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.

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. 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.

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 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 o.f fuel injection and spark generationIt 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 camshaftThe reluctor/slotted wheel is mounted on the crankshaft.
5it is operated at half the speed of the crankshaftThe speed of the crankshaft position sensor is double that of the camshaft position sensor.
6The engines have a maximum 4 camshaft position sensorThe 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.
difference-between-camshaft-and-crankshaft-position-sensor

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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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