Three Easy Ways to Tell When Your Camshaft Sensor Is Failing
The camshaft position sensor is one of the most crucial components of your car's engineering. It gathers information about the speed of the camshaft and sends it to the engine control module. The vehicle uses this intelligence to set ignition time and determine the fuel injection needed by the engine. The engine, therefore, only functions properly when the camshaft sensor is working correctly. With time and a lot of use, the sensor fails, and when this happens, your car's engine stops functioning as efficiently as it did. Here are three indicators that your camshaft sensor could be failing.
Changes in the Way the Vehicle Drives
As mentioned, the camshaft determines how the entire engine component of the car works. When there is a problem with this function, the vehicle starts stalling, stumbles often and increases its fuel consumption. You may also notice that the car experiences a drop in the engine's power. If you have witnessed two or more of these symptoms when driving your vehicle, it means that the position sensor attached to the camshaft sensor needs replacing before the entire system breaks down.
When the Vehicle Refuses to Start
As the camshaft sensor gets old and weak, the signals it sends to the engine also weakens. If no repairs are done, the signal will get so weak that it will eventually switch off completely. When the sensor switches off, the engine also stops functioning. The engine can switch off when you are driving, which can create a hazardous situation.
The Check Engine Light Is On
Another common sign that your camshaft sensor is failing is when the check engine light comes on. Generally, the check engine light will come on for several reasons, which is why a qualified mechanic needs to assess the car to determine whether the problem is the camshaft. An OBD2 scan is one of the most reliable diagnostic tests which help access trouble signals and codes sent to your vehicle engine. The mechanic will use this information to check the engine control module and determine if the problem can be fixed.
A competent auto mechanic will easily replace a faulty camshaft sensor. However, the replacement will only be useful if the problem is detected in time. It is advisable to take the vehicle for a diagnostic test as soon as the check engine light starts illuminating the dashboard. Failure to replace the part often leads to complications such as complete engine failure.
Contact a supplier of camshaft packages for more information.