Parts for your 2001 Daihatsu Yrv-Camshaft sensor

2001 Daihatsu YRV camshaft sensor — what it does and how to look after it

Based on the Daihatsu YRV Workshop Manual for the K3-VE/K3-VET engines (Engine Control System section) and common service data from Autodata and HaynesPro, the 2001 Daihatsu YRV is fitted with a camshaft position sensor (CMP). These engines use sequential fuel injection and variable valve timing (DVVT on intake), both of which require a cam phase signal. So yes, the camshaft sensor is absolutely relevant on the 2001 YRV.

The camshaft sensor tells the ECU exactly where the intake cam is in relation to the crankshaft. That phase information lets the ECU sync sequential fuel injection, fire the coils at the right time, and command DVVT correctly for smooth torque and good fuel economy. It also helps with clean cold starts and reduces emissions. The CMP works in tandem with the crankshaft sensor, if either goes out of whack, the ECU can’t line things up properly.

On the YRV’s K3 engine, the CMP is mounted on the cylinder head near the timing drive. It’s a solid-state sensor (Denso type) that reads a trigger on the cam. They’re tough, but age, heat, oil contamination, or wiring brittleness can cause intermittent faults.

Common tell-tales include:

• Longer crank before it fires, or occasional no-start when hot
• Rough idle, flat spots, or sluggish performance
• Poor fuel economy
• Check Engine Light with codes like P0340/P0341

Servicing-wise, the camshaft sensor isn’t a scheduled replacement part, but it’s smart to check the connector and harness at major services. Under the bonnet, look for hardened wiring, loose retaining clips, and any oil wicking into the plug. Keeping engine oil changes on time helps prevent varnish and leaks that can contaminate the sensor area.

Testing is best done with a scan tool (watching live cam/crank sync) and, if needed, an oscilloscope to compare waveforms. Before condemning the sensor, rule out a damaged trigger wheel, poor earths, or a stretched timing chain.

Replacement is straightforward with basic hand tools: disconnect the battery, unplug, remove the retaining bolt, swap the sensor and O-ring, refit, and clear codes. No coding is normally required, the ECU relearns on the next drive. Use a quality OE-equivalent part and nip the bolt to the factory spec. After fitting, verify DVVT is active and there’s no new fault data. Easy win for reliability and driveability.

FAQs

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2001 Daihatsu YRV?
It’s mounted on the cylinder head near the timing drive end. Look down the front side of the head under the plastic engine cover, you’ll see a small sensor with a single retaining bolt and a two- or three-pin plug. Access is usually from above with a small ratchet and 10 mm socket.

Can a faulty camshaft sensor be cleaned, or does it need replacing?
Light oil on the tip can be wiped off, but if the sensor is setting phase-related fault codes or showing a weak/erratic signal, replacement is the reliable fix. Always check the wiring and connector first—many “sensor” issues are actually a brittle loom or oil-soaked plug.

Will a bad camshaft sensor damage the engine or turbo?
It typically won’t cause mechanical damage, but it can force the ECU into a fallback strategy with reduced performance, higher fuel use, and rough running. On turbo YRV models (K3-VET), incorrect cam phasing can dull boost response and drivability, so it’s worth sorting promptly.