Camshaft vs Crankshaft position sensor: Difference

A key difference between camshaft and crankshaft position sensors is that the camshaft position sensor finds the position of the camshaft, while the crankshaft position sensor detects the position of the crankshaft and piston. Crankshaft sensors are located at the crankshaft, while camshaft sensors are located at the camshaft.

Difference between camshaft and crankshaft position sensor

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. 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 has some of the teeth missing for sensing purpose.

camshaft sensor principle

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.

The below figure will give you an idea of where the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors are located.

location of camshaft and crankshaft position sensor

Difference between camshaft and crankshaft position sensor:

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

FAQs:

  1. 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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Pratik is a Graduated Mechanical engineer. He enjoys sharing the engineering knowledge learned by him with people.

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