Cars are complicated machines and there are a lot of pieces that need to work together in order to get them up and running. If one part of the engine is not working, like a camshaft sensor, your car may not be able to start. In this article, we will explore what a camshaft sensor is and how it works, as well as discuss some possible solutions if your car won’t start because of a bad sensor.
What is a Camshaft Sensor?
A camshaft sensor is a device that monitors the position of your camshafts and sends this information to your car’s computer. By knowing where your camshafts are, your car can more accurately determine when to turn the engine on and off. This prevents the engine from over-revving, which can damage it over time.
How Does a Camshaft Sensor Work?
When your car’s engine starts, the pistons are pushed down by the crankshaft. This movement causes the camshaft to rotate and the valves in the cylinder head to open and close. The timing of these events is critical, as it determines how much gasoline is injected into each cylinder at exactly the right moments.
If there is a problem with one of your car’s camshaft sensors, this timing will be off. As a result, the engine may not start or may start but not run smoothly. In worst case scenarios, you might even get a warning light that tells you your camshaft sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Fortunately, replacing your camshaft sensor is usually an easy job that can be done by yourself with a few simple tools. If you’re not sure if your sensor is causing problems, it’s always worth taking it in for a quick inspection by your local mechanic.
What to do if Your Car Won’t Start After Installing a Camshaft Sensor
If your car won’t start after you install a camshaft sensor, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. First, check to make sure that the sensor is properly installed by turning the key all the way to the on position and then trying to start the car. If the car starts, then the sensor is likely installed correctly. If the car still won’t start, remove the sensor and check for any obvious problems with it. If there are no problems with the sensor, then your car may be having other problems that are preventing it from starting.
How to Test Your Camshaft Sensor
If you’re like most drivers, you probably think of your car’s engine as a finely tuned machine that starts without fail. But what if something goes wrong?
One common issue is a faulty camshaft sensor. If the sensor isn’t working correctly, the car may not be able to start. In fact, according to The Car Connection, “A camshaft sensor can cause intermittent starting problems in both cars and trucks.”
This is why it’s important to test your camshaft sensor if you think there might be a problem. There are a few simple steps you can take to check it out.
Step One: Remove the Camshaft Sensor
The first thing you need to do is remove the camshaft sensor. To do this, disconnect the negative battery cable (usually red) and unscrew the two bolts that hold it in place. Then pull it out and replace it if necessary.
Step Two: Check for continuity
Once the camshaft sensor is removed, check for continuity between the black wire connected to the sensor and the engine ground. If there’s no continuity, your sensor is probably bad and you need to