Engine Camshaft Position Sensor for the 2017 GMC Acadia Limited
Fixing rough idle, stalling, or a check engine light on your Acadia Limited might be easier than you think.
- Your 2017 Acadia Limited has four camshaft sensors; two are easy to replace, and two are difficult.
- Symptoms include a check engine light (P0340, P0345), stalling, rough running, and trouble starting.
- For critical sensors, choosing a premium brand like ACDelco, Delphi, or NGK is recommended over budget options for better reliability.
- A bad camshaft sensor code can sometimes be caused by a more serious stretched timing chain, a known issue on some 3.6L engines.
Is Your Acadia Limited Showing Signs of a Bad Camshaft Sensor?
When a camshaft position sensor starts to fail, your vehicle will usually let you know. Because this sensor is so important for engine timing, a bad one can cause problems that range from annoying to serious. You might notice one or more of the following issues.
Most Common Symptoms:
- Check Engine Light: This is often the first warning. A scanner will likely show codes like P0340, P0341, P0345, or P0346.
- Trouble Starting: The engine may crank for a long time before it starts, or it might not start at all.
- Engine Stalling: The engine could shut off unexpectedly while you are driving or when you come to a stop.
- Rough Performance: You may feel a rough idle, engine shaking, hesitation when you accelerate, and a general lack of power.
- Worse Gas Mileage: When engine timing is off, the engine uses more fuel than it should.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor
When it comes to electronic sensors, not all aftermarket brands are created equal. For your Acadia Limited, choosing a quality part is important to avoid replacing it again soon. We can group the available brands into tiers based on general quality and reputation among mechanics.
Tier 1: OEM & Premium Aftermarket
These brands are either the original equipment manufacturer or are known for producing parts that meet or exceed OEM standards. They are your most reliable choice for a long-lasting repair.
- ACDelco: This is GM's own parts brand and the original equipment for your Acadia. Choosing ACDelco is the safest bet for perfect fit and function.
- Delphi: A major OEM supplier for many car brands, Delphi sensors are highly regarded for their quality and reliability, often matching the original parts.
- Hitachi: Another well-respected manufacturer that often supplies original parts to carmakers. Their sensors are known for durability.
Tier 2: Quality Aftermarket
These brands have a solid reputation for producing dependable parts that offer a great balance of price and quality. They are a good choice for a reliable repair without the premium price.
- NGK: While famous for spark plugs, NGK's sensors are also high-quality and trusted by professionals.
- Standard Ignition (SMP): A long-standing brand in the aftermarket, offering parts that are widely considered reliable.
- Walker Products: A company with a long history of producing quality engine management and fuel system components.
Tier 3: Economy Brands
These brands offer the most budget-friendly options. While they can get your vehicle running, some professional mechanics and vehicle owners report a higher chance of early failure with economy sensors. They can be a viable option if budget is the top priority, but be aware of the potential quality difference.
- Dorman: Dorman makes a huge variety of parts, but their electronic sensors have mixed reviews. Some work fine, while others have been known to fail prematurely.
- Holstein, True Tech, Global Parts: These brands focus on providing a low-cost alternative.
Cost to Replace a Camshaft Position Sensor on a 2017 GMC Acadia Limited
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Part | $24.60 - $56.86 |
| New OEM Part (ACDelco) | $117 - $195 |
| Shop Labor Cost | $100 - $290* |
*Labor costs can vary significantly. The 3.6L V6 has two easily accessible sensors on the front of the engine and two that are very difficult to access on the rear. The labor cost will be much lower for the front sensors and higher for the rear sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many camshaft position sensors does my 2017 Acadia Limited have?
Your 3.6L V6 engine has four camshaft position sensors. There is one for the intake camshaft and one for the exhaust camshaft on each cylinder bank (Bank 1 and Bank 2).
Where are the sensors located?
The sensors for Bank 2 are on the front of the engine (near the radiator) and are fairly easy to see and reach. The sensors for Bank 1 are on the back of the engine (near the firewall) and are much more difficult to access, often requiring the removal of other components.
Can I replace just the one that has failed?
Yes. You only need to replace the specific sensor that has failed. The trouble code from a code scanner (e.g., P0340 or P0345) will help identify which sensor circuit is having a problem. However, since they are all the same age, some people choose to replace them in pairs (both intake or both exhaust) or all four at once if the engine's mileage is high.
Is this a difficult DIY job?
Replacing the two sensors on the front of the engine is a relatively easy DIY job for someone with basic tools. Each sensor is held by a single 10mm bolt. Replacing the two sensors on the rear of the engine is a much more difficult job and may be best left to a professional mechanic.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 12638266
The 2017 GMC Acadia Limited with the 3.6L V6 engine uses four camshaft position sensors. There are two distinct locations: Bank 1 (rear, by firewall) and Bank 2 (front, by radiator). Each bank has one intake sensor and one exhaust sensor.
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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.
- GMC Acadia Limited:
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Acadia Limited Showing Signs of a Bad Camshaft Sensor?
- Most Common Symptoms:
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor
- Tier 1: OEM & Premium Aftermarket
- Tier 2: Quality Aftermarket
- Tier 3: Economy Brands
- Cost to Replace a Camshaft Position Sensor on a 2017 GMC Acadia Limited
- Frequently Asked Questions
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