Parts for your 2017 Nissan Pulsar-Camshaft sensor

2017 Nissan Pulsar camshaft sensor — what it does and when to replace it

Yes, the 2017 Nissan Pulsar is fitted with a camshaft position sensor. Nissan’s Factory Service Manual (ESM) for the B17/C12 Pulsar/Sylphy platform (MR18DE and MR16DDT engines, EC/Engine Control section) specifies a camshaft position sensor (often called the PHASE sensor) used for sequential fuel injection, ignition timing and variable valve timing control. Nissan’s parts catalogues for these engines also list camshaft position sensor assemblies, confirming the part is relevant on Australian and New Zealand–delivered models.

On this Pulsar, the camshaft sensor tells the ECU exactly where the cam(s) sit relative to the crank. That lets the ECU fire injectors and spark at the right moment and manage the CVTC system. If the signal goes missing or noisy, the car can be hard to start, run rough, hesitate, or throw a check engine light with codes like P0340/P0341. Some variants run one sensor, others may have an intake and an exhaust sensor. Either way, they live at the front of the engine on the timing cover near the cam sprockets, easy enough to reach under the bonnet.

It’s not a consumable service item, so there’s no set replacement interval. Instead, think of it as “inspect and replace if faulty.” During regular servicing, it’s smart to:

• Scan for stored cam/crank correlation faults after any rough-running concern.
• Visually check the sensor connector and harness for oil intrusion, corrosion or chafe.
• Keep oil changes on time — clean oil helps protect the timing components the sensor reads.

Replacement is straightforward with basic tools. Disconnect the battery, unplug the sensor, remove the single retaining bolt, twist the sensor free, lightly oil the new O-ring, and refit. Tighten the bolt to spec in the Nissan ESM (commonly around 8–10 N·m). Clear fault codes and confirm a clean cam/crank sync on a scan tool. If the light returns immediately, check wiring and the crank sensor as they work as a pair.

A quality OEM or reputable aftermarket sensor is worth it — cheap copies can cause intermittent misfires or poor hot restarts. If the Pulsar’s showing long cranks, random stalls, or it drops into limp mode, a quick code read and a look at live data for camshaft phase is the best next step before throwing parts at it.

FAQs

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2017 Nissan Pulsar?
It’s mounted on the front of the engine at the timing cover, aligned to a camshaft target. On MR-series engines it’s typically up high and accessible from the top, near the cam sprockets. Some trims may have a second sensor on the other cam.

Look for a small, single-bolt sensor with a two- or three-pin connector. If in doubt, follow the cam sensor harness from the top of the timing cover.

What are the symptoms of a failing camshaft sensor on a Pulsar?
Common giveaways are long cranking, rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, or sudden stalling. The check engine light may appear with P0340/P0341. Fuel economy can dip because the ECU falls back to less precise timing.

Intermittent heat-related faults are typical — it can run fine cold, then play up hot. A scan tool showing unstable cam phase or sync loss confirms the diagnosis.

Is it safe to drive with a bad camshaft sensor?
It might still run, but it can stall or have weak performance, which isn’t ideal for Aussie or Kiwi traffic. Prolonged driving can risk catalyst damage from misfires and leave the driver stranded when it refuses to restart hot.

Best bet: minimise driving, get the codes checked, and replace the sensor or repair the wiring promptly.