A Honda Civic Owner's Guide to the Engine Camshaft Position Sensor (2006-2016)
Solve your Civic's stalling, rough idle, or no-start problems by understanding this critical engine sensor.
- A bad camshaft sensor will cause a check engine light, stalling, rough running, or a no-start condition in your Civic.
- For best results and to avoid compatibility issues, choose an aftermarket brand that is an OEM supplier like Denso or Hitachi.
- This is an easy and inexpensive DIY replacement, typically held in by a single 10mm bolt on the back of the cylinder head.
- Driving with a failing sensor is not recommended as the car could stall in traffic or leave you stranded.
Understanding a Camshaft Sensor Failure in Your Civic
When the camshaft position sensor in your 2006-2016 Civic starts to fail, it can't send the correct information to your engine's computer. This can cause a range of problems, from annoying to leaving you stranded. The most common sign is the check engine light turning on. You might also notice your engine cranks for a long time before it starts, or it might not start at all. Other serious symptoms include the engine stalling unexpectedly while driving, running rough, poor acceleration, and a noticeable drop in fuel economy.
Don't Ignore the Signs
A failing camshaft position sensor can be more than just an inconvenience. Sudden stalling can be dangerous, especially in traffic. While the car may still run for a while with a bad sensor, it's not recommended to drive it, as it could fail to restart or stall at a critical moment.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor for Your Civic
When it comes to electronic sensors for a Honda, quality matters. While OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts from a dealer are always an option, many aftermarket brands provide excellent quality, often for a much lower price. Forum discussions among Honda owners often highlight that the car's computer can be sensitive to the signals from cheap, low-quality sensors, sometimes causing more problems than they solve. For best results, it's wise to stick with brands known for being OEM suppliers or having a strong reputation.
Brand Quality Tiers for Honda Civic
- Top Tier (OEM Supplier Quality): Brands like Denso, Hitachi, and NGK/NTK are often the original manufacturers for Honda's own parts. Choosing one of these is the closest you can get to an OEM part without the dealership price tag and is highly recommended by experienced owners and mechanics.
- Reputable Aftermarket: Brands such as Delphi, Standard Ignition (SMP), and Walker Products have a long history of making reliable engine management parts. They are a solid choice and generally perform well in Honda applications.
- Economy/Value Brands: Brands like Dorman and others offer the most budget-friendly options. While they can be a good value, be aware that the quality can sometimes be inconsistent for sensitive electronics like a camshaft sensor. They might work perfectly, but there is a higher risk of premature failure compared to top-tier brands.
Pro Tip: Check Your Engine Code
Before buying a new sensor, get your check engine light code scanned. An auto parts store can often do this for free. Codes like P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction) or P0341 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance) point directly to this sensor or its circuit. This helps confirm you're replacing the right part.
Cost of Replacing a Camshaft Position Sensor
The cost can vary depending on the brand you choose and whether you do the work yourself. The replacement is a simple, one-bolt job for most DIYers.
| Part or Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Sensor | $150 - $250 |
| New Aftermarket Sensor | $22 - $145 |
| Shop Labor | $50 - $100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the camshaft position sensor located on my Civic?
On the 2006-2016 Honda Civic with the common 1.8L (R18) engine, the sensor is on the back of the cylinder head, on the driver's side of the engine. It's held in by a single 10mm bolt. On Si models with the K-series engine, there are two sensors, one for the intake and one for the exhaust camshaft, also located on the head.
Is this a difficult part to replace myself?
No, this is considered an easy DIY repair. It typically takes less than 30 minutes and only requires basic hand tools, primarily a 10mm socket or wrench. You simply disconnect the electrical connector, remove one bolt, and swap the old sensor for the new one. Applying a little clean engine oil to the new sensor's O-ring can make installation easier.
Do I need to replace the crankshaft sensor at the same time?
No, not necessarily. The camshaft and crankshaft position sensors work together but are separate parts. You only need to replace the one that has failed and is causing the trouble code. Replacing parts that are not broken is not required.
What happens if I ignore a bad camshaft sensor?
Ignoring it can lead to your car becoming unreliable. You will likely experience worsening fuel economy, poor engine performance, and the risk of the engine stalling while you are driving. Eventually, it can lead to a no-start condition, leaving you stranded.
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Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 37510-RNA-A01 37510-PNB-003 37840-RJH-006
Typically a 3-pin Hall Effect sensor. Location is on the cylinder head. Most Civic models (non-Si) use one sensor, while Si models use two (intake and exhaust).
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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.
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