Parts for your 2014 Nissan Pathfinder-Camshaft sensor

2014 Nissan Pathfinder Camshaft Sensor: Purpose, Fitment and Servicing Tips

Yes, the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder (R52, 3.5L VQ35DE V6) is fitted with camshaft position sensors. Factory sources—including the Nissan Pathfinder 2014 Model Service Manual (EC: Engine Control) and standard OBD-II documentation—identify two camshaft position (CMP) sensors, one on each cylinder bank. The Nissan parts catalogue for the R52 also lists CMP sensors for this engine, and the service manual covers DTCs such as P0340/P0345 (CMP circuit, Bank 1/Bank 2), confirming the part is relevant and used.

The camshaft sensor’s job is to tell the engine computer exactly where each cam is in its rotation. The ECU pairs that info with the crank sensor to time fuel injection and spark precisely and to manage the VVT (Nissan’s CVTC). When the sensor is healthy, you get clean starts, smooth idle, better fuel economy and reliable power delivery—handy whether you’re commuting or towing the boat up the coast.

On the VQ35DE in the 2014 Pathfinder, there are two CMP sensors mounted at the ends of the cylinder heads. Bank 1 is the rear bank (near the firewall), and Bank 2 is at the front (radiator side). The front sensor is usually easy under the bonnet, the rear one’s a tighter squeeze.

These sensors aren’t a routine replacement item, but they can age with heat and oil vapour. The best “maintenance” is regular oil changes with the correct spec oil to keep CVTC actuation crisp and minimise contamination on the sensor tip. If the Check Engine light pops up with a cam sensor code, or the vehicle shows hard starts, rough idle, intermittent stalling, or higher fuel use, a scan and live-data check is the go.

• Common fault codes: P0340 (CMP Bank 1 circuit), P0345 (CMP Bank 2 circuit), sometimes P0349 (intermittent).
• Typical symptoms: long crank/no start, surging or misfire at low revs, poor economy, limp behaviour.

Replacement is straightforward with basic tools. Disconnect the battery negative, unplug the sensor, remove the single retaining bolt, and ease the sensor out. Lightly oil the new O-ring, seat the sensor squarely, and snug the bolt to around 10 N·m. Clear codes and verify with a road test and scan. Genuine or quality OEM-equivalent parts are recommended, cheapies can cause intermittent faults that’ll drive anyone mad. If the rear (Bank 1) is awkward, a pro can usually sort it quickly without unnecessary disassembly.

Popular questions about 2014 Nissan Pathfinder camshaft sensors

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2014 Pathfinder?
There are two sensors. Bank 2 (front) sits at the front cylinder head near the timing cover—easy access from the top. Bank 1 (rear) is mounted on the rear head near the firewall and is tighter to reach. A small torch and a 10 mm socket help a lot.

Can a bad camshaft sensor damage the engine?
It usually won’t cause mechanical damage by itself. However, it can lead to hard starting, rough running and poor fuel use. If ignored, misfires or repeated stalling can stress other components. Best to fix it promptly once diagnosed.

Do both cam sensors need replacing together?
Not necessarily. If diagnostics point to one sensor (e.g., P0345 Bank 2), replacing just that one is fine. If the vehicle has high kilometres and the other is original, some owners choose to do both to avoid a second visit.