A Honda Owner's Guide to the Engine Camshaft Position Sensor for the 2017-2024 Civic
Understand why your Civic is running rough or won't start, and how to choose the right replacement camshaft sensor.
- A bad camshaft sensor can cause serious issues, including a no-start condition or stalling while driving.
- Replacement is very easy and can be done at home in under 30 minutes with just a 10mm socket.
- For best results, choose an OEM-quality brand like Hitachi or Beck Arnley.
- Always check your engine oil condition before replacing the sensor, as dirty oil can cause similar symptoms.
Is Your Civic Acting Up? It Could Be a Camshaft Position Sensor
When a camshaft position sensor starts to fail, it can't send a clear signal to your engine's computer. This can cause a range of problems, from annoying to serious. Because the 2017-2024 Civic has two of these sensors (one for the intake camshaft and one for the exhaust), a failure in either one can disrupt engine performance. Often, the check engine light will come on with codes like P0340 or P0341.
A Note on Trouble Code P0341
If you have code P0341, don't assume the sensor is the only possible problem. This code means there's a timing disagreement between the camshaft and crankshaft. While a bad sensor can cause this, it can also be triggered by more serious issues like a stretched timing chain, a faulty VTC oil control solenoid, or even just very low or dirty engine oil. Always check your oil level and condition first.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor for Your Civic
For a critical electronic part like this, quality matters. While you can save money with an aftermarket sensor, choosing the wrong brand can lead to more problems. Here’s a breakdown of the available brands.
Tier 1: OEM Quality
- Hitachi: Hitachi is widely known as an original equipment manufacturer for Honda. Choosing a Hitachi sensor is the closest you can get to buying the part from a Honda dealer, ensuring top-tier quality, fit, and performance.
- Beck Arnley: This brand specializes in sourcing parts that meet original equipment (OE) specifications for foreign vehicles. They often repackage parts from the actual OE supplier, making them a very reliable choice.
Tier 2: Reputable Aftermarket
- Delphi: Delphi is a massive global OE supplier for many car brands and has a strong reputation. Their sensors are built to OE standards and are generally a solid, reliable choice for your Civic.
- Standard Ignition (SMP): A well-known aftermarket brand that performs extensive testing on its parts. While generally reliable, some users have reported issues with certain applications, so it's a slight step below the OEM-level brands.
Tier 3: Budget Options
- Walker Products & Global Parts (GPD): These brands offer a more budget-friendly alternative. They can be a good value, but for a sensor that is so important to how your engine runs, they carry a higher risk of premature failure or incorrect readings compared to Tier 1 or Tier 2 brands.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost (Part Only) |
|---|---|
| New OEM (Honda) | $160 - $250 |
| New Aftermarket | $28 - $177 |
| Shop Labor | $75 - $150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the camshaft position sensors located on a 2017-2024 Civic?
Both sensors are on the cylinder head, located on the back side of the engine near the firewall. One sensor is for the intake camshaft (often called Sensor A) and the other is for the exhaust camshaft (Sensor B). They are held in by a single 10mm bolt each.
Can I replace this sensor myself?
Yes, this is a very DIY-friendly job. The sensors are easy to access. All you need is a 10mm socket and ratchet. The process involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging the electrical connector, removing one bolt, and then swapping the old sensor for the new one. The whole job should take less than 30 minutes.
What happens if I ignore a bad camshaft sensor?
Ignoring the problem can lead to your car stalling in traffic, which is dangerous. It can also cause a no-start condition, leaving you stranded. Continuously running with bad timing can also lead to poor fuel economy and potentially damage other engine components over time, like your catalytic converter.
Is there a recall for the camshaft position sensor on my Civic?
No, there are no active recalls from Honda or the NHTSA for a faulty camshaft position sensor on the 2017-2024 Civic. There is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 25-023) for the 2023-2025 Civic Type R that involves a software update to fix a false sensor code (P0369), but this does not involve replacing the sensor itself.
Should I replace both sensors at the same time?
It is a good practice to replace both sensors at once. They are the same age and have been exposed to the same conditions. If one has failed, the other may not be far behind. Since the job is easy, replacing both can save you from having to do the same repair again in the near future.
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Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 37510-59B-J01 37510-5A2-A01
The 2017-2024 Honda Civic uses two magnetic hall-effect sensors, one for the intake camshaft and one for the exhaust camshaft. On many models, both sensors use the same part number. They are located on the rear of the cylinder head and secured with a single 10mm bolt.
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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.
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