2021 HONDA ACCORD

1.5L I4 TurboFWDCVTgasturbo
4 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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engine

Camshaft Position Sensor

for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
6
Steps
9

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the camshaft position sensor on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L turbo engine, requiring access to the engine top cover.

Warnings

Perform this work with the engine cold to avoid burns from hot engine components
ℹ️Disconnect battery negative terminal if storing trouble codes may interfere with diagnosis
Do not drop sensor into engine bay; small components can fall into openings

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Extension setEssential
Torque wrench (5-25 Nm range)Essential
Flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool
Clean shop towelsEssential
Dielectric grease

Parts

  • Camshaft Position Sensor × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
  • Sensor O-ring seal × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Preparation

  1. Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
  2. Open hood and secure in upright position
  3. Remove engine top cover by pulling upward on integrated pull points (no fasteners)
  4. Locate camshaft position sensor on rear (firewall side) of cylinder head, near timing chain cover

Procedure

  1. 1
    Disconnect sensor electrical connector
    Press down on the locking tab of the camshaft position sensor electrical connector and pull straight away from the sensor. Do not pull on the wires themselves. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
  2. 2
    Remove sensor mounting bolt
    Using a 10mm socket with extension, remove the single mounting bolt securing the camshaft position sensor to the cylinder head. Keep the bolt in a safe location for reinstallation.
  3. 3
    Extract camshaft position sensor
    Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the cylinder head. It may require slight twisting motion to break the O-ring seal. Avoid prying against the sensor body or cylinder head surface.
  4. 4
    Inspect sensor bore and clean mounting surface
    Inspect the sensor bore in the cylinder head for debris, metal particles, or oil contamination. Use a clean shop towel to wipe the mounting surface on the cylinder head. Check that the O-ring groove in the bore is clean and undamaged.
  5. 5
    Prepare new sensor for installation
    Verify new sensor has O-ring seal installed in the correct groove. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean engine oil to ease installation and prevent damage. Do not use excessive oil or other lubricants. Optionally apply dielectric grease to connector terminals.
  6. 6
    Install new camshaft position sensor
    Align the sensor with the bore and push it straight in until it seats fully against the cylinder head mounting surface. Ensure the O-ring does not roll or pinch during installation. The sensor should sit flush with no gaps.
  7. 7
    Install and torque sensor mounting bolt
    Thread the mounting bolt by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolt to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage the sensor housing or strip threads in the aluminum head.
    Torque spec
    Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector straight onto the sensor until you hear and feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked in place.
  9. 9
    Reinstall engine cover
    Position the engine top cover over the engine and press down firmly on all mounting grommets until the cover clicks into place and sits flush.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and locked
  2. Verify engine cover is properly seated on all mounting points
  3. If battery was disconnected, reconnect negative terminal

Verification

  • Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without camshaft position sensor codes
  • Check for oil leaks around the sensor mounting location
  • Use a scan tool to verify camshaft position signal is present and reading correctly
  • Test drive vehicle to confirm normal operation and no check engine light illumination
  • Clear any stored trouble codes if they do not reset automatically

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