Parts for your 2007 Ford Focus-Camshaft sensor

2007 Ford Focus camshaft-sensor: purpose, faults, and servicing tips

According to the Ford Workshop Manual (WSM, Engine—Duratec), Motorcraft service information, and mainstream technical guides such as Autodata and Haynes, the 2007 Ford Focus is fitted with a camshaft-sensor (also called a CMP sensor). It’s used on the common 1.6 and 2.0 Duratec engines in Australia and New Zealand, and on North American 2.0/2.3 variants as well. Some Ti‑VCT versions may use a sensor per cam, while others have a single CMP.

The camshaft-sensor tells the PCM the exact position of the camshaft so it can run true sequential fuel injection, set spark timing cleanly, and manage variable cam timing where fitted. That precision helps with easy starts, smooth idle, decent fuel economy, and lower emissions. When the signal goes missing or messy, the PCM falls back to a limp strategy that can make the Focus grumpy to start and a bit gutless.

• Typical symptoms include long cranking when hot or cold, stumbling idle, flat spots on take-off, poorer fuel economy, and a glowing check-engine lamp.
• Common DTCs logged: P0340, P0341, P0344 (camshaft position circuit/performance/intermittent).

As a rule, the camshaft-sensor isn’t a periodic replacement item—there’s no scheduled kilometre interval in the WSM. Sensible servicing includes a quick visual under the bonnet: check the CMP connector and loom for oil wicking, heat-hardening, cracked insulation, or a loose fit. On engines with prior rocker cover leaks, oil can creep into the plug and skew the signal, cleaning and re-seating often restores a clean read. A scan tool that shows live cam/crank sync is handy for confirming operation.

Replacement is straightforward for most Focus engines: the sensor sits at the end of the cylinder head near the timing cover (hidden by the top engine cover on some models). Usual steps are:

1. Key off, disconnect the battery if workshop policy requires.
2. Unclip the connector, remove the single retaining bolt, and twist the sensor out.
3. Lightly oil the new O‑ring, seat the sensor squarely, and refit the bolt to the workshop-manual torque. Reconnect the plug.
4. Clear codes and verify cam/crank synchronisation and stable idle.

Quality matters here—OE or reputable OEM sensors tend to give a rock‑solid signal. If codes persist after fitting a new CMP, check the crankshaft sensor, wiring continuity, earths, and—importantly—base timing of the belt/chain and the VCT solenoids. Many “bad sensor” complaints turn out to be wiring or timing issues rather than the sensor itself.

Where is the camshaft-sensor on a 2007 Ford Focus?

On most 1.6 and 2.0 Duratec engines it’s mounted at the end of the cylinder head near the timing cover, typically on the exhaust side. Some Ti‑VCT variants may have one per cam under the top cover. Removing the plastic engine cover usually makes it obvious—small body, single plug, one retaining bolt.

What fault codes point to a bad camshaft-sensor on this model?

Common codes are P0340 (circuit), P0341 (performance/range), and P0344 (intermittent). These can also be thrown by damaged wiring, oil in the connector, or timing/VCT issues, so testing the loom and checking cam/crank sync data is worthwhile before ordering parts.

Will a failed camshaft-sensor stop a 2007 Focus from starting?

Often the engine will still crank and may start after a long crank, running on a fallback mode with rough idle and reduced power. A hard failure can prevent starting altogether. If starting is intermittent, inspect the connector and harness and verify signals with a scan tool.