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2021 TOYOTA RAV4

2.5L I4AWDCVTgas
1 active safety recall on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs415Labor595Torque3730Fluid9DTC940Battery1Maintenance0Recalls1
engine

Camshaft Position Sensor

for 2021 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.1 h
Tools
6
Steps
12

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the camshaft position sensor on the 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 gasoline engine.

Warnings

Ensure engine is completely cool before beginning work to avoid burns
Do not force the sensor during removal as the mounting boss can crack
ℹ️Dropping fasteners into the engine valley can require significant disassembly to retrieve

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Extension setEssential
Torque wrench (5-30 Nm range)Essential
Flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool
Shop towelsEssential
OBD-II scanner

Parts

  • Camshaft position sensor × 1 — 90919-05060 or equivalent
  • O-ring seal × 1 — Included with sensor or use OEM specification

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
  2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
  3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes before proceeding
  4. If codes are present, document them with a scanner before clearing

Procedure

  1. 1
    Access engine compartment
    Open hood and secure with prop rod. Remove engine cover by lifting upward from the front edge, then pulling forward to disengage rear clips. Set aside.
  2. 2
    Locate camshaft position sensor
    The camshaft position sensor is located on the passenger side (right side) of the cylinder head, near the timing chain cover. It is a cylindrical sensor with a single electrical connector on top.
  3. 3
    Disconnect electrical connector
    Press down on the locking tab of the electrical connector and pull the connector straight away from the sensor. Do not pull on the wiring harness. Move the connector aside to provide working clearance.
  4. 4
    Remove sensor mounting bolt
    Using a 10mm socket with extension, remove the single bolt securing the camshaft position sensor to the cylinder head. Keep track of the bolt as the engine valley below can capture dropped fasteners.
  5. 5
    Extract sensor from cylinder head
    Carefully twist the sensor gently while pulling outward to break the o-ring seal. Pull the sensor straight out of the cylinder head bore. If resistance is encountered, do not force it—gently rotate while applying steady outward pressure.
  6. 6
    Clean mounting surface
    Wipe the sensor bore in the cylinder head with a clean shop towel to remove any oil residue or debris. Inspect the bore for damage or foreign material. Do not allow debris to fall into the cylinder head opening.
  7. 7
    Prepare new sensor
    Remove the new camshaft position sensor from packaging. Verify the 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.
  8. 8
    Install new sensor
    Align the sensor with the bore and insert straight into the cylinder head. Press firmly until the sensor is fully seated and the mounting flange contacts the head surface. The sensor should slide in smoothly without excessive force.
  9. 9
    Install and torque mounting bolt
    Thread the mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper alignment, then tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can crack the sensor housing or damage threads in the aluminum cylinder head.
    Torque spec
    Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the sensor until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely latched.
  11. 11
    Reinstall engine cover
    Position the engine cover by engaging the rear clips first, then pressing down firmly on the front tabs until all clips engage with audible clicks.
  12. 12
    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. If an OBD-II scanner was used to document codes, clear any camshaft position sensor related codes (P0340, P0341, P0342, P0343, P0344, P0345, P0346, P0347, P0348, P0349).

Reassembly

  1. Ensure electrical connector is fully latched and secure
  2. Verify engine cover is properly seated on all mounting points
  3. Double-check that no tools or materials were left in engine compartment

Verification

  • Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without rough idle or hesitation
  • Check that the check engine light does not illuminate after 30 seconds of running
  • If a scanner is available, verify no camshaft position sensor codes are present in live data
  • Confirm camshaft position sensor signal is reading properly in scanner live data (if equipped)
  • Test drive vehicle to ensure normal acceleration and no performance issues

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