Guide to the Engine Camshaft Position Sensor for 2016-2020 Nissan Frontier
Fix stalling, poor acceleration, and hard starts by understanding the camshaft position sensor in your truck.
- Symptoms include stalling, hard starts (especially when hot), rough idle, and a Check Engine Light with codes P0340 or P0345.
- For aftermarket parts, stick with reputable brands like NGK/NTK or Standard Motor Products; owners strongly advise against cheap, unbranded sensors.
- The 4.0L V6 has two sensors; the passenger side (Bank 1) is much harder to access than the driver's side.
- Consider replacing both cam sensors and the crank sensor at the same time to prevent future failures.
Is Your Frontier Stalling or Running Rough? It Could Be the Camshaft Sensor.
If your 2016-2020 Nissan Frontier is experiencing issues like stalling, a rough idle, poor acceleration, or it's hard to start (especially when the engine is hot 🎬 Watch this guide on fixing a Frontier that's hard to start.), a failing camshaft position sensor is a likely culprit. This small electronic part plays a big role, and when it starts to fail, it can cause a range of frustrating and potentially dangerous problems. This article will help you understand the symptoms, choose the right aftermarket replacement, and know what to expect for the repair.
Quick Facts: Camshaft Position Sensor
- Common Engines: 4.0L V6 (VQ40DE), 2.5L 4-Cylinder (QR25DE)
- How Many?: The 4.0L V6 engine has two camshaft position sensors. The 2.5L 4-cylinder has one. It is also common to replace the crankshaft position sensor at the same time.
- Location: Located on the back of the cylinder heads (V6) or on the passenger side of the engine for the 4-cylinder. Access can be tight, especially for the passenger-side sensor on the V6.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor
When replacing this sensor, you have a choice between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket parts. While OEM is always a safe bet, high-quality aftermarket parts can offer excellent performance and value. Forum discussions among Frontier owners strongly recommend sticking to well-known, reputable brands, as cheap, no-name sensors are known to fail quickly.
- Premium Aftermarket (e.g., NGK/NTK, Standard Motor Products): These brands have a strong reputation for producing parts that meet or exceed original specifications. NGK (also sold as NTK) and Standard Motor Products (SMP) are often considered reliable choices by mechanics and DIYers. They use robust materials and extensive testing to ensure durability and accurate signal output.
- Quality Aftermarket (e.g., Walker Products): Walker is another established brand that produces a wide range of sensors. They focus on providing OE-quality fit and function and are generally considered a solid, reliable option.
- Budget Brands: While brands like Motorad and True Tech offer a lower price point, there is less verifiable, long-term review information available for them on Frontier-specific forums. The consensus among owners is to be cautious with very low-priced sensors, as early failure can leave you stranded and require doing the job a second time.
Pro Tip: Many experienced Frontier owners recommend replacing both camshaft sensors and the crankshaft position sensor at the same time, especially on higher-mileage vehicles. Since they are the same age and one failure can indicate others may follow, this preventative step can save you from future breakdowns.
Estimated Replacement Costs
The cost can vary depending on the brand you choose and whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional.
| Part / Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Sensor | $28.82 - $73.52 |
| New OEM Sensor (Nissan) | $80 - $120+ per sensor |
| Shop Labor | $100 - $200 |
Known Issues & Recalls
There are no active recalls for the camshaft position sensor on the 2016-2020 Nissan Frontier. However, older Nissan models had recalls related to crankshaft sensors overheating, highlighting the importance of sensor quality in these engines. Some owners report that after replacing a sensor, the check engine light remains on or the engine still stalls. This can sometimes be due to using a low-quality sensor or an issue with the related crankshaft sensor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many camshaft sensors does my Frontier have?
If you have the 4.0L V6 engine, your truck has two camshaft position sensors, one for each cylinder bank (Bank 1 is passenger side, Bank 2 is driver side). The 2.5L 4-cylinder engine has a single camshaft position sensor.
Can I replace just the one that failed?
Yes, you can replace only the failed sensor. However, since the sensors are the same age and have been exposed to the same conditions, it's common for the other one to fail soon after. Many mechanics and owners recommend replacing them in pairs (on the V6) to save on future labor and potential breakdowns.
Is this a difficult repair to do myself?
For a DIYer with basic tools, this is a manageable job. The driver's side (Bank 2) sensor is generally easy to access. 🎬 See how to replace the driver's side sensor on a V6. The passenger side (Bank 1) sensor is much more difficult due to tight space. 🎬 Follow this walkthrough for the difficult passenger side sensor replacement. The repair involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging the electrical connector, and removing a single 10mm bolt. Applying a little fresh engine oil to the new sensor's O-ring will help it slide into place easily.
What happens if I don't replace a bad camshaft sensor?
Ignoring a failing camshaft sensor can lead to more severe problems. Your truck may become very difficult to start, stall while driving (which is very dangerous), suffer from significantly reduced power, and get poor gas mileage. Eventually, a complete sensor failure can prevent the engine from starting at all, leaving you stranded.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 23731-AL61A 23731-6J90B 23731-AL616 23731-6J906 23731-EN21A
The sensor is a Hall Effect type, held in place by a single 10mm bolt. It uses an O-ring to seal against the engine. The electrical connector is a push-to-release style, which can sometimes be tricky to disconnect in tight spaces.
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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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