A Home Mechanic's Guide to the 2009-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Engine Camshaft Position Sensor
Solve stalling, rough idling, and starting problems by understanding your truck's camshaft position sensor.
- A failing sensor will cause a check engine light, hard starting, stalling, and poor performance.
- For maximum reliability, choose an OEM-equivalent brand like ACDelco or Delphi.
- Replacement is more difficult on the 6.6L Duramax engine than the 6.0L gas engine due to tighter access.
- Always check the sensor's wiring and connector for damage before replacing the part itself.
Signs of a Failing Camshaft Sensor
When the camshaft position sensor on your Silverado 3500 HD starts to fail, it can't send a clear signal to the engine's computer. This can cause a number of noticeable problems. The most common sign is the check engine light turning on. You may also find that your truck is hard to start, or it cranks but won't start at all. Other symptoms include a rough, shaky idle, sudden engine stalling, and a clear loss of power or hesitation when you accelerate. You might also notice your fuel economy getting worse.
🎬 Learn how to diagnose bad camshaft and crankshaft sensor symptoms.Don't Ignore the Symptoms
While you might be able to drive with a failing sensor, the engine could stall at any time, which can be dangerous. Continuing to drive may also cause damage to other components, like the catalytic converter, from unburned fuel entering the exhaust.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor
When shopping for a replacement, you'll find several brands available. They generally fall into a few quality tiers.
- Top Tier (OEM Equivalent): ACDelco and Delphi are your best bets for a quality, reliable part. ACDelco is GM's official parts brand, and using it is the closest you can get to the original factory part. Delphi was the original parts manufacturer for many GM components, so their sensors are often identical to ACDelco parts, just in a different box. Choosing one of these brands is highly recommended for a part this critical to engine function.
- Trusted Aftermarket Brands: Brands like Standard Ignition (SMP), Hitachi, NGK, and Walker Products have a long history of making reliable engine management parts. They offer a good balance of quality and price and are generally considered a safe choice if an OEM-tier part isn't available or is outside your budget.
- Value-Oriented Brands: Brands like Dorman and others focus on providing a cost-effective solution. While they can be a good value, quality can sometimes be inconsistent. For a sensor that is labor-intensive to replace on some engines, spending a little more for a top-tier brand can save you from doing the job twice.
Installation & Replacement Cost
Replacing the camshaft position sensor is a job a knowledgeable DIYer can handle. However, the location and difficulty vary between the gas and diesel engines.
For 6.0L V8 Gas Engines: The sensor is on the front of the engine, near the timing cover and often behind the water pump. Access requires removing the serpentine belt and the belt tensioner. A metal bracket held by 10mm bolts secures the sensor, and one bolt can be difficult to reach. Sometimes, the old sensor can become seized in the engine block from corrosion and may be difficult to remove.
For 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel Engines: The sensor is also on the front of the engine, but access is tighter. The job often requires removing the fan shroud, serpentine belt, and an idler pulley to create enough room to work. This makes the replacement more time-consuming than on the gas engine.
🎬 See how to replace the sensor on a Duramax diesel.| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Part | $27.24 - $110.70 |
| New OEM Part (ACDelco) | $80 - $110 |
| Shop Labor | $142 - $208 |
| Total Professional Replacement | $170 - $318 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the camshaft position sensor located?
On both the 6.0L gas and 6.6L Duramax diesel engines, the sensor is located on the front of the engine block, reading the camshaft's position from the timing assembly. On gas engines, it's typically on the driver's side behind the water pump area.
How many camshaft sensors does my Silverado 3500 HD have?
The V8 engines used in the 2009-2016 Silverado 3500 HD typically have a single camshaft position sensor. Do not confuse it with the crankshaft position sensor, which is a separate part located lower on the engine.
Can I replace this sensor myself?
Yes, this is a DIY-friendly job if you have the right tools and some mechanical experience. The main challenges are accessing the sensor, which may require removing other parts like the serpentine belt, and dealing with a sensor that might be stuck in the block. The job is generally more difficult on the Duramax engine due to tighter access.
Are there any recalls for this part?
There are no specific recalls from the NHTSA for the engine camshaft position sensor on the 2009-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD. However, it's always a good practice to check for any open recalls on your vehicle using your VIN.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 12672642 97365038 98079566
The sensor for the 2009-2016 Silverado 3500 HD is typically a 3-pin magnetic Hall-effect sensor. The specific part number differs between the 6.0L gas V8 and the 6.6L Duramax diesel V8, so it is crucial to order the correct sensor for your engine.
We Have This Part in Stock
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.
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD: