Parts for your 2007 Lexus Is-Camshaft sensor

2007 Lexus IS Camshaft Sensor — Purpose, Service Tips, and FAQs

Yes, the 2007 Lexus IS uses camshaft position sensors. Lexus/Toyota technical sources (Lexus IS 250/350 Repair Manual – Engine Control System, Lexus New Car Features for 4GR‑FSE/2GR‑FSE, Toyota/Lexus Electronic Parts Catalogue, Lexus IS220d Engine Control documentation) specify cam sensors across the range: IS250/IS350 petrol V6 models run one sensor per bank, and the IS220d diesel also uses a cam sensor. They’re essential for sequential fuel injection, ignition timing, and Dual VVT‑i control.

A camshaft sensor is a small Hall‑effect unit that reads a toothed target on the cam to tell the ECU exactly where each cam is in its rotation. On the 2007 IS, that data is used to phase the cams (for power and efficiency), sync injection, and monitor correlation with the crankshaft. If the signal goes missing or messy, expect hard starting, rough idle, limp behaviour, higher fuel use, or a stalled engine.

There’s no routine replacement interval in the factory schedule, but it’s smart to check them during servicing. Look for oil wicking into the connector, cracked wiring near the plug, or damage from previous work around the rocker covers. Keep connectors clean and dry, and avoid blasting the area with high‑pressure washers.

When replacement is needed, it’s a straightforward remove‑and‑refit: disconnect the battery, unplug the sensor, remove the retaining bolt, swap in the new sensor with a fresh O‑ring, and refit. Tighten the bolt to the correct workshop‑manual spec (on GR‑series engines it’s typically around 9–10 N·m). Clear any fault codes and confirm cam/crank sync with a scan tool. If one V6 bank’s sensor fails, many techs recommend testing both banks, as age and heat affect them similarly.

Common fault codes that point to cam sensor or related wiring issues include:

• P0340/P0341 (Bank 1 “A”), P0345/P0346 (Bank 2 “A”)
• P0365/P0366 (where fitted, “B” sensor variants)
• Correlation codes like P0016–P0019 if timing data disagrees with the crank

Technical references: Lexus IS 250/350 Repair Manual (Engine Control – SFI), Lexus IS220d Repair Manual (Engine Control), Lexus/Toyota New Car Features for 4GR‑FSE, 2GR‑FSE, 2AD‑FHV, and the Toyota/Lexus Electronic Parts Catalogue listing camshaft position sensors for these engines.

Popular questions

How many camshaft sensors does a 2007 Lexus IS have?
V6 models (IS250/IS350) use two camshaft sensors, one on each cylinder bank. The IS220d diesel uses a cam sensor as well, configured for the single‑bank diesel layout. Always match the sensor to the exact engine code to get the correct part.

What are the symptoms of a failing camshaft sensor on a 2007 IS?
Typical signs are hard starting, rough idle, hesitation on take‑off, poor fuel economy, and the check engine lamp. The car may drop into limp mode, and scan tools will show codes like P0340/P0345. If symptoms are intermittent, heat‑soak or a cracked connector is often to blame.

Can it be driven with a bad camshaft sensor?
It may run, but it’s not a great idea. The ECU can fall back to a basic strategy, which hurts performance and economy, and stalling risk goes up. Driving like this can also mask other timing‑related issues. Best bet: diagnose and fix promptly.