 2 rubber seals". At 123Roulement, we use the number "2" to specify when the bearing is sealed on both sides.