Parts for your 2008 Toyota Aurion-Camshaft sensor

2008 Toyota Aurion camshaft sensor: purpose, servicing and replacement

Technical sources confirm the 2008 Toyota Aurion (GSV40R) with the 3.5‑litre 2GR‑FE V6 does use camshaft position sensors. Toyota’s factory Service Information (TIS) for the 2GR‑FE engine, the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for GSV40R Aurion, and Toyota diagnostic literature listing DTCs P0340/P0345 (Camshaft Position Sensor “A”/“B” circuit) all show two camshaft sensors fitted—one per cylinder bank—so the part is absolutely relevant to this model.

On the Aurion’s 2GR‑FE, the camshaft sensor lets the engine control unit know exactly which stroke each cylinder is on. Working alongside the crankshaft sensor, it enables precise sequential fuel injection, coil‑on‑plug ignition timing, and the Dual VVT‑i cam phasing that keeps the V6 smooth, punchy, and efficient. If a cam sensor signal drops out or goes noisy, the car may crank longer, run rough, drop into reduced power, and light the check engine lamp and VSC warning.

It’s not a routine replacement item, but it’s smart to check it during servicing if there are related fault codes or drivability niggles. Keep engine oil fresh and the correct grade—clean oil helps the VVT system behave and reduces debris at the sensor tip. Inspect the sensor connectors and loom for brittle insulation or oil intrusion, especially under the bonnet heat of Aussie and Kiwi summers.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent DIYer or any workshop:

• Scan for codes (common: P0340, P0345) and confirm with live data.
• Remove the engine cover. Each sensor sits on a cylinder head near the timing chain end—one toward the radiator (Bank 2), one toward the firewall (Bank 1).
• Unplug, remove the retaining bolt, gently twist and withdraw the sensor.
• Lightly oil the new O‑ring, seat the sensor, and torque the bolt to spec (around 9–10 N·m, check service data).
• Clear codes and road‑test through a few kilometres to confirm stable cam/crank sync.

Go for a quality OE‑equivalent (DENSO or genuine Toyota), as cheap copies can cause intermittent faults that are a pain to trace. If the sensor bore is oily, replace the O‑ring and check for seepage. With the right part and a tidy install, the Aurion’s V6 will be back to silky take‑offs and fuss‑free commuting.

Popular questions

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2008 Toyota Aurion?
There are two—one on each cylinder head at the timing chain end. Under the engine cover, you’ll find one toward the radiator side (Bank 2) and the other toward the firewall (Bank 1). Access is tighter on the firewall side but both are reachable with basic hand tools.

Can a 2008 Aurion run with a faulty camshaft sensor?
The ECU may fall back to a limited strategy using the crank sensor, so it can sometimes start and run, but expect extended cranking, poor performance, higher fuel use, and warning lights. It’s best to fix it promptly to avoid drivability issues.

Do camshaft sensors need replacing as routine maintenance?
No. They’re replaced only if faulty or damaged. During regular servicing, a quick check of the wiring, connector condition, and any oil seepage around the sensor is enough. Always use the correct oil and change intervals to keep VVT and sensors happy.