Camshaft Position Sensor - Operation

OPERATION






NOTE: The graphic represents the relationship between camshaft and crankshaft sensors edges with camshafts in "lock pin" position (cam shafts are not "phasing"). This is normally seen during idle.

Depiction of good camshaft and crankshaft square wave signals for 4 cylinder engines.

The PCM sends approximately 5 volts to the Hall-effect sensor. This voltage is required to operate the Hall-effect chip and the electronics inside the sensor. The input to the PCM occurs on a 5 volt output reference circuit. A ground for the sensor is provided through the sensor return circuit. The PCM identifies camshaft position by registering the change from 5 to 0 volts, as signaled from the camshaft position sensor.

The PCM determines fuel injection synchronization and cylinder identification from inputs provided by the camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position sensor. From the two inputs, the PCM determines crankshaft position.