Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Camshaft Position Sensor (3.4L)
The Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor is located at top of the timing cover, behind the water pump. As camshaft sprocket turns, a magnet activates Hall Effect switch in CMP sensor. This signal is generated whenever cylinder No. 1 is at Top Dead Center (TDC) of its compression stroke.
This signal is used by PCM to indicate the position of No. 1 piston during its intake stroke. This allows the PCM to calculate true Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) mode of operation. If sensor should fail while engine is running, engine will continue to run using the last calculated CMP sensor signal to maintain SFI mode. Upon restart, engine will run as long as fault is present with a 1-in-6 chance of injector sequence being correct.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.