Nissan Sentra Engine Camshaft Position Sensor Guide (2014-2024)
Is your Nissan Sentra stalling, running rough, or refusing to start? A faulty camshaft position sensor is a likely and simple-to-fix cause.
- A failing camshaft sensor is a common cause for stalling, no-starts, and a P0340 code in 2014-2024 Sentras.
- For long-term reliability, choose an OEM (Nissan) or Hitachi brand sensor; cheap aftermarket sensors are known to fail quickly.
- This is a very easy DIY repair, typically requiring only a 10mm socket and less than 30 minutes.
- If your Sentra is a 2020 model or newer, it has two sensors; it's best practice to replace them both at the same time.
Is Your Sentra's Camshaft Position Sensor Failing?
A bad camshaft position sensor in a 2014-2024 Nissan Sentra will almost always let you know there's a problem. The symptoms can range from annoying to serious, sometimes causing the engine to shut off completely while driving. The most common trouble code associated with a failing camshaft sensor is P0340.
Key Symptoms of Failure:
- Check Engine Light: This is often the first warning sign. A code reader will typically show P0340.
- Engine Won't Start: The engine may crank but refuse to start because the ECM doesn't have the right information to create spark and deliver fuel.
- Engine Stalling: The engine may suddenly shut off, sometimes at low speeds or while idling at a stop light. This is a significant safety concern.
- Rough Idle: Your car may shake or vibrate when stopped because the engine timing is off.
- Loss of Power & Poor Acceleration: The car may feel sluggish and hesitate when you press the gas pedal.
A Note on Stalling
Some Sentra models are known to shut down immediately when the camshaft position sensor fails and may not restart until the part is replaced and the diagnostic code is cleared from the computer's memory.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor: Quality Matters
When it comes to electronic sensors for Nissan vehicles, not all aftermarket brands are created equal. Forum discussions among Nissan owners show a strong consensus: cheap, unbranded sensors often fail quickly, leading you to do the job all over again. For this specific part, it is highly recommended to use either a genuine Nissan part or the brand that makes the part for Nissan.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers for Your Sentra
- Tier 1 (OEM or OEM-Equivalent): Hitachi is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for Nissan's camshaft sensors. Choosing Hitachi is the closest you can get to buying a genuine Nissan part without the dealer markup. This is the most recommended option for reliability.
- Tier 2 (Reputable Aftermarket): Brands like Delphi, NGK/NTK, and Standard Ignition (SMP) have a long history of producing reliable engine management parts. These are a solid choice if Hitachi is not available.
- Tier 3 (Budget Options): This category includes various store brands and lower-priced options. While the initial cost is low, owner experiences suggest a higher risk of premature failure. Consider these only if you are on a strict budget and understand the potential risk.
Pro Tip: Check Your Oil
Before replacing the sensor, check the condition of your engine oil. Extremely dirty oil can sometimes coat the sensor's magnetic tip and prevent it from reading correctly. An oil change might be a good first step if your oil is old.
How Many Sensors and Where Are They Located?
The number and location of sensors depend on your Sentra's engine.
- 2014-2019 Sentra (1.8L Engine): These models typically have one or two sensors located on the top of the valve cover, held in by a single 10mm bolt. They are very easy to access. 🎬 See this step-by-step sensor replacement for 2014-2019 models.
- 2020-2024 Sentra (2.0L Engine): These models have two camshaft position sensors: one for the intake camshaft and one for the exhaust camshaft. 🎬 Watch: How to replace both sensors on the 2.0L engine. They are both on top of the engine and easy to locate. It is highly recommended to replace both sensors at the same time, as the other is likely to fail soon if one has gone bad.
Cost to Replace a Nissan Sentra Camshaft Position Sensor
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Shop Labor | $75 - $150 |
| New OEM Part (Dealer) | $110 - $160 per sensor |
| New Aftermarket Part | $28 - $98 per sensor |
| Total Professional Replacement | $201 - $258 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my Sentra with a bad camshaft position sensor?
You can, but it's not recommended. You will experience poor performance, bad fuel economy, and most importantly, the engine could stall at any time, which is a serious safety risk.
Is this a difficult DIY repair?
No, this is one of the easiest repairs you can do. The sensors are on top of the engine and held by one 10mm bolt. The job requires basic hand tools and can be done in under 30 minutes.
Should I replace the crankshaft position sensor at the same time?
It is not required, but the camshaft and crankshaft sensors work together. If your vehicle has high mileage, it may be a good preventative measure, but you should diagnose the specific failed sensor using the OBD-II code first.
Do I need to disconnect the battery?
It is always a good safety practice to disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on any electrical components in your vehicle.
Why do I need to clear the code after replacing the sensor?
On some Nissans, the computer will keep the engine from starting even with a new sensor installed if the old fault code (P0340) is still stored in its memory. You must use an OBD-II scanner to clear the codes after the repair is complete.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 23731-3LM1C 23731-3LM1B 23731-3LM1A 23731-EN215 23731-EN22A
The sensor is a Hall effect type sensor held in place by a single 10mm bolt. Newer Sentra models (2020+) use two identical sensors for intake and exhaust camshafts.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Nissan Sentra:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Sentra's Camshaft Position Sensor Failing?
- Key Symptoms of Failure:
- A Note on Stalling
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor: Quality Matters
- Aftermarket Brand Tiers for Your Sentra
- Pro Tip: Check Your Oil
- How Many Sensors and Where Are They Located?
- Cost to Replace a Nissan Sentra Camshaft Position Sensor
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off