Camshaft sensor: check, symptoms, repair and replacement

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

In the process of transition from a carbureted power system to an injection system, engineers involved in the development of modern cars were forced to create new technical solutions. So, for reliable and well-coordinated operation of the system, it is necessary to clearly know the exact moment when fuel should be injected into the combustion chambers, as well as the time when a spark should be applied. Today, a camshaft sensor is used to solve this problem. What is it and how to check it? We will consider information on this topic in this material.

Sensor assignment

If the fuel is not supplied at the moment of the intake stroke, then it will spread along the manifold. When the intake stroke starts, a small amount of gasoline will remain on the walls. Therefore, the mixture will be poor.

Because of this, power is reducedmotor, and also increases the intensity of wear of the cylinder-piston group and valves. The camshaft sensor will allow you to accurately track the right moment of fuel supply and spark. After all, the operation of the cylinder head, valves and the correctness of the gas distribution phases depend on the camshaft.

Device

Actually, it's not high tech. Inside the small device is the familiar Hall sensor, but in a slightly different design. The element serves to determine the angular position of the timing in accordance with the crankshaft. The data is then sent to the ECU.

Operation principle

So, as noted above, the camshaft sensor is based on the familiar Hall sensor. It all works as follows. If metal elements pass through the inductor, then the electromotive force of the coil itself changes. Unlike the crankshaft sensor, the camshaft position element more accurately monitors not only the current state of the pistons, but also monitors the valve timing. After all, it is known that one cycle of operation of a four-stroke internal combustion engine is one revolution of the camshaft and two revolutions of the crankshaft. The element has another name - a phase sensor.

Where is the DPRP?

Beginner motorists who encounter an injection engine may not know where the camshaft position sensor is located. You can find it in the area of \u200b\u200bthe gear or the camshaft drive disk.

On models from AvtoVAZ with an eight-valve enginethe element is installed on the cylinder head housing. In a 16-valve power unit, it must be sought from the side where the leading camshaft is installed. It is located in the generator area.

Synchronization of the camshaft and crankshaft sensor is provided using a benchmark - a metal pin that is on the disk or on the gear. The part marks the position of the piston of the first cylinder at TDC. On some power units, instead of a benchmark, a gap ring can be used; it passes through the VAZ camshaft sensor. When the benchmark or its signal gap passes through the sensor, it will generate an impulse. The latter will synchronize the power supply system of the engine and ignition.

What influences the operation of the VDP?

The main factors affecting the action of this element are constantly fluctuating temperatures, vibrations, as well as dust and metal chips. Experts recommend periodically changing this element. On average, in Russian conditions, the DPRV survives up to one hundred thousand kilometers. But this is possible under normal operating conditions. Also, timely replacement of the camshaft sensor will help to avoid problems (for example, an unexpected breakdown with the ignition on the way).

When starting the engine, the temperature of the part is approximately equal to the atmospheric air. As the engine warms up, the value on the sensor also increases. If the power and ignition systems are out of sync, the engine will not start at all, or it will work with serious interruptions. If the internal combustion engine is poorly configured, the sensor will perceiveincreased vibrations. In a modern engine, there are many different rubbing surfaces - as a result of friction, metal dust is formed. If the lubrication system does not work properly or the engine mounts fail, then this dust will be more. Metal chips will settle on the element magnet, which will negatively affect its functioning.

Symptoms of malfunctioning DPRV

How can you determine that this element is out of order and needs to be replaced on the car? The first call reporting a malfunction of the camshaft sensor will be a sudden increase in fuel consumption, a decrease in engine power and unstable operation of the power unit. There are no other symptoms. But if such problems appear, it is worth starting the check with the DPRV.

DPRV error codes

Modern cars are controlled by ECUs. This is their plus. Unlike carburetor technology, where the driver must be a bit of a mechanic, electrician and engine specialist, the injector can diagnose itself.

On models from AvtoVAZ, if this mechanism malfunctions, you can observe an error in the camshaft sensor 0340. You can also observe a yellow sign - “Meat Grinder” or Check Engine. This process manifests itself as follows - at the time of starting the engine, the starter operates for several seconds. Then the display shows this error number 0340.

The fact is that the ECU, when starting the unit, expects to receive a certain signal from the DPRV. If not, then the block is notwill be able to give an impulse to the ignition and fuel supply system. Therefore, the motor will not start. The corresponding lamp will light up. You can diagnose the VAZ camshaft sensor using the on-board computer.

There is another mistake. Its index is 0343. It can be observed less frequently than the first, and it directly indicates that the phase sensor is faulty. The problem is solved only by completely replacing the element. This error does not require serious diagnostics and visits to service centers, but does not always mean that the camshaft position sensor is not working. Often an error is caused by oxidized contacts. It can also occur due to a faulty DPKV, a timing belt that has come off by one tooth, or a loose crankshaft.

There are a number of other errors:

• 0300 － indicates a misfire.
• 0341 － incorrect valve timing.
• 0342 － weak signal strength from RPF.
• 0343 － Signal high.
• 0344 － intermittent and erratic signals from the RPF.
• 0365 － no signal from the RPF circuit.

Causes of failure

There are a large number of reasons why a sensor can fail. In this case, it is not necessary that there are problems with the sensor. Most often they can be in the wiring or other elements of the on-board network.

It happens that the sensor is not connected to the signal wire. Moisture in the terminal can also cause malfunctions. An error will pop up if the signal wire is shorted to ground or broken. If there is a closureto the on-board network of the DPRV signal wire, this also leads to failure and the symptoms described above.

How can I check the DP?

Not everyone knows how to test the camshaft sensor for operation, although this procedure is very similar to checking the Hall sensor. Measure the voltage between the terminals. To work, you need a multimeter with a DC voltage measurement function.

The first step is to check how the sensor is connected to the signal wires. A voltage of +12 V and a mass cord should come to the element. If there is power, then start the engine and check the sensor pulses. They should be on the signal wire. Also, it will not be superfluous to check if there is moisture in the connector. Oxidized or contaminated contacts are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Then check the integrity of the insulation of the signal wires. Damaged insulation is one of the most common causes of problems with CVD.

The sensor is very close to the motor, so from constant heating and cooling, the insulation becomes brittle and crumbles, which leads to a short circuit.

Next, check the resistance of the insulation layer. It should be about 0.5-1 kOhm. In different models, the value can be within a few kOhm. The main thing is a solid and undestroyed insulation.

How to test a two-wire DPRV?

If just such an element is installed on the car, then the verification algorithm will be as follows. The multimeter is set to the mode of measuring alternating voltages. Then turn on the ignition. Next, determine the voltage in the circuit. Onecontact is connected to ground, the other is checked for each wire that is in the sensor connector. If there is no voltage in any of the wires, the sensor is faulty.

You can also start the motor. With one contact, the multimeter is connected to the first wire of the DPRV, with the other - to the second. In case of serviceability, an oscillating voltage in the range of 0-5 Volts will be displayed on the device screen. If this is not observed, the sensor needs to be changed.

Three-wire

Here the verification algorithm is as follows. The multimeter is switched to the DC voltage measurement mode.

Next, turn on the ignition. One probe is connected to the ground, the second - to the supply wire of the sensor. The measured voltage is compared with the nominal one.

How to replace the DPRV?

Replacing the camshaft sensor is an extremely simple operation. The element is held on the motor housing with one bolt. To replace, remove the chip from the sensor, then unscrew the bolt and pull the element out of the seat. Next, install a new sensor.