Parts for your 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander-Camshaft sensor

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Camshaft Sensor — Purpose and Service Advice

Yes, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander is fitted with a camshaft position sensor (CMP). This is confirmed by Mitsubishi Motors service documentation for the 2013 Outlander (ZJ/ZE series, including petrol MIVEC and 2.2‑litre diesel variants) and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, both of which specify a CMP for engine management and, on many petrol models, for MIVEC variable valve timing control. The PHEV variant also uses a CMP for engine synchronisation.

On this Outlander, the camshaft sensor tells the engine control unit exactly where the camshaft sits in its rotation. That timing reference is used to fire injectors in sequence, manage spark timing on petrol engines, and command MIVEC cam phasing where fitted. On the diesel, it pairs with the crank sensor to synchronise high‑pressure injection events. Without a clean signal, the engine can be hard to start, run roughly, or drop into limp mode.

It isn’t a routine “replace by kilometres” service item, it’s replaced when faulty. Still, a quick visual check under the bonnet during scheduled servicing pays off. Look for oil contamination around the sensor body, brittle wiring or a loose connector. A scan with a diagnostic tool can reveal pending faults before they become a headache.

• Common symptoms: extended crank/no‑start, misfire, poor fuel economy, erratic idle, loss of power, and the check engine light.
• Typical fault codes: P0340, P0341 (and variants for bank/sensor position on dual‑MIVEC petrol engines).

If replacement is needed, choose quality OE‑spec parts so the signal quality stays consistent with factory calibrations. Before condemning the sensor, rule out wiring damage, connector corrosion, or timing issues. On petrol models with dual MIVEC there may be more than one CMP, so confirm which bank/sensor the code points to. Fitment is generally straightforward: disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, remove the retaining fastener, swap the sensor and O‑ring if applicable, then refit and clear codes. Avoid high‑pressure washing around the rocker cover and timing cover area, as moisture ingress can cause intermittent faults.

A technician familiar with Mitsubishi’s service manual procedures will also check cam and crank correlation using live data. That’s the sure‑fire way to verify the new sensor is talking correctly to the ECU and that the Outlander is back to smooth, reliable running across Aussie and Kiwi roads.

• Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2013 Outlander?
  It’s mounted on the cylinder head near the timing end of the engine. Petrol MIVEC models can have a sensor for the intake cam and, on some variants, another for the exhaust cam. The diesel’s sensor is also on the head, positioned to read camshaft rotation through a trigger wheel.
• Can a bad camshaft sensor cause a no‑start?
  Yes. If the ECU can’t confirm cam position, it may crank without firing or start and then stall. Even when it starts, expect rough idle, misfires, and poor throttle response until the fault’s sorted.
• Do I need to replace it during regular servicing?
  Not routinely. It’s a “replace on fault” item. During service, have the connector and wiring inspected and scan for codes. If it’s clean, dry, and reading properly, keep driving.