Camshaft Position Sensors (CMP) and Crankshaft Position Sensors (CKP) are vital components of your vehicle’s engine management system. Together, they provide precise data on the position and speed of the camshaft(s) and crankshaft to the engine control module (ECU).
The ECU uses these signals to determine the correct timing for fuel injection and ignition, ensuring optimal engine performance, efficiency, and emissions control.
Walker Products is a premier manufacturer of Camshaft and Crankshaft Position Sensors, offering precision-engineered, OE replacement solutions for nearly all makes and models. Each sensor is built using high-quality materials, advanced testing equipment, and stringent quality controls to meet or exceed OE standards.
How They Work
Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP)
- Uses a magnet and Hall-effect sensor or reluctor wheel to detect camshaft position.
- Sends voltage signals to the ECU as the camshaft rotates.
- The ECU uses this information to synchronize fuel injection and ignition timing.
- Located near the camshaft, often built into the distributor or timing assembly.
Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP)
- Monitors the rotation speed and position of the crankshaft.
- Utilizes either a magnetic sensor and reluctor wheel or a Hall-effect sensor to generate a voltage signal.
- Provides the ECU with the precise crankshaft angle for accurate ignition timing and fuel injection control.
- Typically mounted on the engine block, timing cover, or bell housing.
Both sensors work together to ensure your engine starts quickly, runs smoothly, and maintains proper timing under all driving conditions.
Product Features & Benefits from Walker Products:
- Exact OE Fit: Direct replacement ensures seamless installation and performance.
- OE Replacement Quality: Meets or exceeds original equipment specifications for reliability.
- Durable Construction: Manufactured with high-temperature plastics and corrosion-resistant materials.
- Restores Engine Timing Accuracy: Delivers precise synchronization between camshaft, crankshaft, and ECU.
- Aftermarket Expertise: Supported by over 75 years of innovation in engine management solutions.
Full Service Kits®
Walker Products also offers Full Service Kits® — complete system solutions including sensors, connectors, and harnesses — designed to work together for maximum performance and compatibility. Each kit is rigorously tested to ensure fitment and functionality across a wide range of vehicles, eliminating the need to source parts separately.
Installation Support
Walker Products provides installation instruction sheets for select applications, available for download HERE. These detailed guides help ensure proper sensor installation, reducing the risk of performance issues or premature failure.
Common Check Engine Light (CEL) / OBD-II Codes
The following OBD-II codes are most commonly linked to this product type. On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) systems were first implemented in California in 1988 to monitor emissions and became standardized as OBD-II in 1996 for all passenger vehicles.
The codes listed below are common references for Camshaft and Crankshaft Position Sensors and should be used as a general guide only. Walker Products will not be held responsible for any use of this information. Always consult a professional mechanic and follow vehicle manufacturer and EPA guidelines for diagnosis and repair.
Camshaft-Related Codes:
- P000A – “A” Camshaft Position Slow Response
- P000B – “B” Camshaft Position Slow Response
- P000C – “A” Camshaft Position Slow Response
- P000D – “B” Camshaft Position Slow Response
- P0010 – “A” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open
- P0011 – “A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System
- P0012 – “A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Retarded
- P0013 – “B” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open
- P0014 – “B” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System
- P0015 – “B” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Retarded
- P0020 – “A” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open
- P0021 – “A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System
- P0022 – “A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Retarded
- P0023 – “B” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open
- P0024 – “B” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System
- P0025 – “B” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Retarded
- P0340 – Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit
- P0341 – Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance
- P0342 – Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Low
- P0343 – Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit High
- P0344 – Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Intermittent
- P0345 – Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit
- P0346 – Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance
- P0347 – Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Low
- P0348 – Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit High
- P0349 – Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Intermittent
- P0365 – Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit
- P0366 – Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Range/Performance
- P0367 – Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Low
- P0368 – Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit High
- P0369 – Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Intermittent
- P0390 – Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit
- P0391 – Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Range/Performance
- P0392 – Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Low
- P0393 – Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit High
- P0394 – Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Intermittent
- P052A–P054D – Cold Start “A/B” Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced/Over-Retarded
- P2088–P2095 – “A/B” Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit Low/High
- P2614 – Camshaft Position Signal Output Circuit/Open
- P2615 – Camshaft Position Signal Output Circuit Low
- P2616 – Camshaft Position Signal Output Circuit High
Crankshaft-Related Codes:
- P0016–P0019 – Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation
- P0315 – Crankshaft Position System Variation Not Learned
- P0335 – Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit
- P0336 – Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance
- P0337 – Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Low
- P0338 – Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit High
- P0339 – Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Intermittent
- P0385 – Crankshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit
- P0386 – Crankshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Range/Performance
- P0387 – Crankshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Low
- P0388 – Crankshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit High
- P0389 – Crankshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Intermittent
- P2617 – Crankshaft Position Signal Output Circuit/Open
- P2618 – Crankshaft Position Signal Output Circuit Low
- P2619 – Crankshaft Position Signal Output Circuit High
What does a camshaft position sensor do?
A camshaft position sensor monitors the position and speed of the camshaft and sends that data to the engine control module (ECM). This information helps control fuel injection timing and ignition timing.
Where is the camshaft position sensor located?
A camshaft position sensor is typically located near the camshaft, often in the cylinder head or valve cover area. The exact location varies by engine design.
What happens when a camshaft position sensor fails?
A failed camshaft position sensor can send incorrect timing data, leading to poor engine performance or difficulty starting.
What are the symptoms of a bad camshaft position sensor?
Will a bad camshaft position sensor trigger a Check Engine Light?
Yes. A faulty camshaft position sensor typically triggers a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and illuminates the Check Engine Light.
Can you drive with a bad camshaft position sensor?
In some cases, yes—but the engine may run poorly or stall. Continued driving can lead to more serious performance issues.
Why is a high-quality camshaft position sensor important?
A high-quality camshaft position sensor ensures accurate timing data, helping maintain proper engine performance, fuel efficiency, and drivability.
What does a crankshaft position sensor do?
A crankshaft position sensor monitors the position and rotational speed of the crankshaft. This data is critical for controlling ignition timing and fuel injection.
Where is the crankshaft position sensor located?
A crankshaft position sensor is usually mounted near the crankshaft, often at the engine block, flywheel, or harmonic balancer area.
What happens when a crankshaft position sensor fails?
A faulty crankshaft position sensor can disrupt engine timing signals, potentially causing the engine to stall or not start at all.
Will a bad crankshaft position sensor trigger a Check Engine Light?
Yes. A failing crankshaft position sensor will often trigger a DTC and illuminate the Check Engine Light.
Can you drive with a bad crankshaft position sensor?
It is not recommended. A failing crankshaft position sensor can cause sudden stalling, creating an unsafe driving condition.
Why is a high-quality crankshaft position sensor important?
A high-quality crankshaft position sensor ensures precise engine timing, reliable starting, and consistent engine performance.