Difference between camshaft and crankshaft position sensor [with Pdf]

The main difference between camshaft and crankshaft position sensors is that the camshaft position sensor is used to find the position of the camshaft while the crankshaft position sensor is used to detect the position of the crankshaft and piston.

Before learning the difference, Let’s discuss both of them in brief,

Camshaft position sensor:

The camshaft position sensor is an electronic device used to find the position of the camshaft in running conditions. It provides information to the ECU about the position of the piston that is necessary for controlling the operation of the fuel injector and spark plug.

• Read here: Camshaft vs Crankshaft

Crankshaft position sensor:

The crankshaft position sensor is an electronic device that is used to detect the position of the crankshaft and piston. It provides the signal to ECU when the piston reaches the TDC. Based on the input from this sensor, the ECU controls the functioning of the spark plug and fuel injector.
It also helps to detect the RPM of the engine.

Difference between camshaft and crankshaft position sensor:

Sr. No.	Camshaft position sensor	Crankshaft position sensor
1	It detects the position of the camshaft and sends the data to ECU.	It detects the position of the crankshaft and piston and sends the data to the ECU.
2	It is used to manage the timing o.f fuel injection and spark generation	It is used to manage ignition time and to find engine speed.
3	It is located near the camshaft.	it is located near the crankshaft.
4	The reluctor/slotted wheel is mounted on a camshaft	The reluctor/slotted wheel is mounted on the crankshaft.
5	it is operated at half the speed of the crankshaft	The speed of the crankshaft position sensor is double that of the camshaft position sensor.
6	The engines have a maximum 4 camshaft position sensor	The engine requires about 2 crankshaft position sensors.
7	The camshaft position sensor fails due to wear and tear, water damage, etc.	The crankshaft position sensor fails due to overheating or electrical problems.

Media credits:

• Sensor image by the Amazon