Pacifica V6-3.8L VIN L (2005)
Camshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation
Camshaft Position Sensor - 3.5L
Camshaft Position Sensor - 3.8L
The camshaft position sensor contains a hall effect device that provides cylinder identification to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) (1). The sensor
generates pulses as groups of notches on the camshaft sprocket pass underneath it. The PCM keeps track of crankshaft rotation and identifies each
cylinder by the pulses generated by the notches on the camshaft sprocket.
When metal aligns with the sensor, voltage goes low (less than 0.3 volts). When a notch aligns with the sensor, voltage spikes high (5.0 volts). As a
group of notches pass under the sensor, the voltage switches from low (metal) to high (notch) then back to low. The number of notches determine the
amount of pulses. If available, an oscilloscope can display the square wave patterns of each timing event.