Parts for your 2001 Ford Falcon-Camshaft sensor

2001 Ford Falcon camshaft sensor — what it does and how to look after it

Based on technical references including the Ford AU Falcon Workshop Manual (1998–2002, Section 303), Gregory’s Service and Repair Manual for Falcon/Fairmont AU Series, and Ellery’s AU Falcon 1998–2002 manual, the 2001 Ford Falcon (AU Series II/III) is fitted with a camshaft position sensor (often called the CMP, or “cam angle sensor” in some literature) on both the 4.0L inline‑six and the 5.0L Windsor V8. It’s a relevant, in-use component on this model year.

On a 2001 Falcon, the camshaft sensor’s job is to tell the engine computer exactly where the cam is in its rotation. That lets the ECU phase the fuel injectors correctly (sequential injection), sharpen up cold starts, and improve idle quality. It also helps with on‑board diagnostics for misfire detection. If the sensor signal drops out, the car can still run using the crank sensor, but it’ll usually start harder and revert to batch firing the injectors, which chews a bit more fuel and feels a tad lazier.

There’s no scheduled maintenance for the camshaft sensor itself, but it pays to keep an eye on a few things during regular servicing. Oil leaks from the rocker cover can wick into the plug and wiring, and heat can make old connectors brittle. A quick wipe-down, a dab of dielectric grease on the terminals, and making sure the engine loom isn’t rubbing on the head or timing cover are easy wins. If the Falcon throws codes like P0340/P0341, or shows a long crank, rough idle, or random stalling, scan it and check the CMP circuit before chasing your tail.

Replacement is straightforward on the six and a bit more particular on the 5.0L. Always disconnect the battery, use a quality OEM‑spec sensor, and route the harness exactly as it was to avoid heat soak or interference. On the V8 Windsor, the cam synchroniser (the sensor and its drive) needs to be aligned with the correct tool so the signal arrives bang on time, that’s one for a workshop or a careful home mechanic with the right kit. After fitting, clear codes and let the ECU relearn with a short mixed drive. If it’s still slow to start or logs fresh CMP faults, double‑check grounds, connector pins, and the crank sensor signal as well.

• Common symptoms of a crook cam sensor: longer cranking, rough idle, hesitation, increased fuel use, MIL on with P0340/P0341.
• Good practice: fix oil leaks near the sensor, protect the plug, and keep the loom clipped away from hot bits.

Popular questions

Does a 2001 Ford Falcon have a camshaft sensor?
Yes. Technical manuals for the AU Series II/III confirm a camshaft position sensor is fitted on both the 4.0L six and the 5.0L V8. It’s used for injector phasing, cleaner starts, and better diagnostics.

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2001 Falcon?
Location varies by engine. The 4.0L inline‑six uses a CMP/cam angle sensor mounted to read cam phase from the cylinder head/timing area. The 5.0L Windsor V8 uses a cam synchroniser assembly in the former distributor location, with the sensor on top. Access differs, so a quick visual under the bonnet will show which layout you’ve got.

Can it be driven with a faulty camshaft sensor?
Often, yes—but it’s not ideal. The ECU will usually fall back to batch injection, so it may crank longer, idle rougher, and use more fuel. Continued driving can mask other faults, so it’s best to test, repair the wiring or sensor, and get it back to proper sequential operation.