Parts for your 2006 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Camshaft sensor

2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris Camshaft Position Sensor

Based on Toyota technical literature, the 2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris (XP90) uses a camshaft position sensor across its common engines (1KR-FE 1.0L, 2SZ-FE/1NZ-FE 1.3–1.5L petrol, and 1ND-TV 1.4 D-4D). Toyota’s Repair Manual for the 2006 Yaris (Engine Control section) lists DTCs P0340/P0341 for the camshaft position sensor circuit, the Electrical Wiring Diagram (EWD) shows the “G” camshaft position signal feeding the ECM, and the New Car Features (NCF) manuals for VVT-i engines describe camshaft phase control relying on that sensor. So yes—this model absolutely runs a camshaft sensor and it’s relevant to diagnosis and servicing.

What does it do? The camshaft position sensor (CMP) tells the engine computer exactly where the cam is relative to the crank, so it can fire injectors in sequence, time ignition precisely, and operate VVT-i smoothly. It’s a small magnetic/Hall-effect pickup reading a target on the cam. Without a clean signal, the Yaris may crank longer, run rough, lose power, or switch off variable valve timing. The check engine light usually pops up with P0340 or P0341 when there’s a fault.

There’s no set interval to replace a CMP—it's a fit-and-forget item—but it benefits from tidy engine bay habits. Keep oil changes on time (right grade and spec), because sludgy oil can upset VVT behaviour and confuse cam/crank correlation. During servicing, give the CMP connector and nearby loom a quick look, heat and oil at the cylinder head can make plugs brittle or weepy. If you’re chasing intermittent faults, check for oil inside the connector, damaged wiring, or timing chain stretch that can trigger correlation codes.

• Common symptoms: hard starting, stalling at idle, flat spots, poor fuel economy, and the MIL with P0340/P0341.
• Likely causes: a tired sensor, oil contamination, cracked connector, rubbed-through wiring, or mechanical timing issues.

Replacement on a 2006 Vitz/Yaris is pretty straightforward for a competent DIYer. It’s mounted at the timing chain end of the cylinder head, near the VVT oil control valve. Always work on a cool engine. Disconnect the battery, unplug the sensor, remove the single retaining bolt, and twist the sensor out. Lightly oil the new O-ring, seat the new sensor squarely, and snug the bolt to the manufacturer’s spec—no gorilla torque. Plug it back in, clear codes with a scan tool, and take a quick test drive. If the code returns, check the crank sensor and mechanical timing before throwing more parts at it. Using a genuine or high-quality OEM-equivalent sensor is smart, cheapies can be noisy and cause ghost faults.

Q: Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris?

A: On XP90 models it sits at the timing chain end of the cylinder head, right by the VVT oil control valve. You’ll find a small, single-bolt sensor with a two- or three-pin plug. Access is usually from the top of the engine—no need to pull the timing cover.

Q: Is it safe to keep driving with a bad camshaft sensor?

A: The car may still run, but it can stall, lose power, or start poorly. Short trips to the workshop are usually fine, but it’s best not to push your luck—get it diagnosed and sorted promptly to avoid getting stranded or masking a timing issue.

Q: Do these cars have one or two camshaft sensors?

A: The 2006 Vitz/Yaris uses a single camshaft position sensor working with the crankshaft sensor. That pair gives the ECM both speed and phase, which it needs for sequential injection and smooth VVT-i operation.