You can easily and quickly test the camshaft position (CMP) sensor on your 1.5L Toyota Tercel with a multimeter.
In this tutorial, I'll explain how to do test it with a resistance test and a voltage output test. With your test results you'll quickly determine if the camshaft position (CMP) sensor is good or bad.
Contents of this tutorial:
This tutorial applies to the following vehicles:
- 1.5L Toyota Tercel: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998.
WIRING DIAGRAMS:
- Igniter Wiring Diagram 1995-1996 1.5L Toyota Tercel.
- Ignition System Wiring Diagram (1997-1998 1.5L Toyota Tercel).
You can find the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor test here:
Symptoms Of A Bad CMP Sensor
The CMP sensor will usually fail in one of two ways. It'll suffer a complete failure or an intermittent failure.
Usually, when the camshaft position sensor fails, your Toyota Tercel's fuel injection computer will set a CMP diagnostic trouble code:
- P0340: Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Circuit.
If your Toyota Tercel is experiencing an intermittent no-start problem, you'll need to test the CMP sensor when the engine is not starting. Otherwise, the CMP sensor will always test good.
Where To Buy A CMP Sensor And Save
The camshaft position (CMP) sensor can be an expensive component. Still, it's important that you avoid buying a knock-off sensor. Here is my recommendation of a known automotive brand (Beck Arnley):
TEST 1: Checking CMP Sensor Resistance With A Multimeter
The CMP sensor is a two-wire sensor, which means it's a magnetic pulse generator type of sensor. As such, it can be tested in one of two ways:
- A multimeter resistance test.
- A multimeter output test (with the multimeter in Volts AC mode).
In this test section, we'll test the internal resistance of the CMP sensor (to see if it is or is not within specification).
The CMP sensor's resistance specification is:
- 0.985K to 1.6K Ohms (with a cold engine).
- 1.265K to 1.89K Ohms (with a hot engine).
Let's get started:
- 1
Disconnect the CMP sensor from its electrical connector.
LOCATION: The CMP sensor is located on the side of the cylinder head facing the transaxle (below the valve cover and above the coolant thermostat outlet). - 2
Place your multimeter in Ohms mode.
- 3
With your multimeter test leads, probe the male spade terminals of the CMP sensor's connector.
IMPORTANT: You're probing the male spade terminals of the CMP sensor itself and not the female terminals of the engine wiring harness connector. - 4
You should see a resistance of:.
1.) 0.985K to 1.6K Ohms (with a cold engine).
2.)1.265K to 1.890K Ohms (with a hot engine).
Let's analyze your test result:
CASE 1: The CMP sensor's resistance is within specification. This test result confirms that the CMP sensor is functioning correctly.
Although not necessary, you can further confirm the CMP sensor is good by performing TEST 2. Go to: TEST 2: Testing The CMP Sensor's Output With A Multimeter.
CASE 2: The CMP sensor's resistance IS NOT within specification. This test result confirms that the camshaft position sensor is bad and needs replacement.
Although not necessary, you can further confirm the CMP sensor is bad by performing TEST 2. Go to: TEST 2: Testing The CMP Sensor's Output With A Multimeter.
