Have you ever had your car suddenly act up, maybe the engine light came on or it started shaking a bit? That happened to me last month, and it turned out to be the camshaft position sensor!
Instead of spending hundreds at the mechanic, I figured out how to reset it myself — and it worked! In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to reset the camshaft position sensor using super simple steps and no fancy tools. It’s much easier than you think and can save you money and stress.
Find Where the Camshaft Sensor Is
Before doing anything, you need to know exactly where the camshaft position sensor is in your car. It’s like trying to fix your TV remote without knowing which part is broken — you won’t get very far!
In most cars, the camshaft sensor is located on the engine block, near the top, either at the front or back of the cylinder head. It’s a small part, usually about the size of your thumb, with a plug and a couple of bolts holding it down.
To find it, pop open your hood and look around the top of the engine. If you have a front-wheel drive car, it’s usually on the side facing the front grille. On rear-wheel drives, it might be on the back side of the engine. You can also check your car manual or just do a quick online search with your car model and year.
When you locate it, make sure your engine is off and cooled down. The sensor can get hot, especially after driving, so let it rest before touching anything. You don’t want to burn your hand or damage any parts.
Sometimes, the sensor can be hidden under engine covers. If that’s the case, gently remove any plastic covers by loosening the bolts or clips. Be careful not to force anything. Just take your time and look closely. If you’re not sure it’s the camshaft sensor, look for a label on the part or match it with pictures from your manual or the internet.
Also, before you move on, take a photo of how everything looks. That way, you’ll have a quick reference for how to put it back together later.
- Look on the engine block near the cylinder head
- Usually near the front or back of the engine
- Check manual or online for your car model
- Let the engine cool before touching anything
- Take a photo before starting for reference
Unplug the Sensor Connector Carefully
Once you’ve found the camshaft sensor, the next thing to do is unplug it — but don’t just yank it out. Sensors are sensitive, and you can easily damage the wires or the plug if you’re not gentle.
You’ll notice a small electrical connector plugged into the sensor. It might have a locking tab that needs to be pressed or lifted before it can come loose. Use your fingers first. If it’s too tight, a small flat-head screwdriver can help, but be very gentle.
Hold the connector, not the wires. If you pull on the wires, you might rip them out, and then you’ll have a bigger problem to fix. Once you press the tab, slowly pull the connector straight out. It should slide out smoothly. If not, stop and check if there’s still a clip holding it.
After it’s unplugged, inspect the connector. Look inside for dirt, rust, or signs of wear. If it’s dirty, clean it with a little electronic cleaner spray or gently blow on it. A dirty connector can mess with the sensor’s signal, and that’s sometimes the only reason your sensor isn’t working right.
If you see any broken pins or wires, that could be your issue too. In that case, you might need to replace the connector or have it fixed.
Once you’ve got the connector safely unplugged and inspected, move on to the sensor itself.
- Press or lift the locking tab before unplugging
- Don’t pull on the wires, hold the connector only
- Use a small tool only if needed, and be gentle
- Inspect for dirt, rust, or damage inside the plug
- Clean with electronic spray or air if needed
Take Out the Camshaft Sensor
Now it’s time to remove the actual camshaft position sensor from the engine. This is usually held in place with one or two small bolts. Most of the time, a 10mm socket wrench will do the trick. Just take it slow and steady.
Make sure your car is turned off and the key is out of the ignition. You don’t want any electrical power going to the sensor while you’re working on it. Once you’re sure it’s safe, use your socket wrench to remove the bolts. Keep them somewhere safe — you’ll need them later to put the sensor back.
After the bolts are out, gently wiggle the sensor. It might be stuck due to heat or grime, so give it a slight twist and pull at the same time. Don’t yank too hard. If it doesn’t move, spray a little WD-40 or similar lubricant around the base and wait a few minutes.
When it finally comes loose, pull it out slowly and straight. Take a moment to look at it. Is it dirty, oily, or damaged? Sometimes the sensor gets covered in oil from leaks or just from old age. If it looks very dirty or damaged, you might need a new one. But if it looks okay, you can clean it and reset it.
- Use a 10mm socket to remove bolts
- Make sure car is off and key is out
- Gently wiggle and twist to remove sensor
- Spray lubricant if sensor is stuck
- Inspect for oil, dirt, or damage
Clean the Sensor and Its Port
Cleaning the camshaft sensor is a very important step. Even if you don’t need to replace it, dirt or oil on the sensor can mess up its reading and cause problems. Luckily, cleaning it is easy and doesn’t take long.
First, take a clean, soft cloth or paper towel and gently wipe the outside of the sensor. Get rid of any oil, grime, or debris. You can also use rubbing alcohol or electronic parts cleaner for a deeper clean. Spray the cleaner onto the cloth — not directly on the sensor — and wipe it thoroughly.
Next, look inside the sensor port — the hole where the sensor goes. Dirt or oil inside this port can also affect the sensor’s performance. Use a small flashlight to look inside. If you see oil or gunk, carefully clean it out with a cotton swab or small rag. Again, use alcohol or cleaner if needed.
Be gentle! Don’t push too hard or let anything fall inside the engine. And make sure everything is dry before putting the sensor back in.
- Wipe sensor with soft cloth or towel
- Use alcohol or electronics cleaner to remove grime
- Check inside sensor port for oil or dirt
- Use cotton swab to clean the port if needed
- Let everything dry completely before reinstalling
Put the Sensor Back and Plug It In
Once everything is clean and dry, it’s time to put the camshaft sensor back in place. This part is just like doing the steps in reverse.
Take your sensor and gently slide it back into the port. Make sure it goes in straight and fits snugly. If it feels like it’s not fitting, don’t force it. Double-check that it’s lined up correctly.
Once it’s seated in place, grab the bolts you set aside earlier and tighten them in using your socket wrench. Don’t over-tighten — just firm enough so the sensor doesn’t move. Overtightening can crack the sensor or damage the threads.
Now take the electrical connector and carefully plug it back in. You should hear a soft click when it locks in. Tug gently to make sure it’s secure. If it doesn’t click or feel tight, something may be wrong with the clip or the plug, so check it again.
After it’s all connected, double-check everything:
Sensor in place? Bolts tight? Plug secure?
- Gently slide sensor back into port
- Tighten bolts firmly but don’t overdo it
- Plug in the electrical connector until it clicks
- Check for snug fit and secure connections
- Double-check everything before moving on
Clear the Error Code and Test the Engine
Now the final part — resetting the sensor and making sure everything works.
To reset the sensor fully, you need to clear the error code from your car’s computer. If you have a simple OBD2 scanner, plug it into your car’s port under the dashboard. Turn the key to “on” (don’t start the engine) and use the scanner to read and clear the codes. If there was a camshaft sensor code, it should disappear after clearing.
If you don’t have a scanner, you can disconnect the car battery for about 15–20 minutes. This usually resets the car’s computer. After that, reconnect the battery and turn on the car.
Start the engine and listen. Is it running smooth? No warning lights? Good. Take a short drive and see how it behaves. If the engine light stays off and everything feels normal, your reset worked!
- Use an OBD2 scanner to clear codes
- Or disconnect the battery for 15–20 minutes
- Reconnect and start the engine
- Check for smooth running and no lights
- Take a test drive to confirm everything’s okay
Final Thoughts
Resetting the camshaft position sensor by yourself isn’t just possible — it’s smart, easy, and saves a ton of money. If your car’s been acting strange and you’re getting engine codes, try this guide before running to a mechanic. It might seem scary at first, but once you go through it step by step, it gets much easier. And now, you’ve learned a skill that can help you again in the future!
| Task | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Locate Sensor | Check top of engine near cylinder head |
| Unplug Connector | Gently press tab and pull straight out |
| Remove Sensor | Use 10mm socket, twist gently to remove |
| Clean Everything | Wipe sensor and inside port with alcohol |
| Reinstall Sensor | Slide back in, bolt tight, reconnect plug |
| Reset Code | Use scanner or disconnect battery briefly |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to drive with a bad camshaft position sensor?
Driving with a bad camshaft position sensor isn’t safe for long. Your car may misfire, stall, or lose power suddenly. This can be dangerous, especially in traffic. The sensor helps the engine know when to inject fuel and fire the spark plugs. Without it working right, your car can struggle to run smoothly. It’s best to fix or reset it as soon as possible to avoid engine damage or accidents.
Can I reset the camshaft sensor without a scanner?
Yes, you can. If you don’t have a scanner, just disconnect your car’s battery for 15–20 minutes. This will usually reset the car’s computer and clear error codes related to the camshaft sensor. But remember to reset your clock and radio settings afterward. This method may not work on all newer vehicles, so having a cheap scanner is always handy.
Do I need to replace the sensor every time it goes bad?
Not always. Sometimes the sensor isn’t bad but just dirty or loose. Cleaning it and resetting the code may solve the problem. But if you’ve tried cleaning and it still shows the same issue, then replacement might be necessary. A bad sensor usually causes rough idling, engine hesitation, or starting problems.
Is it hard to find the camshaft sensor in my car?
It depends on your car model, but it’s usually pretty easy. Most camshaft sensors are right on top or near the front or back of the engine. You may need to remove a cover or move a few parts to get to it, but it’s not hidden deep. Checking your owner’s manual or looking up a picture online can help you find it fast.
Can a camshaft sensor problem cause engine shaking?
Yes, it can. A faulty camshaft sensor sends the wrong signals to the engine’s computer. This can lead to misfires, rough idling, or engine shaking when stopped or driving. If your car shakes and the engine light is on, it’s worth checking this sensor first before thinking it’s something major.
Do I need special tools to reset the camshaft sensor?
No, you don’t need any special tools. A regular socket set, some cleaner, and maybe an OBD2 scanner are all you need. Most of these tools are affordable and you might already have them. Even if you don’t have a scanner, disconnecting the battery can help reset the system in many cases.
Is it okay to drive right after resetting the sensor?
Yes, but always test your car first. After resetting the camshaft sensor, start your engine and let it idle for a few minutes. If it runs smoothly and no warning lights show up, take a short drive around the block. If everything feels normal, you’re good to go.
Can I cause damage if I reset the sensor wrong?
If you follow the steps carefully, you won’t damage anything. The key is to be gentle and double-check your work. Don’t force plugs or over-tighten bolts. As long as you’re patient and follow each instruction, there’s very little risk of causing any real damage.