Where is camshaft position sensor Bank A located?
The camshaft position sensor for Bank A is typically mounted on Bank A’s cylinder head near the camshaft and timing cover; the exact spot depends on the engine model and manufacturer. Bank A generally refers to the bank that contains cylinder 1 in multi-bank engines.
Understanding Bank A and the camshaft position sensor
In multi-bank engines, Bank A is the side that includes the first cylinder (cylinder 1). The camshaft position sensor (CMP) for Bank A provides the engine control unit with the camshaft’s position data, which helps synchronize fuel injection and ignition timing. Some inline engines with a single bank may simply have one CMP sensor serving that bank, while V‑configured engines typically have separate CMP sensors for Bank A and Bank B.
Locating Bank A CMP sensor on common engine layouts
The following guidance reflects typical placements across common engine designs. Exact location varies by model; always confirm with the service manual for your vehicle.
- Inline engines (single-bank): The CMP sensor is usually mounted on the cylinder head near the camshaft, often toward the rear or side of the head, and may sit in or near the timing cover.
- V‑configuration engines (V6, V8, V12): Bank A CMP sensor is typically on Bank A’s cylinder head at the end of the camshaft, usually toward the front or side of the head near the timing cover; there is often a second sensor on Bank B for the other bank.
- DOHC or multi-bank layouts: Expect a CMP sensor for each bank; Bank A’s sensor is located on the Bank A head near the cam gear area, sometimes tucked behind other components or under a plastic timing cover.
Exact placement varies by engine family and model. If you’re unsure, consult the vehicle’s service manual or a trusted repair database for your exact model.
Identifying Bank A on your engine
If you’re not sure which bank is Bank A, use these general guidelines to map the designation to cylinder 1 and the engine orientation.
- Find cylinder 1 on the engine. This is typically marked on the head or noted in the service literature for your engine.
- Determine which bank contains cylinder 1. That bank is Bank A in most manufacturers’ convention.
- Locate the camshaft and sensor on Bank A’s head. Look for the sensor mounted near the cam gear or end of the camshaft on that bank.
- Follow the wiring harness from the sensor toward the engine harness; the connector is usually labeled or documented in the service diagrams.
Always verify with the vehicle’s service manual, as some brands use Bank 1/Bank 2 or Bank A/Bank B naming that can differ from one model to another.
Visual confirmation steps
To confirm Bank A visually, perform these non-destructive checks when the engine is off and accessible.
- With the engine cover removed, inspect the timing area on each bank of the engine. The sensors are small and typically have a 3- or 4-pin connector.
- Identify the sensor by its proximity to the camshaft gear/shaft on each bank’s head.
- Check the wiring harness routing; Bank A’s harness will usually route toward the ECU from the Bank A side.
If you still cannot locate Bank A CMP sensor, consult the official service documentation or online repair databases for your exact model.
Summary
Bank A refers to the engine bank that contains cylinder 1, and the camshaft position sensor for that bank is typically mounted on that bank’s cylinder head or near the timing cover where the camshaft resides. Exact placement varies by engine family and manufacturer, so always refer to your vehicle’s service manual or trusted repair databases for the precise location on your model.
