Parts for your 2010 Nissan Tiida-Camshaft sensor

2010 Nissan Tiida Camshaft Sensor — Fitted and Essential

Technical sources confirm the 2010 Nissan Tiida uses a camshaft position sensor. Nissan labels it “Camshaft Position Sensor (PHASE)” and documents it in the Tiida C11 Series Factory Service Manual: EC (Engine Control) with DTCs P0340/P0345, plus the HR16DE/MR18DE engine sections showing the sensor mounted on the cylinder head at the timing chain end. Nissan diagnostic procedures (CONSULT-III/III+) further describe live phase-signal monitoring for this sensor during sequential fuel injection and variable valve timing checks.

On a 2010 Tiida, the camshaft sensor tells the engine computer exactly where the intake cam is in its rotation. That lets the ECM fire the injectors in sequence, fine-tune ignition timing, and manage variable valve timing for smoother idle, better torque and tidy fuel economy. Take it away and the Tiida may still crank, but it’ll run rough, use more petrol and throw the check engine light.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval for the camshaft sensor, it’s a replace-on-failure item. That said, it’s smart to give it a once-over during servicing. A quick visual check for oil intrusion in the connector, brittle wiring, or a loose retaining bolt can save a roadside headache. If the Tiida logs P0340/P0345, has long crank when warm, or drops into limp mode, start diagnosis here.

• Common symptoms: hard starting, uneven idle, flat spots under acceleration, poor fuel use, and an illuminated MIL.
• Typical faults: internal sensor failure, oil contamination in the plug, chafed loom near the head, or timing chain stretch affecting phase correlation.

Replacement is straightforward for most Tiida engines. It’s located on the cylinder head at the chain end, held by a single bolt, with a keyed fit. Disconnect the battery, release the plug, swap the sensor, and refit, ensuring the O-ring is clean and lightly oiled. Always tighten to the service manual spec and clear codes, then verify with a short road test and a live-data check to confirm stable phase signal. Genuine or high-quality aftermarket parts are the go, bargain-bin sensors can cause intermittent faults that’ll drive anyone spare.

Preventative tips? Keep up with oil changes to protect the cam timing hardware and reduce varnish build-up at the sensor tip. During major services, inspect the harness routing and connectors, especially if the Tiida has clocked high kilometres or had prior head work.

Popular questions

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2010 Nissan Tiida?
It’s on the cylinder head at the timing chain end, near the top of the engine. On most Tiida engines (HR16DE/MR18DE), it sits on the intake side, retained by a single bolt, with the connector facing outward for easy access.

What fault codes point to a bad camshaft sensor on a Tiida?
The big ones are P0340 and P0345 for the camshaft position sensor circuit. Drivers may also see related correlation codes if the timing chain is stretched. Expect symptoms like long crank, rough idle and limp-home behaviour.

Is it safe to drive with a failing camshaft sensor?
It might run, but performance and fuel economy will suffer, and stalling can occur at the worst time. Best to diagnose and sort it promptly to avoid catalyst damage and wasted petrol.