Replace the camshaft position sensor on the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine to restore proper engine timing signal and resolve check engine light codes P0340, P0341, or P0345.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Camshaft position sensor (intake or exhaust) × 1 — 90919-05060 (Intake) or 90919-05061 (Exhaust)
• O-ring seal for sensor × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Allow engine to cool completely for at least 30 minutes
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for system discharge
6. Note or photograph sensor location and wire routing before removal
7. Clean area around sensor to prevent debris from entering engine

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the camshaft position sensor
   Identify the correct camshaft position sensor based on diagnostic trouble code. The intake sensor is located on the driver side (left) of the cylinder head near timing chain cover. The exhaust sensor is on the passenger side (right) of the cylinder head. Both sensors are mounted vertically into the cylinder head with a single 10mm bolt.
2. 2

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the sensor harness approximately 6-8 inches from the sensor body. Press down firmly on the connector release tab while pulling the connector straight off the sensor. If connector is tight, use a small flathead screwdriver to assist with tab release. Do not pull on wires directly.
   ⚠Connector tabs are fragile. Apply steady pressure to release tab rather than prying or forcing the connector off.
3. 3

   Remove sensor mounting bolt
   Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the single mounting bolt securing the camshaft position sensor to the cylinder head. The bolt is approximately 40mm long. Place bolt in parts container to prevent loss. Note that some oil seepage around the sensor area is normal on higher mileage vehicles.
   ℹ️Bolt may have thread locker compound applied from factory. Steady pressure will break it free.
4. 4

   Extract the sensor from cylinder head
   Grasp the sensor body firmly and pull straight out from the cylinder head bore. The sensor may require gentle rocking motion to break seal with O-ring. Do not twist or bend sensor excessively. Once removed, inspect the sensor tip for metal debris, excessive oil contamination, or physical damage to the pickup.
   ⚠Small amount of engine oil may drain from sensor bore. Have shop towel ready to catch oil and prevent spillage onto engine components.
5. 5

   Clean the sensor mounting bore
   Wipe the cylinder head bore clean using shop towels. Remove any old O-ring material, oil deposits, or debris from the bore and mounting surface. Ensure mating surface around bore is clean and free of dirt. Do not allow any debris to fall into the bore opening.
   ⚠Do not spray cleaner directly into sensor bore as it may contaminate engine oil. Use dampened towel only.
6. 6

   Prepare new sensor for installation
   Remove new camshaft position sensor from packaging and verify it matches the old sensor in size and connector configuration. Check that new O-ring is properly seated in the sensor groove. Apply light coating of clean engine oil to the O-ring to aid installation and prevent seal damage during insertion.
7. 7

   Install new camshaft position sensor
   Align the sensor with the cylinder head bore, ensuring correct orientation. The sensor will only fit one way due to its keyed design. Push sensor straight into bore by hand until it seats flush against the cylinder head mounting surface. The sensor should slide in smoothly with only light pressure required.
   ⚠Do not force sensor into bore. If resistance is encountered, remove sensor and check for debris or damaged O-ring.
8. 8

   Install and torque mounting bolt
   Insert the 10mm mounting bolt through the sensor mounting tab and thread it into the cylinder head by hand to prevent cross-threading. Once bolt is finger-tight, use torque wrench to tighten bolt to specification. Verify sensor remains fully seated during torquing process.
   Torque spec

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

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Route sensor wire harness to match original configuration. Align electrical connector with sensor terminals and push straight on until connector locks with an audible click. Gently tug on connector to verify it is fully latched and secure. Ensure wire routing does not contact hot exhaust components or moving parts.
10. 10

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect negative battery terminal. Start engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes. The check engine light should illuminate briefly during startup then extinguish. Use OBD-II scanner to clear any stored diagnostic trouble codes and verify no new codes are present.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Confirm sensor mounting bolt is torqued to specification
3. Ensure wire harness routing matches original configuration and has no contact with hot or moving components
4. Double-check that no tools or parts were left in engine compartment

Verification

• Start engine and verify it runs smoothly without rough idle or misfires
• Check engine light should remain off after initial bulb check
• Use OBD-II scanner to verify camshaft position sensor signal is present and no codes P0340, P0341, or P0345 return
• Rev engine to 2500 RPM briefly and verify smooth operation with no hesitation
• Inspect sensor area for any oil leaks after 5 minutes of runtime
• Take vehicle for short test drive to confirm normal operation and verify no check engine light illumination

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