Parts for your 2013 Ford Transit-Camshaft sensor

2013 Ford Transit camshaft sensor — what it does and how to look after it

The 2013 Ford Transit is fitted with a camshaft position sensor (CMP) on all common engines of the model year, including the 2.2 TDCi Duratorq diesel and Duratec petrol variants. This is confirmed by the Ford ETIS/Workshop Manual for Transit (2006–2013, Duratorq TDCi), the Ford parts catalogue listings for 2013 Transit VIN ranges, and the Haynes Ford Transit Diesel (2006–2013) manual, all of which document CMP sensor location, testing and replacement procedures.

The camshaft sensor keeps the engine management on the same page as the rotating hardware. It reads a target on the camshaft and sends a clean timing signal to the ECU so it can sync injection and, on petrol models, ignition to the correct stroke. On the 2.2 TDCi, that means correct injector phasing, crisp starting, stable idle and decent fuel economy. If the signal drops out, the van may crank longer, run rough, throw a fault and sometimes slip into reduced power to protect itself.

Common signs of a crook cam sensor include:

• Hard starting, especially hot restarts
• Rough idle, misfire or hesitation on take-off
• Poor fuel economy and lack of go under load
• Check engine light with codes like P0340 or P0341

Replacement is straightforward for a handy owner with a scan tool. Disconnect the battery, find the sensor on the cylinder head (rear or side depending on engine), check the loom for rub-through, then swap the sensor and its O-ring. Use an OEM or quality aftermarket Hall-effect unit, route the harness exactly as Ford intended, and tighten to the workshop spec. After refitting, clear codes and perform a crank/cam relearn if your scan tool supports it. If faults return, verify base timing and crank sensor health before throwing more parts.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval for the CMP on a 2013 Transit, but it deserves a look at each service. Keep the connector clean and latched, fix rocker cover oil weeps that can wick into the plug, and avoid blasting the area with a pressure washer. Many “sensor failures” turn out to be dodgy earths, corroded pins or harness damage from heat and vibration, so a quick electrical check can save a pile of cash and downtime.

Popular questions

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2013 Ford Transit?
On most 2.2 TDCi engines it’s mounted on the cylinder head, typically at the rear or side near the cam cover. It reads a toothed or slotted target on the camshaft. Access is usually from the top under the bonnet, a torch and a small ratchet make life easier.

What are the symptoms of a failing camshaft sensor on this model?
Expect longer cranking, rough idle, flat spots and the check engine light. Fault codes like P0340/P0341 are common. Some vans will default to a limp mode to protect the engine, and fuel use often creeps up.

Can it be driven with a bad cam sensor?
It may still run, but starting can be hit-and-miss and performance suffers. Driving for long like that risks stalling at awkward moments and masking other issues. Best bet is to diagnose promptly and sort the sensor or its wiring.