A key difference is that the camshaft position sensor finds the position of the camshaft and hence located near the camshaft, while the crankshaft position sensor used to detect the position of the crankshaft and piston that is located near the crankshaft of engine.
Before learning the difference, Let’s discuss both of them in brief,
Contents:
Camshaft position sensor:
The camshaft position sensor is an electronic device used to find the position of the camshaft in running conditions. This sensor is located near the camshaft in the engine head.
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.
Both the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors have reluctor wheel and sensor. The reluctor wheel/timing wheel is a toothed wheel that has some of the teeth missing for sensing purpose.
Crankshaft position sensor:
The crankshaft position sensor 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.
The below figure will give you an idea of where the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors are located.
Difference between camshaft position sensor 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 helps to manage the timing of 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 | The reluctor wheel operates at half the speed of the crankshaft. | The speed of the crankshaft reluctor wheel is double that of the camshaft reluctor wheel. |
| 6 | The engines have a maximum of 4 camshaft position sensors. | 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. |
FAQs:
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Is a camshaft sensor the same as a crankshaft sensor?
Both sensors have the same working principle but are used for different purposes. i.e. camshaft sensor is used for sensing the camshaft while the crankshaft sensor is used for the crankshaft.
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Media credits:
- Sensor image by the Amazon
I really enjoyed the explainations cus it’s understandable
I really understand the explanation. Keep it up
Thank you
Thanks you
This is helpful. Such a detailed explanation on the differences of the two sensors.
Thankyou for simplifying the difference between camshaft and crankcase importance and function.
Thanks for info, very helpful indeed.