engine

Camshaft Position Sensor

for 2009 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L V12 · RWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

2.2 h

Tools

Steps

✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.

Replace the camshaft position sensor on the 2009 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L V12 engine to restore proper engine timing signal and resolve related fault codes or performance issues.

Warnings

⚠Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Components may remain hot for over an hour after shutdown.

⚠The V12 engine bay is extremely compact. Take care not to damage surrounding wiring harnesses or vacuum lines during access.

ℹ️Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets and may require window re-initialization.

ℹ️The DB9 has two camshaft position sensors (one per cylinder bank). Verify which sensor requires replacement by fault code or diagnosis before beginning.

Tools required

Torx driver set (T20, T25, T30)Essential

Torque wrench (5-20 Nm range)Essential

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

Extension set (3-inch and 6-inch)Essential

Plastic trim removal tools

Magnetic pickup tool

Flashlight or inspection lightEssential

Clean shop ragsEssential

Electrical contact cleaner

Dielectric grease

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Parts

Camshaft position sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification (Aston Martin part number recommended)
Camshaft position sensor O-ring seal × 1 — Usually included with sensor

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation)
Open hood and secure with prop rod
Disconnect negative battery terminal using 10mm wrench and isolate cable away from terminal
Have replacement sensor and clean rags ready before beginning disassembly

Procedure

1
Identify target camshaft position sensor location
The camshaft position sensors are located at the cylinder heads near the timing chain covers; note this DOHC V12 may have multiple camshaft sensors per bank (one per camshaft) — verify the exact sensor count and location for this engine against Aston Martin service documentation. The right bank (passenger side) sensor is generally more accessible. The left bank (driver side) sensor requires additional clearance work. Identify which sensor requires replacement based on fault code. Note that the Bank 1 / Bank 2 designation and the physical location of cylinder #1 are platform-specific — verify the bank-to-cylinder-number assignment for this engine against Aston Martin factory documentation before concluding which side is Bank 1 versus Bank 2. Visually locate the sensor before proceeding with removal steps. Note: Identify which sensor requires replacement based on fault code. Confirm the Bank 1 / Bank 2 to physical side (left/right) correspondence against Aston Martin service documentation for this vehicle before proceeding, as the bank numbering is not necessarily intuitive. Note: Identify which sensor requires replacement based on the stored fault code. Verify the Bank 1 / Bank 2 cylinder-bank assignment against Aston Martin service documentation for this engine before proceeding, as bank designation is platform-specific.
2
Remove engine cover
Remove the decorative engine cover by releasing the mounting points. The cover is retained by rubber grommets or fasteners that typically pull straight up with moderate force; verify the exact retention method and count for this vehicle before removal. Lift the cover upward and remove from engine bay. Set aside in a clean area.
3
Access right bank (Bank 1) sensor - if applicable
For the right bank sensor: Identify the electrical connector and mounting bolt. The sensor is located at the front of the right cylinder head, accessible from above. You may need to move aside the air intake duct or wiring harness retaining clips for better access. Use plastic trim tools if clips are tight.
4
Access left bank (Bank 2) sensor - if applicable
For the left bank sensor: Access may be more restricted due to surrounding components — verify the exact physical obstructions (intake ducting, wiring, or ancillaries) for this specific vehicle against Aston Martin service documentation before proceeding. You may need to remove the air filter housing or reposition wiring harnesses. Trace the sensor connector from the cylinder head forward to locate the electrical connection point. This side typically requires working from multiple angles with extensions.
5
Disconnect sensor electrical connector
Locate the electrical connector for the camshaft position sensor. Press the locking tab (usually red or gray) and pull the connector straight off the sensor. Do not pull on the wires themselves. If the connector is stubborn, gently rock it side-to-side while applying outward pressure. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or damage.
6
Remove sensor mounting bolt
Remove the fastener(s) securing the camshaft position sensor to the cylinder head — verify the exact count and head style (commonly a single Torx on this platform) against Aston Martin service documentation before applying force. Verify the exact head style and size (10mm hex or Torx) on your specific vehicle before applying force, as this varies and is not confirmed. The bolt threads into aluminum, so break loose carefully to avoid stripping threads. Keep track of any washers or spacers. The bolt threads into aluminum, so break loose carefully to avoid stripping threads. Note: Identify the sensor mounting bolt head style before selecting a tool — it may be a hex head (commonly 8mm or 10mm) or a Torx head depending on production. Verify the exact head type and size, then remove the single bolt securing the camshaft position sensor to the cylinder head. Note: Remove the fastener securing the camshaft position sensor to the cylinder head. Verify the exact head style (hex or Torx) and the number of fasteners against Aston Martin service documentation before applying force, and select the correct driver accordingly.
7
Extract camshaft position sensor
With the bolt removed, grasp the sensor body firmly and pull straight out from the cylinder head. The sensor has an O-ring seal that may cause resistance. Use a gentle twisting motion while pulling if needed. Do not pry against the cylinder head or use excessive force. If the sensor is stuck, verify the mounting bolt is fully removed. Once free, inspect the sensor tip for metal debris or damage.
8
Inspect mounting bore and clean installation area
Examine the sensor mounting bore in the cylinder head for debris, oil residue, or damage. Use a clean shop rag to wipe out the bore. Do not allow any debris to fall into the engine. Inspect the old sensor O-ring and compare to the new sensor to verify correct replacement part. Check the electrical connector socket on the vehicle harness for corrosion or pushed-back pins.
9
Prepare new camshaft position sensor
Remove the new sensor from packaging and verify it matches the original exactly, comparing connector orientation and overall length. Check that the new O-ring is properly seated in the sensor groove. Optionally apply a very light coat of clean engine oil to the O-ring to ease installation. Do not use any sealant or grease on the sensor tip itself.
10
Install new camshaft position sensor
Carefully insert the new sensor straight into the mounting bore, ensuring the O-ring does not roll or pinch. Push the sensor fully home until it seats against the cylinder head. The sensor should slide in smoothly with light hand pressure. If resistance is encountered, remove and verify O-ring position. Do not force the sensor.
11
Install and torque sensor mounting bolt
Thread the mounting bolt in by hand initially to ensure proper thread engagement. Once hand-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt to the Aston Martin factory specification — verify the exact value in factory service documentation before applying torque; a small sensor fastener in aluminum is typically a low value but the exact figure must be confirmed. Do not over-tighten. Apply torque in a single smooth motion; do not over-tighten as the sensor body is plastic and the threads are in aluminum. Verify the sensor is fully seated and does not rotate after torquing. Note: Once hand-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt to the Aston Martin specified torque for this sensor (verify exact value in factory service documentation before tightening; typical small M6 sensor bolts are around 7-9 Nm but this must be confirmed). Note: Once hand-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt to the Aston Martin specified torque for the camshaft position sensor fastener (verify exact value in service documentation; small M6 sensor bolts are typically around 7-9 Nm).
Torque spec
Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12
Reconnect electrical connector
Push the electrical connector onto the new sensor until you hear and feel a positive click. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is locked in place. Inspect the connection to ensure the connector is fully seated and the locking tab has engaged. If desired, apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the connector seal for moisture protection.
13
Reinstall engine cover and components
Replace any air ducts, wiring harnesses, or components that were moved for access. Ensure all clips and retainers are properly secured. Reinstall the decorative engine cover by aligning the mounting grommets and pressing down firmly until all four corners are seated. Verify the cover is secure and sits level.
14
Reconnect battery and initialize system
Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the clamp bolt securely (verify exact torque and fastener size against vehicle documentation; battery clamp bolts are typically tightened to a low torque in the 5-10 Nm range). Do not start the engine yet. Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not crank) and allow the engine control module to initialize for 30 seconds. This allows the system to recognize the new sensor. If window auto-up/down functions are inoperative, perform window re-initialization per owner's manual. Note: Verify no camshaft position sensor fault codes are present (generic codes such as P0340/P0341/P0345/P0346 and any Aston Martin manufacturer-specific camshaft position codes) Note: Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the clamp bolt to the manufacturer-specified torque (verify exact value and fastener size in Aston Martin service documentation), using the correct wrench size for the clamp fastener. Note: Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the clamp bolt to the manufacturer-specified torque (verify value and fastener size in Aston Martin service documentation).

Reassembly

Reinstall all components in reverse order of removal
Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
Ensure no tools or rags are left in the engine bay
Double-check that all wiring harnesses are properly routed and secured away from hot or moving components

Verification

Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without rough idle or hesitation
Check that the check engine light does not remain illuminated or flash after startup
Use a diagnostic scan tool to verify the camshaft position sensor signal is present and within normal parameters
Verify no camshaft position sensor fault codes are present (P0340, P0341, P0345, P0346)
Road test the vehicle to confirm normal acceleration and engine performance
Recheck for fault codes after test drive to ensure repair is complete