Camshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Description:

DESCRIPTION
The Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor is located in the distributor and consists of a signal generator (a hall element and magnet) and a signal rotor.

OPERATION
As 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 PCM. The PCM uses this 4 pulse/revolution signal to determine the engine speed and the position of each cylinder. The PCM uses the CMP sensor input to control the fuel injectors and the ignition timing.