# Camshaft position sensor replacement cost

- **Typical cost:** $120-$350 per sensor
- **Parts:** $30-$150
- **Labor:** 0.3-1.5 hours per sensor
- **Dealer:** $200-$500

## Quick answer

Replacing a camshaft position sensor usually costs $120 to $350 at an independent shop. Most cam sensors sit on top or at the front of the engine and come out quickly, so the sensor price and diagnosis make up much of the bill. V6 and V8 engines with variable valve timing can have two to four cam sensors.

## What is camshaft position sensor and why does it need replacing?

The camshaft position sensor tells the engine computer where the camshaft is in its rotation. With that and the crankshaft signal, the computer knows which cylinder is on its compression stroke, so it can fire each fuel injector, and on many engines each coil, at the right moment. On engines with variable valve timing, the cam sensor also shows whether the camshaft has moved to the angle the computer commanded.

Cam sensors fail for the same reasons as other engine sensors: heat, age and oil. The sensor sits in hot metal near the valve cover, and an oil leak from the cover or the sensor's own O-ring can soak the connector. Internal electronics can fail intermittently, often when hot. A code that points to the cam sensor is not always the sensor; a stretched timing chain, a sticking oil control valve or low oil can set timing codes too. There is no replacement interval.

## How much does camshaft position sensor replacement cost?

|  | Typical cost per sensor |
| --- | --- |
| Parts | $30-$150 |
| Labor | $90-$200 (0.3-1.5 hours per sensor) |
| Total at an independent shop | $120-$350 |
| Total at a dealer | $200-$500 |
| Do it yourself (parts only) | $30-$150 |

## Cost by vehicle type

| Vehicle | Typical cost per sensor |
| --- | --- |
| Compact car | $120-$250 |
| Midsize sedan | $130-$280 |
| Small SUV/crossover | $130-$300 |
| Full-size truck/SUV | $140-$320 |
| Luxury/European | $180-$350 |

Ranges are for an independent shop. Expect the high end or more for European luxury makes and dealer service.

## What changes the price?

- **Number of sensors.** Four-cylinder engines often have one or two cam sensors, while V6 and V8 engines with variable timing on both banks can have up to four. The code tells which one failed, so you replace only that one.
- **Sensor location.** Most cam sensors sit on the valve cover or timing cover and take minutes to reach. Some rear-bank sensors on sideways V6 engines need the intake plenum or wiper cowl removed, which adds an hour or more.
- **Diagnosis time.** Cam timing codes can come from the sensor, the wiring, an oil control valve or a stretched timing chain. Proper testing costs some labor up front but avoids replacing a good sensor.
- **Part brand.** Original-equipment and matching-brand sensors cost more than budget parts but give a clean signal with the correct air gap. A weak signal from a cheap sensor can bring back codes and hard starting.

## Can you do it yourself?

Difficulty: **Easy**, about 15-60 minutes. Parts cost $30-$150, so doing it yourself saves the labor ($90-$200).

## What happens during the job?

1. Read the codes and freeze-frame data, and compare cam and crank signals to see whether the sensor or the timing is at fault.
2. Check the wiring, connector and power supply, and look for oil inside the connector from a leaking seal.
3. Remove any cover blocking access, unbolt the old sensor and check its tip for metal debris or damage.
4. Install the new sensor with a fresh O-ring, torque the bolt and reconnect the wiring away from hot parts.
5. Clear the codes and test-drive the car, confirming it starts quickly and the codes do not return.

## What should a fair quote include?

- Reading codes and checking cam and crank signals together
- Inspecting the wiring and connector for oil or damage
- The new sensor and O-ring
- Clearing codes and a test drive

## How to pay less for camshaft position sensor replacement

- Confirm which bank and sensor the code names before buying a part; many engines have more than one.
- Check oil level and condition first, since low or dirty oil can set cam timing codes.
- Do the job yourself if the sensor sits on top of the engine; it is often one bolt and one connector.
- Buy the original-equipment brand or a reputable matching brand rather than the cheapest sensor.
- Fix a leaking valve cover gasket at the same time if oil is reaching the sensor connector.

## Signs you need it

- Check engine light with a cam sensor code
- Hard starting or long cranking before the engine fires
- Stalling, rough running or hesitation
- Car stuck in reduced power mode
- Lower fuel economy

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does it cost to replace a camshaft position sensor?

Most independent shops charge $120 to $350 per sensor in 2026, and dealers $200 to $500. The sensor costs about $30 to $150. Sensors on top of the engine are quick to replace, while rear-bank sensors on some V6 engines take longer because covers or the intake must come off.

### Can I drive with a bad camshaft position sensor?

Often for a short time, but it is not reliable. Many engines switch to a backup mode and run poorly, with hard starts, hesitation and lower fuel economy. Some stall or will not restart. If the engine stalls or will not start reliably, get the sensor tested soon.

### What are the symptoms of a bad cam sensor?

The most common signs are a check engine light with a code such as P0340 or P0341, long cranking before starting, and rough running or stalling. Some cars go into reduced power mode. Fuel economy may drop because the injectors are no longer timed precisely.

### Which camshaft position sensor do I need?

The trouble code tells you. Bank 1 is the side with cylinder 1, and sensor A is usually the intake camshaft while sensor B is usually the exhaust camshaft. A code such as P0365 points to the bank 1 sensor B circuit. A shop should confirm with live data before replacing it.

### Can I replace a camshaft position sensor myself?

Usually, yes. Most cam sensors are held by one bolt and one connector on the valve cover or timing cover. Disconnect the battery, unplug the sensor, swap it with a new O-ring and clear the codes. Rear-bank sensors that need the intake removed are better left to a shop.

### Can a timing chain problem look like a bad cam sensor?

Yes. A stretched timing chain, a sticking oil control valve or low oil pressure can set cam timing correlation codes such as P0016. Replacing the sensor will not fix those. A shop compares cam and crank signals to tell a sensor fault from a timing problem before quoting parts.

### Will a bad cam sensor fail an emissions test?

Usually, yes. A cam sensor fault sets a code and turns on the check engine light, which fails an OBD emissions test in most testing areas. After the repair, clear the codes and drive normally for a few days so the readiness monitors can complete before retesting.

### How long does a camshaft position sensor last?

There is no fixed life, and many last well over 100,000 miles. Heat and oil leaks into the connector are the main causes of failure. A sensor that fails intermittently when hot is near the end and should be replaced before it leaves you unable to start.

### Should I replace the crank sensor at the same time?

Not unless it has also failed. The cam and crank sensors are separate parts with separate codes. Some owners replace both on high-mileage engines with the same symptoms, but testing each sensor is cheaper. Replace only the one the codes and signals point to.

### Does a cam sensor need programming after replacement?

Most do not. On most cars the new sensor works as soon as it is plugged in and the codes are cleared. A few engines need a scan tool to reset learned cam timing values. The shop will check the service information, and it is usually included in the labor.

## Sources

- [EPA: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)](https://www.epa.gov/state-and-local-transportation/vehicle-emissions-board-diagnostics-obd)
- [Car Care Council: Car care guide](https://www.carcare.org/car-care-guide/)
- [AAA: Approved Auto Repair](https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/)

## Symptoms

- [Why does my car crank but not start?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/car-cranks-but-wont-start)
- [Why does my car stall while driving?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/car-stalls-while-driving)
- [Why does my car jerk when I accelerate?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/car-jerks-when-accelerating)
- [Why is my car getting bad gas mileage?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/poor-gas-mileage)

## Related codes

- [P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0340)
- [P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0341)
- [P0344 Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0344)
- [P0345 Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit (Bank 2)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0345)
- [P0365 Camshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit (Bank 1)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0365)
- [P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0016)
- [P0017 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0017)
- [P0018 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0018)
- [P0019 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor B)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0019)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/cost/camshaft-position-sensor-replacement
Updated: 2026-11-03
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.