Parts for your 2011 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Camshaft sensor

2011 Toyota Vitz/Yaris Camshaft Sensor — What It Does and When to Replace It

Technical sources confirm the 2011 Toyota Vitz/Yaris is fitted with a camshaft position sensor. Toyota service manuals and Electrical Wiring Diagrams for the XP130 series list the Camshaft Position Sensor (often labelled G2/G22) as a key ECM input for ignition timing and Dual VVT-i control. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for engines commonly found in this year (1KR-FE, 1NR-FE, 1NZ-FE and 1ND-TV in some markets) also includes a dedicated “Sensor, Camshaft Position”, reinforcing that the part is standard equipment on this model.

On a 2011 Vitz/Yaris, the camshaft sensor tells the engine computer exactly where the cam(s) are in their rotation. That lets the ECM sync fuel injection, spark timing and variable valve timing. If the signal drops out or goes skew-whiff, the car can crank longer, run rough, hesitate, lose power, or trigger a check engine light with codes such as P0340/P0341. Because modern Toyota engines rely on accurate cam timing for smooth starts and good economy, a healthy sensor is non-negotiable.

There’s no fixed service interval for the camshaft sensor, it’s replaced on condition. During regular servicing, a good workshop will do a quick visual once-over: check the connector for looseness or corrosion, look for oil weeping from the rocker cover onto the sensor, and make sure the engine harness isn’t chafed. Keeping oil changes on time also helps, as sludgy oil can affect cam timing actuators and, indirectly, sensor performance.

• Common symptoms of a failing cam sensor: hard starting, misfire at idle, flat spots under load, poor fuel economy, and a MIL on the dash.
• Basic replacement tips: disconnect the battery, release the connector tab carefully, swap the O-ring if supplied, and seat the sensor squarely. Tighten the retaining bolt to manufacturer spec (around 8–10 N·m is typical for many Toyota sensors, always confirm for the specific engine).
• Best practice: stick with OEM-quality (often Denso) parts, clear codes, and perform a road test to confirm the ECM sees a clean signal.

If the Vitz/Yaris throws cam sensor-related codes intermittently, it’s smart to rule out wiring issues first. A quick pin-fit check and a look for oil intrusion in the plug can save time and coin. When the sensor is genuinely faulty, the job is usually straightforward and doesn’t require cam timing to be disturbed.

Popular questions about 2011 Toyota Vitz/Yaris camshaft sensors

Does a 2011 Toyota Vitz/Yaris have a camshaft position sensor?
Yes. Toyota’s repair manuals and wiring diagrams for the XP130 platform show the camshaft position sensor (G2/G22) as a primary input to the engine control module. The Toyota parts catalogue also lists a camshaft sensor for the 1KR-FE, 1NR-FE, 1NZ-FE and 1ND-TV engines used in 2011 models.

What are the signs the camshaft sensor is failing on this model?
Expect longer crank times, rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, and the check engine light—often with codes like P0340 or P0341. Because the sensor helps the ECM align fuel and spark with cam position, a bad signal throws the timing rhythm out and the engine won’t feel happy.

Can it be driven with a dodgy cam sensor?
It may run, but it’s not a good idea. Performance and fuel economy will suffer, and stalling can catch a driver out at the worst time. It’s better to diagnose promptly—rule out connector or wiring issues and replace the sensor if confirmed faulty.