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2021 TOYOTA CAMRY

2.5L I4FWDAUTOMATICgas
1 active safety recall on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs435Labor595Torque4685Fluid6DTC940Battery1Maintenance0Recalls1
engine

Crankshaft Position Sensor

for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
8
Steps
10

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the crankshaft position sensor on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work to avoid burns from hot components.
ℹ️Disconnecting the battery may reset radio presets, clock, and learned engine parameters.
Do not drop or impact the crankshaft position sensor as this can damage the internal components and cause improper operation.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Extension setEssential
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential
Flashlight or work lightEssential
Shop towels
Flat blade screwdriver or trim tool
Penetrating oil
OBD-II scanner

Parts

  • Crankshaft position sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification or Toyota part 90919-05060
  • O-ring seal for sensor × 1 — Often included with sensor

Preparation

  1. Ensure engine is completely cold before starting work
  2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
  4. Locate the crankshaft position sensor on the lower front of the engine block, near the crankshaft pulley area, passenger side
  5. If necessary, remove plastic engine under cover for better access using 10mm socket

Procedure

  1. 1
    Access the crankshaft position sensor
    From underneath the vehicle or through the wheel well, locate the crankshaft position sensor mounted on the engine block near the crankshaft pulley. The sensor is positioned on the passenger side lower front of the engine. You may need to turn the steering wheel full left and remove the passenger side front wheel and inner fender liner for easier access.
  2. 2
    Disconnect the electrical connector
    Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and carefully pull the connector straight off the crankshaft position sensor. Do not pull on the wires themselves. If the connector is difficult to remove, gently wiggle it while pulling to break the seal.
  3. 3
    Remove the sensor mounting bolt
    Using a 10mm socket with extension, remove the single bolt securing the crankshaft position sensor to the engine block. If the bolt is tight or corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak for several minutes before attempting removal. Keep the bolt for reinstallation if in good condition.
    Torque spec
    Crankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
  4. 4
    Extract the sensor
    Carefully pull the crankshaft position sensor straight out from its mounting bore in the engine block. There may be an O-ring seal on the sensor body. If the sensor is stuck, gently twist it back and forth while pulling to break the seal. Do not pry on the sensor body as this may damage it.
  5. 5
    Inspect the mounting bore
    Examine the sensor mounting bore in the engine block for debris, metal shavings, or damage. Clean the bore with a shop towel. Check the old sensor for oil leakage or damage to the O-ring. Remove and discard the old O-ring from the sensor bore if it remained in the engine.
  6. 6
    Prepare the new sensor
    Inspect the new crankshaft position sensor for any shipping damage. Verify that a new O-ring is installed on the sensor body. Lightly coat the O-ring with clean engine oil to aid installation and prevent tearing. Do not use excessive lubricant.
  7. 7
    Install the new sensor
    Carefully insert the new crankshaft position sensor into the mounting bore in the engine block, ensuring the O-ring does not roll or get pinched. Push the sensor fully into the bore until it seats completely. The sensor should slide in smoothly without excessive force.
  8. 8
    Install and torque the mounting bolt
    Thread the mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten the crankshaft position sensor bolt to 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft). Do not overtighten as this can damage the sensor body or crack the mounting boss on the engine block.
    Torque spec
    Crankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly onto the crankshaft position sensor until you hear and feel it click into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged. Gently tug on the connector to confirm it is securely locked.
  10. 10
    Reinstall access components
    If removed, reinstall the inner fender liner, wheel, and plastic engine under cover. Tighten all fasteners securely. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
  2. Double-check that the sensor mounting bolt is properly torqued to specification
  3. Verify no tools or parts were left in the engine compartment
  4. Reinstall any access panels, wheel, or fender liners that were removed

Verification

  • Turn the ignition to ON position (without starting) and verify that the check engine light behaves normally (illuminates then turns off)
  • Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without hesitation or stalling
  • Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any stored crankshaft position sensor codes (P0335, P0336, P0337, P0338, P0339)
  • If codes are present, clear them and verify they do not return
  • Take the vehicle for a short test drive to confirm normal operation under various driving conditions
  • Check the sensor area for any signs of oil leakage from the O-ring seal

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