Parts for your 2009 Toyota Camry-Camshaft sensor

2009 Toyota Camry camshaft sensor: purpose, servicing and replacement

Yes, the 2009 Toyota Camry uses a camshaft position sensor. Technical sources that confirm this include the Toyota Factory Service Manual for the 2007–2011 Camry (XV40) in the Engine Control (SFI) sections for 2AZ-FE and 2GR-FE engines, the 2009 Camry Electrical Wiring Diagram, and Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue. These show the 2AZ-FE four-cylinder has a camshaft position sensor on the cylinder head, while the 2GR-FE V6 uses two sensors (Bank 1 and Bank 2).

The camshaft sensor helps the engine ECU recognise exactly where the camshaft is relative to the crankshaft. That timing info is crucial for quick starts, smooth idle, sequential fuel injection, accurate spark timing and for VVT-i to adjust valve timing under different loads. With the crank sensor, it also helps detect misfires and keeps emissions in check.

It’s not a routine replacement item, but age, heat and oil contamination can cause issues. Typical symptoms include a longer crank before starting, rough running, flat spots, poor fuel economy and a Check Engine light. Common fault codes are P0340/P0341 for the four-cylinder and P0345/P0349 on the V6 (bank-specific). If those pop up, diagnose properly before throwing parts at it.

On the 2AZ-FE, the sensor sits at the end of the cylinder head near the timing cover under the bonnet. On the 2GR-FE, there are two—one on the front bank (radiator side on most right-hand-drive models) and one on the rear bank (firewall side). Access is usually straightforward with basic hand tools.

Replacement and care tips during servicing:

• Check the connector for oil wicking and the harness for brittle insulation or chafing.
• If removing, fit a new O-ring, lightly oil it so it seats without pinching.
• Clean the mounting boss, install the sensor squarely and tighten the retaining bolt to the spec in the Toyota manual.
• Use a quality OEM or OE-equivalent sensor, cheap units can cause repeat faults or timing correlation errors.
• Clear codes and take a short drive so the ECU relearns cam/crank correlation.

Because the sensor lives in a hot spot, preventative checks during major services—especially past 150,000–250,000 kilometres—make sense. If the Camry occasionally stalls at idle, has erratic VVT performance or logs cam/crank correlation codes, get the wiring and sensor tested per the Toyota FSM and EWD before replacing parts.

Technical references: Toyota Camry 2007–2011 Repair Manual (Engine Control – SFI, 2AZ-FE and 2GR-FE), Toyota Electrical Wiring Diagram (2009 Camry), Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (entries for camshaft position sensor), and SAE J2012/ISO 15031-6 DTC definitions.

Popular questions

Does a 2009 Camry have one or two camshaft sensors?

It depends on the engine. The 2.4L 2AZ-FE four-cylinder uses one camshaft position sensor on the cylinder head. The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 uses two—one for each bank (Bank 1 and Bank 2). This matches Toyota’s service manual, wiring diagram and parts listings for the XV40 series.

Is it safe to keep driving with a failing camshaft sensor?

The engine may still run, but starting can be hit-and-miss and it may stumble or stall. Power and fuel economy can suffer, and the ECU may limit performance. It’s best to diagnose and sort it promptly to avoid being stranded and to protect the catalytic converter from misfire-related damage.

What are the usual fault codes and first checks?

Expect P0340/P0341 (four-cylinder) or P0345/P0349 (V6). Before replacing the sensor, inspect the connector for oil ingress, check the harness for damage, verify battery voltage is healthy and confirm the timing chain isn’t excessively stretched. These basics often save time and money.