Parts for your 2002 Daihatsu Terios-Camshaft sensor

2002 Daihatsu Terios Camshaft Sensor — What It Does and When To Replace It

Technical references including the Daihatsu Terios J100/J102G Workshop Manual (Engine Control System/EFI), the Daihatsu Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC), and DENSO EFI training guides confirm that the 2002 Daihatsu Terios uses a camshaft position sensor. Australia and New Zealand–delivered Terios models of this era (J102G with the 1.3‑litre K3‑VE DOHC VVT engine) are equipped with a camshaft sensor. Markets that retained the earlier HC‑EJ 1.3‑litre EFI engine also show a cam angle/cam position sensor in the parts and service literature. So yes—this model absolutely runs a camshaft sensor.

The camshaft sensor lets the ECU know exactly which stroke each cylinder is on. That timing info is crucial for quick starts, smooth idle, sequential fuel injection, accurate ignition phasing, and (on K3‑VE) proper variable valve timing behaviour. When the sensor signal goes off, owners often notice longer cranking, rough running, flat spots under load, higher fuel use, and a check engine light. Common fault codes include P0340 and P0341.

It’s not a regular service item, but it’s smart to give it some love during scheduled servicing. Keep the connector clean and dry, make sure the harness isn’t rubbing on the cam cover, and fix any rocker cover oil leaks so oil doesn’t wick into the plug. If it’s playing up, replacement is usually straightforward and restores factory driveability.

• Location: On K3‑VE, the sensor sits on the cylinder head near the intake cam end. On HC‑EJ, it’s mounted on the head at the timing belt end.
• Typical symptoms: Hard starting, rough idle, hesitation, poor economy, VVT faults, check engine light (P0340/P0341).
• Quick replacement tips:
  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
  • Unplug the sensor, remove the single hold‑down bolt, and withdraw the sensor.
  • Lightly oil the new O‑ring, install, and tighten the bolt to around 8–10 N·m (check the workshop manual for the exact spec).
  • Clear ECU codes and road test for 10–15 minutes to confirm clean operation.
• Parts choice: An OE‑quality sensor (DENSO or genuine Daihatsu) tends to give the most reliable signal and longer life.

If the Terios shows intermittent faults, inspect the wiring first—heat and vibration near the cam cover can fatigue the loom. If in doubt, a scan tool check of cam/crank sync and live data will tell the story. Not keen on DIY? A qualified technician can swap and test one of these quickly.

Popular questions about 2002 Daihatsu Terios camshaft sensors

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2002 Terios?
On K3‑VE engines, it’s mounted on the cylinder head near the intake cam end (top/side of the head by the cam cover). On HC‑EJ engines, look at the timing belt end of the head. Either way, it’s a small, single‑bolt sensor with a two‑ or three‑pin plug.

Can the Terios be driven with a bad camshaft sensor?
Often it will still run using the crank sensor as a fallback, but starting can take longer and it may feel gutless or surge. It’s fine to limp to a workshop, but prolonged driving risks poor fuel economy and possible VVT and misfire issues—best to fix it promptly.

What codes point to a camshaft sensor fault?
Common ones are P0340 (camshaft position circuit) and P0341 (camshaft position performance). On VVT engines, you may also see actuator timing codes if the ECU can’t trust the cam signal. Always check wiring and the connector before condemning the sensor.