Parts for your 2015 Nissan Serena-Camshaft sensor

2015 Nissan Serena camshaft sensor — what it does, where it lives, and when to replace it

It is relevant and fitted. On the 2015 Nissan Serena (C26 series) with MR20DE/MR20DD petrol engines, the Engine Control Module uses a camshaft position sensor (“PHASE” sensor in Nissan documents). This is detailed in the Nissan Serena C26 Electronic Service Manual (ESM), Engine Control System section, which also lists diagnostic trouble codes P0340/P0345 for camshaft position sensor circuits. Nissan’s parts catalogues for the C26 Serena likewise list a “Sensor Assy—Camshaft Position” (e.g., 23731‑EN21A/related supersessions) for these engines.

For this Serena, the camshaft sensor reads the cam’s rotation and phase relative to the crank. The ECM uses that information to fire the injectors and ignition coils sequentially, manage start‑up timing, and control variable valve timing for smooth idle, decent torque, and tidy emissions. If the signal drops out, the ECM may fall back to a limp strategy, which can make the van hard to start, down on power, and thirstier.

Typical symptoms that point to a tired or failing cam sensor include:

• Check Engine Light with codes like P0340, P0341, P0345 or P0346
• Extended crank, misfire at idle, flat spots on acceleration, or poor fuel economy
• Occasional stalling or a no‑start when hot

There’s no scheduled replacement interval, the sensor is a fit‑and‑forget item until faults appear. Sensible servicing on a 2015 Serena means checking the harness and connector at the top of the engine (timing‑chain side of the cylinder head) for heat‑hardening, oil ingress, or a loose fit. Keeping engine oil and PCV breathing in good nick helps prevent leaks that can contaminate the plug.

Replacement is straightforward: one retaining bolt and an O‑ringed sensor. Best practice is to disconnect the battery, clean the bore, lightly oil the O‑ring, seat the sensor squarely, and torque the bolt to about 8–10 N·m (refer to the ESM for the exact spec by engine code). After refit, clear codes and confirm cam/crank synchronisation with a scan tool, an idle/throttle relearn or a short drive cycle may be recommended so the ECM tidies up its trims. Choosing a genuine or reputable OEM‑quality sensor helps avoid repeat faults and odd drivability issues.

Technical references: Nissan Serena C26 (2015) Electronic Service Manual — Engine Control System (MR20DE/MR20DD), Camshaft Position Sensor (PHASE) description and DTC charts (P0340/P0345), Nissan Global/Regional Parts Catalogues listing Sensor Assy—Camshaft Position for C26.

Popular questions about the 2015 Nissan Serena camshaft sensor

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2015 Serena?
It’s mounted on the timing‑chain end of the cylinder head, near the top of the engine. On right‑hand‑drive C26 models, it’s typically at the front corner under the engine cover, held in with a single bolt and sealed by an O‑ring.

What fault codes usually point to a cam sensor issue?
Common Serena C26 cam sensor codes are P0340/P0341 (Bank 1 Sensor “A”) and, on engines with multiple phase inputs, P0345/P0346. These indicate circuit faults, range/performance issues, or intermittent signals that the ECM can’t reconcile with the crank sensor.

Does the Serena need programming after replacing the cam sensor?
No coding of the sensor itself is required. After replacement, clearing fault codes and performing an idle/throttle relearn or brief drive cycle is usually enough for the ECM to stabilise fuelling and timing.