Camshaft sensor replacement won’t cost you an arm and leg, provided you get it replaced at the first sign of failure.
However, ignoring this service can lead to reduced fuel economy and frequent misfires, which can cause severe damage to your engine and your wallet.
Wondering how much you’ll need to set aside for the service?
Let’s review the camshaft sensor replacement cost and a few factors affecting its price. We’ll also explain how it’s replaced so you know what to expect.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Camshaft Sensor Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing a Camshaft Sensor?
- Signs You Need a Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement
- How Long Does a Camshaft Sensor Last?
- How Is a Camshaft Position Sensor Replaced?
- How to Reset a New Camshaft Sensor?
How Much Does a Camshaft Sensor Replacement Cost?
This is what a camshaft position sensor replacement might cost:
A. Range
You should expect to spend between $185 and $320 for parts and labor to install a new camshaft sensor. Here’s a breakdown of the cost:
- New sensor: $110 to $150 (per sensor)
- Labor costs: $75 to $170
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Besides parts and labor, some additional factors that may influence your replacement cost include:
- Car model: Vehicles with simple engine designs (sedans) make the camshaft sensor easily accessible. However, it requires more work to access the bad sensor in cars with complex engine layouts (SUVs or trucks), increasing labor costs.
- Number of sensors: Modern engines typically have one sensor per camshaft. This means your car could have up to four sensors. If multiple sensors fail, your replacement costs might go up.
- Sensor type: There are four types of camshaft sensors — inductive, magnetic, Hall effect, and optical. Inductive sensors cost less due to their simple design, whereas magnetic, Hall effect, and optical sensors handle complex functions and are expensive.
- Part quality: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) sensors cost more but are made from high-quality materials and offer a perfect fit. On the other hand, aftermarket parts are affordable but vary in quality and may not always be compatible.
- Related repairs: During the replacement, your mechanic might perform diagnostic checks and recalibrate the new sensor, which can increase your overall cost. If the mechanic suspects that a faulty timing belt or chain caused sensor failure, replacing it will add an additional $100 to $350 to your total expenses.
Is It Worth Replacing a Camshaft Sensor?
In short — yes.
Let’s understand why:
A camshaft sensor works with the crankshaft position sensor to help the engine run smoothly. The sensor monitors your camshaft’s position to share this information with the Engine Control Module (ECM). The ECM, in turn, relies on this data to manage fuel injection and ignition timing.
This means a malfunctioning camshaft sensor can reduce fuel efficiency and even prevent your vehicle from starting.
What’s worse?
Delaying the replacement can result in severe engine damage and costly repairs. So, it’s best to get it done ASAP.
Signs You Need a Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement
You’ll know your cam position sensor needs replacing when you notice the following:
- Illuminated Check Engine Light (your car’s computer may display error codes like P0016, P0340, and P0341)
- Rough idling
- Engine misfires
- Sudden car jerks or surges
- Poor acceleration
- Engine stalling or refusing to start
- Shifting issues
- Car enters limp mode
- Reduced fuel economy
How Long Does a Camshaft Sensor Last?
Camshaft sensors are built to last the lifetime of your vehicle, but that’s not always guaranteed. On average, they last between 186,000 and 248,000 miles; however, intense engine heat can sometimes cause them to wear out sooner.
They can also fail prematurely due to mechanical or electrical problems such as a loose timing belt or chain, damaged wiring harness, broken electrical connectors, or internal short circuits.
How Is a Camshaft Position Sensor Replaced?
To replace a camshaft sensor, you’ll need the right tools, like a 10mm wrench socket and code reader.
But here’s the thing:
If you’re unfamiliar with car repairs or working around engine parts, finding the sensor and clearing error codes can be challenging. That’s why it’s best to visit an auto repair shop or call mobile mechanics to diagnose and fix the issue.
Here are the steps a mechanic will take to replace a bad camshaft sensor:
- Open the car’s hood and disconnect the battery to access the camshaft position sensor.
- Locate the camshaft sensor, usually found on the timing cover, cylinder head, or side of the engine block.
- Disconnect the sensor’s electrical connector.
- Unbolt and remove the old camshaft position sensor.
- After removing the faulty camshaft sensor, install a new O-ring seal in the opening where the sensor is mounted to help prevent dirt and debris from accumulating.
- Insert the new cam sensor and tighten it with fresh bolts.
- Reattach the electrical connector and car battery.
- Use a code reader to clear any existing Check Engine Light codes.
How to Reset a New Camshaft Sensor?
After installing a new camshaft position sensor, your mechanic will need to recalibrate it to ensure it works correctly. Without calibration, the sensor may give wrong readings, leading to reduced fuel efficiency and poor engine performance.
Here’s how a mechanic will recalibrate your sensor:
- Connect the OBD2 scanner to the diagnostic port under the steering wheel.
- Turn the ignition on without starting the engine.
- Go to the ‘CASE Relearn’ or ‘Cam Crank Relearn’ option in the ‘Special Functions’ menu.
- Follow the scanner’s prompt to crank the engine and start the reset process.
- Wait for the tool to confirm that the camshaft and crankshaft sensor positions have been reset.
NOTE: Calibration is necessary only if you’re installing a new cam sensor. A failing camshaft position sensor cannot be recalibrated, and the repair shop will suggest replacing it.
Replace Your Camshaft Sensor with AutoNation Mobile Service
Replacing a bad camshaft position sensor as soon as you spot signs of failure can help ensure smooth engine operation and prevent long-term damage.
Want to avoid a jerky trip to the repair shop?
Our skilled mechanics from AutoNation Mobile Service can come to you and replace your failing camshaft position sensor.
We’re a mobile auto repair service offering online bookings and upfront pricing. All our auto services, which range from replacing the cam and crank sensor to brake pads, come with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty.
Get in touch with us to get hassle-free car repair right from your driveway.