What Happens When a Camshaft Sensor Goes Bad?

If your car isn’t running as smoothly as it used to, a faulty camshaft sensor might well be the culprit. Unfortunately, a failing camshaft sensor can lead to a whole host of other engine issues, which may leave you stranded and frustrated. 

For more confidence on the road, this guide from 5 Star Tuning will explain what happens when a camshaft sensor goes bad. If you’re after truck tuners by 5 Star Tuning, you can also learn more from the team about these components in trucks, Jeeps, RVs, SUVs, or even UTVs.

The Top Symptoms of a Faulty Camshaft Sensor

So, what happens when a camshaft sensor goes bad? When your vehicle’s camshaft sensor is no longer functional, you’ll notice several symptoms that affect your car’s performance and, more importantly, its safety. If you’d like to avoid accidents and costly repairs, you’ll want to diagnose a camshaft sensor problem early.

When a camshaft sensor goes bad, the following issues arise:

• Engine misfire: Is your engine misfiring or running unevenly or roughly? This happens because a bad sensor provides inaccurate information to the engine control unit, disrupting the timing of the spark plugs.
• Rough idling: If your car idles roughly or stalls when you’re at a standstill, the camshaft sensor could be hindering the ECU’s ability to adjust the engine’s fuel-to-air ratio.
• Poor acceleration: A faulty camshaft sensor can lead to poor acceleration. This happens when the engine struggles to receive the correct timing signals.
• Stalling issues: Your car might stall unexpectedly, particularly at low speeds or when coming to a stop. Sensor failure prevents the ECU from maintaining the engine’s idle speed.
• Check engine light: Fortunately, one of the most common signs of a bad camshaft sensor is the illumination of the check engine light on your dashboard. If you’re seeing this light up, the ECU has detected a problem and needs attention.

Diagnosing Your Vehicle’s Bad Camshaft Sensor Like a Professional

When experts diagnose a bad camshaft sensor, they follow a few basic steps. Understanding how to perform these checks could save you some time and money.

Step 1: Check for Sensor Errors

First, you need to check for error codes. A scan tool or OBD-II scanner can read error codes stored in the ECU. Camshaft sensor codes often start with “P03.”

Step 2: Take a Look at the Sensor’s Wiring

Second, perform a visual inspection. Does the wiring or sensor have signs of damage or corrosion? That’s often a simple fix.

Step 3: Test the Camshaft Sensor’s Signal

Lastly, experts test the sensor using a multimeter. This device checks the camshaft sensor’s resistance and output signal. A faulty sensor will have readings out of the normal range specified by your vehicle’s manual.

Maintain Your Vehicle With 5 Star Tuning

Now you know what happens when a camshaft sensor goes bad. For more answers to questions like adding horsepower to your car, our experts at 5 Star Tuning can help.

Would you like to optimize your vehicle’s performance with the latest tuning technologies? Contact us at (843) 536-1244 for service in Florence, South Carolina, and keep your car in top shape!