Camshaft Position Sensor

Replace the camshaft position sensor on the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine to restore engine timing reference and correct diagnostic trouble codes.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Camshaft position sensor × 1 — Mopar 5080285AA or equivalent
• Sensor O-ring seal × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool for at least 30 minutes
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent fault codes during sensor disconnection
4. If equipped, remove engine cover for better access

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate camshaft position sensor
   The camshaft position sensor (24-valve ISB engines) is mounted on the timing gear cover on the passenger side of the engine near the injection pump. Note: 12-valve 1994-early 1998 engines with mechanical (P7100) injection do not use an electronic camshaft position sensor. Confirm sensor location for your specific engine before proceeding.
2. 2

   Disconnect sensor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the camshaft position sensor. Press the release tab on the connector and pull straight away from the sensor. If the connector is stuck due to corrosion, gently wiggle it while pulling to avoid breaking the tabs.
3. 3

   Remove sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the camshaft position sensor to the engine block. Keep the bolt in a safe location as it will be reused if in good condition.
   ⚠Support the sensor while removing the bolt to prevent it from falling and damaging the connector or internal components.
4. 4

   Extract sensor from engine block
   Carefully pull the camshaft position sensor straight out from the engine block. There may be slight resistance due to the O-ring seal. Gently twist the sensor while pulling if needed. Do not pry against the engine block as this may damage the mounting bore.
5. 5

   Inspect sensor bore and clean mounting surface
   Inspect the sensor bore in the engine block for debris, metal shavings, or oil sludge. Clean the mounting surface on the engine block with a shop towel. Remove the old O-ring from the sensor bore if it remained in the block. Ensure no debris falls into the engine.
6. 6

   Prepare new sensor
   Inspect the new camshaft position sensor to ensure it includes a new O-ring seal properly seated in the groove. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean engine oil to ease installation and prevent damage during insertion.
7. 7

   Install new sensor
   Align the new camshaft position sensor with the bore in the engine block. Push the sensor straight in until it is fully seated and flush with the mounting surface. Ensure the sensor is oriented correctly with the electrical connector facing outward for easy connection.
   ⚠Do not force the sensor. If resistance is felt, remove and inspect for obstructions or misalignment.
8. 8

   Install and torque mounting bolt
   Insert the mounting bolt through the sensor and thread it into the engine block by hand. Once hand-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt to specification (typically approximately 7 ft-lbs / 10 Nm for an M6 sensor bolt — verify exact spec). Do not overtighten as this can crack the sensor housing.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector onto the camshaft position sensor until it clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector. Ensure the locking tab is fully engaged.
10. 10

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. If using a compatible diagnostic scanner (note: 1994-1995 vehicles predate OBD-II and require a Chrysler DRB-style scan tool), clear any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the camshaft position sensor (typically P0340 or P0341 on OBD-II-equipped 1996+ models). If no scanner is available, the PCM will clear codes after successful operation.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover if removed
2. Verify all electrical connections are secure and no tools are left in engine bay

Verification

• Start the engine and verify it starts normally without extended cranking
• Allow engine to idle and confirm no check engine light or camshaft position sensor codes are present
• Test drive vehicle to ensure normal operation and verify no sensor-related codes return
• Monitor engine performance for proper idle quality and throttle response

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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