Parts for your 2001 Nissan Pulsar-Camshaft sensor

2001 Nissan Pulsar camshaft sensor — what it does and how to look after it

Yes, the 2001 Nissan Pulsar is fitted with a camshaft position sensor. This is documented in the Nissan N16 Pulsar Factory Service Manual (EC section), which lists DTC P0340 for the “Camshaft Position Sensor (PHASE)” on QG-series engines used in the N16. Nissan technical bulletins and early-2000s campaigns for related models (such as the B15 Sentra with the QG18DE) also discuss cam and crank sensors as service items, further confirming its relevance on the 2001 Pulsar.

The camshaft sensor on a 2001 Pulsar helps the engine computer recognise exactly where the intake cam is, so it can fire the injectors and spark in the right order and at the right time. On QG16DE/QG18DE engines, it sits at the timing-chain end of the cylinder head near the top cover, reading a target on the cam. Paired with the crank sensor, it gives the ECU the full picture: crank speed/position and cam phase. That means faster starts, smoother idle, better fuel economy, and correct operation of any intake cam timing strategy programmed for the engine.

When this sensor starts to play up, the ECU often logs a fault like P0340, and owners may notice long cranking, rough idle, misfires at low revs, flat spots, or the odd stall. Because the ECU can sometimes fall back on crank-only timing, the car may still run, just not happily, and fuel use can sneak up.

There’s no set maintenance interval for the cam sensor, but a quick visual check during routine servicing goes a long way:

• Inspect the connector and wiring for oil wicking, broken clips, or hardened insulation.
• Wipe away oil and grime around the sensor body, keep solvents away from the sensor tip.
• If the rocker cover is weeping, sort that early to stop oil contaminating the plug.

Replacement is straightforward on most N16 Pulsars: disconnect the battery, unplug the sensor, remove the single retaining bolt, and ease the sensor out. Swap the O-ring if supplied, lightly oil it, refit, and tighten the bolt to about 8–10 N·m. Clear any stored codes and confirm cam/crank sync with a scan tool. Genuine or quality aftermarket sensors tend to behave more reliably than no-name units, which matters for consistent hot starts in Aussie and Kiwi summer heat. If a code returns after replacement, check harness continuity and grounds, as the cam and crank sensor circuits share power and reference feeds on these cars.

Does a 2001 Nissan Pulsar actually have a camshaft sensor?

It does. The Nissan N16 Factory Service Manual details a Camshaft Position Sensor (PHASE) and associated DTC P0340 for QG engines used in the 2001 Pulsar. Nissan bulletins for early-2000s QG-powered models also cover cam/crank sensor faults.

Where is the camshaft sensor located on the 2001 Pulsar?

It’s mounted on the cylinder head at the timing-chain end, up near the top cover. Access is from the top of the engine bay, expect a single small retaining bolt and a two- or three-pin electrical connector.

Can the camshaft sensor be cleaned, or should it be replaced?

The sensor itself isn’t serviceable. Cleaning the connector and removing oil/grime around it is fine, but if the ECU logs cam sensor faults and the symptoms persist, replacement is the reliable fix. Always check the wiring before and after fitting a new sensor.