Parts for your 2008 Honda Odyssey-Camshaft sensor

2008 Honda Odyssey Camshaft Sensor — What it does and when to replace it

The 2008 Honda Odyssey is absolutely fitted with camshaft position sensors. Honda’s factory service manual for the 2005–2010 Odyssey (J35-series 3.5L V6) specifies two CMP sensors (often called Sensor A and Sensor B) mounted at the cylinder heads, and defines diagnostic trouble codes such as P0341 (CMP A) and P0346 (CMP B). OEM parts catalogues for the 2008 Odyssey also list camshaft position sensors for both banks. So yes — the camshaft sensor is relevant and used on this model.

On this Odyssey, the camshaft sensors tell the engine control unit exactly where each camshaft is in its rotation. That timing info is matched with the crank sensor so the ECU can fire injectors sequentially, spark at the right moment, manage VTEC/VCM strategies, and keep cold starts crisp and fuel economy tidy. If a sensor goes flaky, the ECU loses that crisp timing reference and will often fall back to a safe mode.

Common signs a camshaft sensor is on the way out include:

• Check Engine Light with codes like P0341 or P0346
• Hard starting, misfires, or stalling at idle
• Sluggish performance and ordinary fuel economy
• Intermittent hesitation, especially when warm

There’s no fixed service interval — they’re a replace-when-faulty item — but it’s smart to inspect them whenever the timing belt/water pump service is done (typically around 160,000 km). Look for oil contamination on the sensor tip, brittle wiring, loose connectors, or a perished O-ring that can weep oil down the head.

When replacement is needed, most owners will tackle it with basic tools:

1. Disconnect the battery and let the engine cool.
2. Locate the sensors on the ends of the cylinder heads (front and rear banks). Note which is A and which is B — don’t mix them up.
3. Unclip the connector, remove the retaining bolt, and ease the sensor out. Replace the O-ring if it’s flattened or hard.
4. Lightly oil the new O-ring, install the new sensor, and tighten the bolt to the factory spec (around 9 N·m, always check the manual).
5. Reconnect, clear any codes, and road test. No special relearn is usually required.

Using a quality OEM-equivalent sensor avoids dramas with hot restarts and erratic idle. If faults persist after replacement, check the harness for rubbed-through insulation or poor grounds, as wiring issues can mimic a bad sensor.

Popular questions about 2008 Honda Odyssey camshaft sensors

Where are the camshaft sensors located on a 2008 Odyssey?
The Odyssey’s V6 has two camshaft position sensors, one on each cylinder head. One is at the front bank (radiator side) and the other at the rear bank (firewall side). They’re mounted near the end of the camshafts and secured with a small bolt, with a two- or three-pin connector.

How many camshaft sensors does a 2008 Odyssey have?
Two. Honda labels them CMP Sensor A and CMP Sensor B. The ECU uses both to synchronise fuel injection and ignition across the two banks, and to keep variable valve control behaving properly.

Is it safe to drive with a bad camshaft sensor?
It may run, but it’s not ideal. You can get hard starts, rough idle, and reduced power. Prolonged driving can increase fuel use and stress other components. Best bet is to scan for codes, confirm the fault, and sort it sooner rather than later.