How to Identify Camshaft Position Sensor Failure in Your Volvo

There are many different sensors and components in your Volvo. All of them need to work properly in order to function as the manufacturer intended. If even one sensor is off, then your vehicle is not going to perform as designed and as you expect.

A sensor that you need to watch out for is the camshaft position sensor. This one is in charge of communicating when the spark needs to ignite the fuel in your vehicle in order to turn the car on. When it is working, you can cruise down the road with ease. When it is not functioning properly, you need to visit a certified mechanic right away before you get stranded on the side of the road in an unsafe condition.

What does the camshaft position sensor do?

This sensor is a small electronic device that is set up to monitor the camshaft position and speed. It feeds that data into the ECM of the vehicle. The ECM processes this data to figure out the exact amount of fuel that can enter the combustion chamber and the ignition timing to ignite the fuel.

When the fuel mixture and air are ignited at the right time, the engine power as well as the fuel economy will increase, and the tailpipe emissions will decrease. In most modern vehicles, like the Volvo, this sensor is going to help determine which cylinder is in the power stroke by comparing the crankshaft position. This ensures that fuel and spark are delivered to start the engine when you are ready.

If the crankshaft position sensor is not working, then it is hard to get the vehicle starting at all. Sometimes this sensor will give you a warning before it completely dies, though it may go quickly and leave you stranded. As soon as you notice that the camshaft sensor fails in the Volvo, it is time to take it to a qualified mechanic.

Recognizable Signs that the Camshaft Position Sensor is Failing

There are a few signs that you should look for to notice if the camshaft position sensor is failing:

• The check engine light comes on: This is the first sign that you will see. It is important to have your Volvo inspected and diagnosed as soon as you notice check engine warning light on your dashboard.
• Poor drivability: When this sensor starts to fail, it will lose its ability to move data quickly. Even a small delay can cause your vehicle to sputter, have trouble accelerating, lack power, stall, and turn off.
• Transmission struggles to shift: Even the transmission will struggle when it comes to the camshaft position sensor malfunctioning.
• Bad fuel economy: It is possible that you will start to experience bad fuel economy when this sensor is not working. If it is not transmitting data properly, it may force too much fuel into the combustion chamber. This can lower the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.

Cerrone’s European Will Help

If you ignore all of the symptoms that are above and the sensor does end up failing, then ultimately the vehicle will not start. As the sensor weakens, so will the data that is sent over to the ECM. The data signal will become so weak that the ECM will assume nothing is coming in and may turn off the spark and fuel delivery. This results in your Volvo not starting at all.

Not only is this frustrating when you need to go somewhere, but if it happens while you are driving, it can turn into a dangerous situation. It is safer and easier to have your Volvo inspected as soon as you notice the symptoms of a faulty sensor.

At Cerrone’s European in Redwood City, CA, we are eager to help with all of your Volvo repair needs right away. We understand that your vehicle is important to you and you need it up and running as quickly as possible.

Our professional mechanics can help you fix this sensor failure quickly, giving you the best service possible. If you suspect the sensor is failing or you have another problem with your Volvo, call us today to set up your appointment so we can take care of the problem quickly. Soon, you will be back on the road safely with confidence.