Nissan Pathfinder Camshaft Position Sensor Guide for 2005-2019 Models
If your Pathfinder is stalling, starting hard, or has a check engine light, a bad camshaft sensor is a likely cause.
- Stalling and hard-starting are classic signs of a failing camshaft sensor in a Pathfinder.
- Strongly prefer OEM (Nissan) or Hitachi brand sensors; cheaper aftermarket options are known to fail quickly.
- Your Pathfinder has at least two sensors (Bank 1 and Bank 2) that are often not identical; verify the correct part for the failed bank.
- On 2013-2019 models, replacing the rear sensors is a much larger job that requires removing the intake manifold.
Is Your Pathfinder Stalling or Running Rough?
A failing camshaft position sensor is a very common problem for the Nissan Pathfinder, affecting both the 2005-2012 (R51) and 2013-2019 (R52) generations. When this small sensor starts to go bad, it sends wrong information, or no information at all, to the engine's computer. This leads to a variety of frustrating and potentially unsafe driving issues, from poor acceleration to the engine shutting off in traffic.
Symptoms of a Failing Camshaft Position Sensor
A bad sensor will almost always trigger the Check Engine Light. If you use a code scanner, you will likely see code P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction Bank 1) or P0345 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction Bank 2). Bank 1 is the passenger side of the engine, and Bank 2 is the driver's side. Other common symptoms include:
- Engine Stalling: The engine may suddenly shut off, especially when you are slowing down or stopped. This is a serious safety risk.
- Hard Starting: Your Pathfinder may crank for a long time before it starts, or it might not start at all.
- Rough Idle: The engine may vibrate or run unevenly when the vehicle is not moving.
- Poor Acceleration: The vehicle may feel sluggish and lack power when you press the gas pedal.
Generation Differences: What You Need to Know
The location and number of sensors vary by your Pathfinder's generation.
- 2005-2012 (R51 Models): These Pathfinders with the 4.0L V6 engine have two camshaft sensors. Both are located on the back of the engine, near the firewall. They can be difficult to reach. The two sensors are different parts; one has a straight connector and the other is angled.
- 2013-2019 (R52 Models): Pathfinders with the 3.5L V6 may have up to four camshaft sensors (an intake and exhaust sensor for each bank). Two are on the front of the engine and are easy to replace. However, the two rear sensors are located under the intake manifold, which must be removed to access them, making the job much more difficult and time-consuming.
OEM vs. Aftermarket: A Word of Caution
For this specific part on Nissan engines, it is strongly recommended to use either a genuine Nissan sensor or one from the original manufacturer, Hitachi. Forum posts and mechanic feedback frequently report that cheap, no-name aftermarket sensors can be dead-on-arrival or fail within a few weeks, causing the original problems to return. While brands like Denso or Standard Motor Products are reputable, Hitachi is known to be the actual OEM supplier and offers the best reliability outside of a Nissan-branded box.
Cost to Replace a Nissan Pathfinder Camshaft Position Sensor
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Sensor (Each) | $80 - $135 |
| New Aftermarket Sensor (Each) | $27 - $75+ |
| Shop Labor (Per Sensor, Front) | $95 - $140 |
| Shop Labor (Per Sensor, Rear) | $190 - $280+ |
| Total Professional Replacement (One Sensor) | $120 - $460+ |
Note: Costs are estimates. Labor for rear sensors on 2013-2019 models is significantly higher due to the need to remove the intake manifold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I replace both camshaft sensors at the same time?
Yes, this is highly recommended. The sensors are the same age and operate under the same conditions. If one has failed, the other is likely to fail soon. Replacing them together saves you from having to do the job a second time.
Is a Hitachi sensor the same as a Nissan OEM sensor?
Hitachi is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for Nissan's camshaft sensors. This means a Hitachi-branded part is often identical to the one you would get from a Nissan dealer, but usually at a lower price. It is considered the best aftermarket option.
How do I know if I need the straight or angled sensor?
For 2005-2012 models, the Bank 1 (passenger side) sensor is typically straight, and the Bank 2 (driver side) sensor is angled. However, it is always best to visually inspect the failed sensor before ordering a replacement to ensure you get the correct part.
Were there any recalls for the Pathfinder camshaft sensor?
No, there have been no specific recalls issued by the NHTSA for the camshaft position sensor on the 2005-2019 Nissan Pathfinder. The failures are treated as a standard repair issue.
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Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 23731-6J90B 23731-AL61A 23731-JA11B 23731-EN21A 23731-3JT7A
V6 engines in this year range use at least two sensors, one for Bank 1 (passenger side) and one for Bank 2 (driver side). For 2005-2012 models, these are typically a straight connector (Bank 1) and an angled connector (Bank 2). 2013-2019 models may use up to four sensors for intake and exhaust camshafts.
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Nissan Pathfinder: