Camshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
The CMP sensor is located in the distributor and consists of a signal generator (a hall element (3) and magnet (2) and a signal rotor (1). When the signal rotor turns, a magnetic flux from the magnet is applied to the hall element repeatedly. The hall element generates a voltage that is proportional to the magnetic flux. This voltage signal is wave-shaped and is modified into a digital pulse by the comparator and sent to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM uses the 4 pulse/revolution signal in determining the engine speed and the position of each cylinder. The PCM uses the CMP sensor input in order to control the fuel injectors and the ignition timing.