Parts for your 2016 Toyota Camry-Camshaft sensor

2016 Toyota Camry camshaft sensor — fitment, purpose and service tips

Based on Toyota factory service information (TIS/Repair Manual), the engine wiring diagrams, and the Toyota EPC parts catalogue for the XV50-series Camry, the 2016 Toyota Camry is fitted with camshaft position sensors. The 2.5‑litre 2AR‑FE four‑cylinder uses a camshaft sensor, and the 3.5‑litre 2GR‑FE V6 uses two (one per bank). These sources also list related OBD‑II diagnostics such as P0340/P0341 (Camshaft Position Sensor “A”) and P0345/P0349 (Bank 2), confirming the sensor’s role in the vehicle’s engine management.

The camshaft sensor (often called a CMP) tells the engine control module exactly where the camshaft is in its rotation. That timing info is used to sync fuel injection, stabilise idle, run variable valve timing (VVT‑i), and sharpen spark timing for smooth starts and good fuel economy. If the reading goes missing or dodgy, the Camry can be hard to start, run rough, feel down on power, or flash the check engine light.

As part of regular servicing, there’s no set replacement interval for the camshaft sensor—Toyota treats it as a “replace on fault” item. Still, a quick visual once‑over is smart: look for damaged wiring or connectors under the bonnet, oil leaks wicking into the plug, or signs of impact around the sensor’s mounting on the cylinder head (V6 owners have one on each bank). Keeping the plug clean and clipped firmly is half the battle.

If a sensor does fail, replacement is a straightforward bolt‑off/bolt‑on job for many competent DIYers. Disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, remove the retaining bolt, and ease out the sensor. Lightly oil the O‑ring on the new unit, seat it square, and tighten the bolt to manufacturer spec (typically around 8–10 N·m). Clear fault codes and confirm live data shows stable cam timing. On the V6, confirm you’re replacing the correct bank’s sensor.

• Typical symptoms: long crank, rough idle, hesitation, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
• Common codes: P0340/P0341 (Bank 1), P0345/P0349 (Bank 2 on V6).
• Best practice: use quality OE‑equivalent sensors, inspect harness routing to avoid rub‑through.

Look after the basics and the Camry’s cam timing stays crisp, keeping kilometre after kilometre of easy motoring across Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Popular questions about the 2016 Toyota Camry camshaft sensor

Where is the camshaft sensor located on a 2016 Camry?
On the 2.5‑litre four‑cylinder, it’s mounted at the end of the cylinder head near the timing chain area, accessible from the front of the engine bay. On the 3.5‑litre V6 there are two—one on Bank 1 and one on Bank 2—each on the respective cylinder head.

Can a dirty camshaft sensor be cleaned, or must it be replaced?
The CMP is a sealed Hall‑effect sensor. You can clean the exterior and connector, but if it’s internally faulty or oil‑soaked due to an O‑ring failure, replacement is the proper fix. Always address any oil leak that may contaminate the connector.

Is it safe to keep driving with a camshaft sensor fault code?
It may still run, but performance and fuel economy can suffer, and stalling or hard starts are possible. It’s best to diagnose promptly to avoid being stranded and to prevent catalyst‑damaging misfires.