Parts for your 1998 Suzuki Jimny-Camshaft sensor

1998 Suzuki Jimny camshaft sensor — what it does, where it sits, and how to look after it

Referencing Suzuki’s technical material, the 1998 Jimny is fitted with a camshaft position sensor. The Suzuki Electronic Parts Catalogue for JB33/JB43 models (1998 launch) lists a “Sensor, Cam Position” for the G13BB engine (commonly cited as p/n 33220‑76G00), and the factory workshop manual (Engine/ECM section) includes diagnostics for DTCs P0340/P0341 relating to the camshaft position sensor and shows the expected signal pattern and test procedure. Those two sources confirm the part is relevant and used on the 1998 Suzuki Jimny.

On the 1998 Jimny, the camshaft sensor lets the ECU know exactly which stroke each cylinder is on. That cam “phase” info is paired with the crank sensor so the ECU can control fuel injection timing and spark properly, give quick starts, and monitor misfire more accurately. There’s no VVT to worry about on the G13BB, but a clean, strong cam signal still makes a big difference to smooth running and fuel economy.

It’s a low-maintenance item, but it does live up near the timing gear, so heat, vibration, and oil mist can take a toll over the years. If a Jimny starts cranking longer than usual, idles roughly, drops into limp mode, or flags a Check Engine Light with codes like P0340 or P0341, the cam sensor and its wiring are prime suspects.

• Typical symptoms: extended cranking, uneven idle, flat spots, poorer fuel use, and intermittent stalling when hot.
• Quick checks: inspect the 3‑pin connector for oil ingress or green corrosion, make sure the loom isn’t chafed near the timing cover, and confirm a solid 5 V reference and good ground if testing with a meter.

Replacement on a G13BB is straightforward for a competent DIYer. The sensor is mounted on the cylinder head/rocker cover area near the cam sprocket. Disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, remove the retaining bolt, and pull the sensor straight out. Fit a new O‑ring, seat the new sensor carefully, and tighten the bolt to light torque (about 8–10 N·m). Clip the harness so it can’t rub, reconnect the battery, clear fault codes, and take a short drive to confirm cam/crank sync is stable. There’s no coding or programming required, the ECU will pick up the new signal straight away.

Good practice during routine servicing: keep the plug clean and dry, fix any rocker cover or cam seal leaks that could soak the sensor, and eyeball the harness routing whenever the upper covers are off. Using a decent OEM‑quality sensor pays off, cheap copies can cause intermittent hot-faults that are maddening to trace.

Popular questions about 1998 Suzuki Jimny camshaft sensors

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 1998 Jimny?
It’s mounted on the cylinder head near the front timing area, reading off the cam. Look for a small, single-bolt Hall‑effect sensor with a three‑wire plug. On most G13BB Jimnys it’s accessible with the upper cover off and basic hand tools.

Will a 1998 Jimny run with a faulty camshaft sensor?
Sometimes it will start after a long crank using crank‑only fallback, but it may run poorly, set a Check Engine Light, and lose fuel economy. In some cases it won’t start at all. If the ECU is logging P0340/P0341 and wiring checks out, replace the sensor.

Does a new camshaft sensor need programming?
No. The Jimny’s ECU doesn’t require coding for a cam sensor. Install the new sensor, clear any stored codes, and road test. If issues persist, recheck wiring, grounds, and the crank sensor signal.