engine

Camshaft Position Sensor

for 2022 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD

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

Difficulty

Easy

Time

1.0 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 covers the removal and replacement of the camshaft position sensor on the 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 AWD engine.

Warnings

⚠Ensure engine is completely cool before beginning work to prevent burns from hot components.

ℹ️The camshaft position sensor is located on the rear of the cylinder head near the firewall, access may be restricted.

⚠Do not force the sensor during removal as the sensor housing can break, leaving part of it lodged in the cylinder head.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

Torque wrench (5-25 Nm range)Essential

Flat blade screwdriver

Pick tool or small pry tool

Cleaning clothEssential

Battery terminal wrenchEssential

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Parts

Camshaft Position Sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification
Camshaft Position Sensor O-ring × 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 ground and engage parking brake
Allow engine to cool completely for at least 2 hours
Open hood and secure with prop rod
Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes to allow capacitors to discharge
Locate camshaft position sensor on the rear of the cylinder head, intake side, facing the firewall

Procedure

1
Access the camshaft position sensor
Remove any engine covers or plastic panels that may obstruct access to the rear of the cylinder head. On some models, the air intake duct may need to be loosened or repositioned for better access. The sensor is typically located on the upper rear section of the cylinder head near the intake camshaft.
2
Disconnect electrical connector
Locate the electrical connector on the camshaft position sensor. Press the release tab on the connector and carefully pull it straight off the sensor. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself. If the connector is difficult to remove, gently wiggle it side-to-side while pulling.
3
Remove sensor mounting bolt
Using a 10mm socket, remove the single mounting bolt securing the camshaft position sensor to the cylinder head. Keep this bolt as it will be reused unless damaged.
Torque spec
Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4
Remove camshaft position sensor
Carefully grasp the sensor body and pull it straight out from the cylinder head. Use a slight twisting motion if needed, but do not use excessive force. If the sensor is stuck, use a small amount of penetrating oil around the base and wait 10 minutes before attempting removal again. Avoid prying against the sensor body as it can crack.
5
Inspect sensor bore and O-ring
Examine the sensor bore in the cylinder head for any debris, oil residue, or damage. Check the old sensor O-ring for damage or deterioration. If the O-ring remained in the cylinder head bore, carefully remove it using a pick tool. Clean the bore thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
6
Prepare new sensor
Inspect the new camshaft position sensor to ensure it matches the old unit. Verify the new O-ring is properly seated in the groove on the sensor body. Lightly coat the O-ring with clean engine oil to aid installation and prevent damage during insertion.
7
Install new sensor
Carefully insert the new camshaft position sensor into the cylinder head bore, ensuring proper alignment. Push the sensor in until it is fully seated against the cylinder head mounting surface. The sensor should slide in smoothly without excessive force.
8
Install and torque mounting bolt
Insert the mounting bolt and hand-tighten it first to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten the camshaft position sensor mounting bolt to specification. Do not over-tighten as this can damage the sensor housing or strip the aluminum threads in the cylinder head.
Torque spec
Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9
Reconnect electrical connector
Push the electrical connector firmly onto the new camshaft position sensor until you hear or feel a distinct click, indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely attached.
10
Reinstall access components
Reinstall any engine covers, air intake ducts, or panels that were removed for access. Ensure all clips and fasteners are properly secured.
11
Reconnect battery and clear codes
Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten securely. If a check engine light was present, use an OBD-II scanner to clear diagnostic trouble codes. The codes should clear and not return if the sensor was the issue.

Reassembly

Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly locked
Verify no tools or parts were left in the engine bay
Double-check that the sensor mounting bolt is torqued to specification

Verification

Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without misfires or rough idle
Check that the check engine light does not illuminate after starting
Use an OBD-II scanner to verify no camshaft position sensor codes are present
Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify smooth operation throughout the RPM range
Test drive vehicle to confirm normal acceleration and no driveability issues