Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost
Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement typically costs $95–$422 across economy, mainstream and premium vehicles, including reference parts and labor. The camshaft position sensor tells the engine computer where the camshaft is so fuel and spark can be timed correctly.
| Vehicle type | Parts | Labor hours | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| economy | $40–$136 | 0.5–0.92 | $95–$306 |
| mainstream | $72–$168 | 0.64–1.06 | $142–$364 |
| premium | $104–$200 | 0.78–1.2 | $190–$422 |
Labor uses the configured national band of $110–$185/hour. Vehicle windows narrow both reference parts and hours; pickup, full-size SUV and van access can require more labor. This table is a reference estimate, not a complete quote analysis.
Last reviewed November 3, 2026 · Content updated November 3, 2026
Priced per: one camshaft position sensor (some engines have two or four)
What it does
The engine computer compares the camshaft sensor signal with the crankshaft sensor signal to know exactly which cylinder is firing. If the signals disagree or one disappears, the computer sets a check engine code and may limit performance.
V6 and V8 engines and engines with variable valve timing often have more than one cam sensor — sometimes one per camshaft. Each one is a separate part.
Symptoms and codes
Common signs include a check engine light with codes such as P0340–P0349 or P0365–P0369, hard starting, stalling when warm, rough idle, hesitation and reduced fuel economy.
The same codes can come from damaged wiring, oil in the connector, a stretched timing chain or a jumped timing belt. A good diagnosis compares the cam and crank signals rather than replacing the sensor because the code mentions it.
What drives the price
Our reference parts band is $40 to $200 per sensor. Aftermarket sensors are near the bottom; OEM sensors for many engines are in the middle; some European and V8 sensors are near the top. Labor is 0.5 to 1.2 hours, covering access, replacement, clearing codes and confirming the signal.
Sensors on the top of the engine or the valve cover are quick. Sensors behind the intake, under covers or near the timing cover take longer.
Exception: sensors inside the timing cover
On a small number of engines the cam sensor sits behind or inside the timing cover. Those jobs can take several hours and exceed this range. If your quote is much higher, ask whether your engine is one of these designs before comparing it to the table.
What’s included
- One camshaft position sensor
- New O-ring or seal
- Access and replacement labor
- Clearing codes and verifying the signal
What’s often done at the same time
No other published repair is paired with this reference. Ask whether the estimate includes related access work and avoid adding unrelated services without supporting findings.
Signs you need it
- Check engine light with a cam sensor code
- Stalling when the engine is warm
- Hard or long cranking
- Rough idle or hesitation
How shops can pad this quote
- Replacing every cam sensor on the engine when only one code points to a specific bank — ask which sensor the code identifies
- Quoting a timing chain from a single cam-sensor code with no correlation data
- Charging diagnostic time twice — once separately and again built into labor
- Adding the crankshaft sensor without a code or test result pointing to it
Questions to ask the shop
- Which sensor (bank and intake/exhaust) does the code point to?
- Did you check the wiring and the cam/crank correlation?
- Is the part OEM or aftermarket?
- If the code returns, what is the next step and is any diagnostic fee credited?
Cost by vehicle type
Economy four-cylinder engines usually have one easy-to-reach cam sensor and aftermarket parts are widely available, so they sit near the bottom of the table. Mainstream V6 engines may have two or more sensors and some sit behind the intake plenum, which moves labor up. Premium and European engines more often require OEM sensors and engine covers removed, pushing toward the top.
Trucks with V8 engines sometimes place the cam sensor at the back of the engine near the firewall. Ask which location applies to yours if the labor seems long.
What a fair quote usually looks like
A clear quote names the specific sensor, lists the part and its brand, shows labor in hours, and mentions whether the shop verified the signal and checked wiring. Diagnostic time may be a separate line, which is normal; just make sure it is not also built into the replacement labor.
Should cam and crank sensors be replaced together?
Only if both are faulty. They work as a pair, so a problem in one can set a code that mentions the other. Replacing both 'to be safe' is not standard practice. Ask the shop to show you which signal is bad. If both test poorly, doing them together can save some access time on engines where they sit close to each other.
DIY difficulty
Easy to moderate on engines with a top-mounted sensor — often one bolt and one connector. The hard part is the diagnosis. If you are not sure the sensor is the cause, a shop with a scan tool or scope can save you from buying the wrong part.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a camshaft position sensor replacement cost?
Our reference uses $40–$200 for one sensor and 0.5–1.2 labor hours. See the table for totals by vehicle type.
Can I drive with a bad camshaft sensor?
It may stall or fail to restart, which can be unsafe in traffic. Ask the shop whether driving should stop while you arrange the repair.
Does a cam sensor code always mean the sensor is bad?
No. Wiring, oil contamination or timing problems can set the same code. Ask what testing confirmed the sensor.
Why does my engine have more than one cam sensor?
Engines with two cylinder banks or variable valve timing can have one sensor per camshaft. Each is priced separately.
Related price guides
Have a quote to compare?
Start with a free readiness check. The full AI-generated report is $14.99, with line-item questions to take back to the shop.
AI-generated estimate based on typical labor times and parts prices. Actual prices vary by shop, region, vehicle condition and parts used. This is not a mechanic inspection. Read the disclaimer.