How do you reset the camshaft position sensor code?

If your vehicle's check engine light is on due to a camshaft position sensor code, you'll need to reset the sensor to clear the code. This process involves diagnosing the issue, replacing the sensor if necessary, and resetting the code to turn off the warning light. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reset the camshaft position sensor code.

Diagnose the Camshaft Position Sensor Issue

The first step is to diagnose the problem causing the camshaft position sensor code. Use an OBD-II scanner to read the specific code, which will provide more information about the issue. Common camshaft position sensor codes include P0340, P0341, and P0342. These codes indicate issues with the sensor signal, circuit, or correlation.

Replace the Camshaft Position Sensor

• If the diagnosis reveals a faulty camshaft position sensor, you'll need to replace it. Locate the sensor, which is typically near the engine's timing chain or belt.


• Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the sensor. Install the new sensor and reconnect the electrical connector.


• Make sure the new sensor is properly seated and secured in place.

After replacing the sensor, you'll need to reset the code to turn off the check engine light.

Reset the Camshaft Position Sensor Code

• Use an OBD-II scanner to clear the diagnostic trouble code. This will reset the camshaft position sensor and turn off the check engine light.


• If you don't have an OBD-II scanner, you can also reset the code by disconnecting the vehicle's battery for 30 minutes to an hour. This will reset the vehicle's computer and clear the code.


• After resetting the code, start the engine and verify that the check engine light is off. If the light remains on, there may be another underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

By following these steps, you can effectively reset the camshaft position sensor code and resolve the issue causing the check engine light to illuminate.

Do you have to reset computer after replacing camshaft position sensor?

It's only necessary when installing an all-new camshaft position sensor, not when you do a simple code-reader reset. Without correct calibration, the camshaft sensor may produce false data, resulting in poor performance, lower efficiency, and higher emissions, potentially causing engine damage.

How to clear camshaft position sensor code?

Calibration

1. Attach the OBD-II device again after properly installing the new camshaft position sensor and safely reconnecting the battery.
2. Follow the device's instructions to run a crank angle sensor error relearn process.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts until the device finishes, disconnect it, and test-drive the vehicle.

How do you relearn a camshaft sensor without a scanner?

You cannot "reset" a camshaft position sensor without a scanner; if it's faulty, it must be replaced. To clear the associated trouble code, you can attempt a hard reset by disconnecting both battery terminals and holding them together for about 5 seconds, or perform a specific drive cycle procedure that may work on some vehicles. However, the most reliable method is to use a scanner to clear the code after replacing the sensor. 
This video explains how to replace a camshaft position sensor: 1m Easy Car ElectricsYouTube · Jun 20, 2023
Before you begin

• If you have a faulty sensor, the only way to fix it is to replace it. 
• A "reset" typically refers to clearing the fault code, not fixing the sensor itself. 
• If you only need to clear the code after a replacement, some vehicles will automatically clear it after a few drive cycles. 

Method 1: Hard reset (may not always work)

1. Park your car on a level surface and turn the engine off. 
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. 
3. Disconnect the positive battery terminal.
4. Hold the positive and negative terminals together for approximately 5 seconds to drain any residual power from the computer. 
5. Reconnect the battery terminals, starting with the positive, then the negative. 

Method 2: Drive cycle (may work for some vehicles) 

1. Park on a level surface and turn off all accessories like the A/C and radio. 
2. Ensure the air and coolant temperatures are within 9°F of each other. 
3. Start the engine and let it idle in Park or Neutral for about two minutes. 
4. Accelerate to 55 mph at part throttle and cruise for 8–10 minutes to let the engine reach operating temperature. 
5. Continue cruising at 55 mph for another 5–6 minutes. 
6. Decelerate to 45 mph without using the brakes and hold for 1 minute. Repeat this deceleration 4 times, pausing for 15 seconds at 45 mph in between. 
7. Accelerate back to 55 mph and cruise for 2 minutes. 
8. Stop and idle for 2 minutes with the brake applied and the transmission in Drive or Neutral. 

After the reset

• If the check engine light stays off, the process may have worked. 
• If the light comes back on, the sensor is likely still faulty and needs to be replaced, or the procedure was not successful. 
• The most reliable way to clear the code is with an OBD-II scanner, which can also be done at most auto parts stores. 

Can you reset a camshaft position sensor?

The only way to reset the camshaft position is to recalibrate the camshaft position sensor. A bad camshaft position sensor cannot be reset, so you'll need to swap it out for a new one instead. Check your owner's manual to find the location of the camshaft position sensor.