engine

Camshaft Position Sensor

for 2014 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · 4WD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

1.3 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure replaces the camshaft position sensor on the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, typically located on the front of the engine near the timing chain cover.

Warnings

⚠Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work to avoid burns from hot components

ℹ️Camshaft position sensor failure may cause no-start or rough running conditions; verify diagnostic trouble codes before replacement

⚠Do not drop the sensor bolt into the timing chain area

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

Extension setEssential

Torque wrench (5-25 Nm range)Essential

Flathead screwdriver or trim tool

Shop towelsEssential

Wire brush or contact cleaner

Dielectric grease

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Parts

Camshaft Position Sensor × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
O-ring seal (if not included with sensor) × 1 — Included with most OEM sensors

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 if recently operated
Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starting
Locate the camshaft position sensor on the front driver's side of the engine, near the timing chain cover

Procedure

1
Access the camshaft position sensor
Open the hood and secure it safely. Identify the camshaft position sensor on the front left (driver's side) of the engine block, just below the cylinder head near the timing chain cover. It will have a single electrical connector and one mounting bolt.
2
Disconnect the electrical connector
Press the locking tab on the camshaft position sensor electrical connector and carefully pull the connector straight off the sensor. You may need to wiggle it gently while pulling. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
3
Remove the sensor mounting bolt
Using a 10mm socket with extension, carefully remove the single bolt securing the camshaft position sensor to the engine block. Keep track of the bolt as dropping it into the timing chain area can cause serious engine damage. Set the bolt aside in a safe location.
4
Extract the old sensor
Grasp the sensor body firmly and pull straight out from the engine block. It may require slight twisting motion to break the O-ring seal. Once removed, note the orientation of the sensor for proper installation of the replacement.
5
Clean the sensor mounting bore
Use a clean shop towel to wipe out the sensor mounting hole in the engine block. Remove any debris, old seal material, or oil residue. A small amount of contact cleaner on a shop towel can help ensure a clean sealing surface. Do not allow debris to fall into the engine.
6
Prepare the new sensor
Remove the new camshaft position sensor from its packaging. Verify it matches the old sensor design. Check that the O-ring seal is properly seated in the groove on the sensor body. Apply a light coating of clean engine oil to the O-ring to aid installation and prevent damage.
7
Install the new sensor
Carefully insert the new camshaft position sensor into the mounting bore, ensuring proper orientation matches the removal position. Push the sensor in until it seats fully against the engine block. The sensor should sit flush without gaps.
Torque spec
Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8
Torque the mounting bolt
Thread the mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper alignment, then torque to specification using a torque wrench. This ensures proper sensor positioning and prevents damage to the sensor housing or threads.
Torque spec
Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9
Reconnect the electrical connector
Push the electrical connector onto the new sensor until you hear or feel a positive click, indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely locked in place. If desired, apply dielectric grease to the connection for corrosion protection.
10
Reconnect battery and clear codes
Reconnect the negative battery cable. If a scan tool is available, clear any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the camshaft position sensor. This allows you to verify the repair resolved the issue.

Reassembly

Ensure electrical connector is fully seated and locked
Verify no tools or shop towels were left in the engine compartment
Close hood securely

Verification

Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without rough idle or hesitation
Check that the check engine light does not illuminate or return with camshaft position sensor codes
Use a scan tool to verify camshaft position sensor is providing signal data to the PCM
Test drive the vehicle to confirm normal operation under various load conditions
Inspect the sensor area for any oil leaks from the O-ring seal after test drive