Parts for your 2013 Toyota Land cruiser-Camshaft sensor

2013 Toyota LandCruiser camshaft sensor: fitted, purpose and service tips

Yes, the 2013 Toyota LandCruiser uses camshaft position sensors. Factory sources including Toyota’s Technical Information System (TIS) workshop manual for the 200 Series, the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC), and DENSO engine control documentation specify camshaft position sensors on both the 4.5‑litre 1VD‑FTV V8 diesel and the 5.7‑litre 3UR‑FE V8 petrol. These engines run sequential fuel injection and variable valve timing, both of which rely on camshaft position inputs (often listed as Bank 1 and Bank 2 sensors) alongside the crankshaft sensor.

On a 2013 LandCruiser, the camshaft sensor tells the ECU exactly where each bank’s cam is in its rotation. That lets the ECU fire injectors and coils at the right moment and control VVT to keep the big V8 running smoothly, pulling strongly, and sipping as little fuel as a two‑and‑a‑bit‑tonne 4WD reasonably can. If a sensor goes out to lunch, you’ll often see a check engine light and feel rough running, hard starting, limp mode, or poor fuel economy. Common fault codes include P0340/P0341 (Bank 1) and P0345/P0346 (Bank 2).

Location‑wise, they’re mounted at the front of the cylinder heads near the cam gears under the plastic engine covers. The V8s typically have two cam sensors—one per bank—so a code will usually point to which side is complaining.

They’re not a routine service item, but a few sensible checks during scheduled servicing can save headaches on long tours:

• Inspect the sensor connectors for oil wicking, dust and corrosion, clean with proper electrical contact cleaner.
• Check harness routing and clips so the loom can’t rub on brackets or exhaust heat shields.
• Look for oil leaks at the sensor O‑rings and cam covers, oil contamination can upset the signal.

If replacement is needed, it’s a straightforward DIY for a competent home mechanic. Under the bonnet: disconnect the battery, remove the engine cover, unplug the connector, undo the single retaining bolt, and wiggle the sensor out. Lightly oil a new O‑ring, seat the new sensor squarely, and torque the bolt to spec from the factory manual (don’t overtighten—these live in alloy). Reconnect, clear codes, and take it for a drive. No special programming is usually required, the ECU will happily read the new signal straight away. Stick with genuine or quality OEM‑equivalent parts to avoid intermittent gremlins that can be hard to diagnose out bush.

If a fresh sensor doesn’t fix the drama, check timing marks, reluctor rings, and wiring continuity, as well as the crank sensor—because the ECU needs both signals to play nicely.

Popular questions

How many camshaft sensors are on a 2013 LandCruiser?

The 2013 200 Series V8s generally have two camshaft position sensors—one for Bank 1 and one for Bank 2. That applies to both the 1VD‑FTV diesel and the 3UR‑FE petrol. Fault codes will normally identify which bank is at issue.

Do camshaft sensors need programming after replacement?

No special coding is typically required. Fit the new sensor, clear any stored codes, and the ECU will use the signal immediately. If faults persist, inspect wiring, connectors, and mechanical timing before blaming the new part.

What are the signs of a failing camshaft sensor on a 200 Series?

Common signs include hard or extended cranking, misfires at idle, uneven power delivery, increased fuel use, and a check engine light with codes like P0340 or P0345. On trips, it may trigger limp mode to protect the engine.