Camshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

LOCATION
The camshaft position sensor is located in the distributor on all engines.

DESCRIPTION
The sensor contains a hall effect device called a sync signal generator to generate a fuel sync signal. This sync signal generator detects a rotating pulse ring (shutter) on the distributor shaft. The pulse ring rotates 180 degrees through the sync signal generator. Its signal is used in conjunction with the crankshaft position sensor to differentiate between fuel injection and spark events. It is also used to synchronize the fuel injectors with their respective cylinders.

OPERATION
When the leading edge of the pulse ring (shutter) enters the sync signal generator, the following occurs: The interruption of magnetic field causes the voltage to switch high resulting in a sync signal of approximately 5 volts.

When the trailing edge of the pulse ring (shutter) leaves the sync signal generator, the change of the magnetic field causes the sync signal voltage to switch low to 0 volts.

CIRCUIT OPERATION
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) supplies 5 Volts to the camshaft position sensor on circuit K6. Circuit K6 connects to cavity A17 of the PCM.

The PCM receives the camshaft position sensor signal on circuit K44. Circuit K44 connects to cavity A18 of the PCM.

The PCM provides a ground for the camshaft position sensor (circuit K44) through circuit K4. Circuit K4 connects to cavity A4 of the PCM connector.