Parts for your 2018 Toyota Camry-Camshaft sensor

2018 Toyota Camry camshaft sensor — what it does and when to replace it

Yes, the 2018 Toyota Camry does use camshaft position sensors. Technical documentation confirms this across its engines: the Toyota Camry (XV70) Repair Manual includes dedicated procedures for “Camshaft Position Sensor: Inspection/Removal/Installation” for both the 2.5‑litre A25A‑FKS/FXS and the 3.5‑litre 2GR‑FKS V6. Toyota’s New Car Features (NCF) material for these engines describes camshaft sensing as part of sequential fuel injection, ignition timing, and VVT‑i/VVT‑iE control. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) also lists camshaft position sensor assemblies for these engines. In short, the sensor is relevant and fitted to all 2018 Camry variants (two sensors on A25A‑FKS/FXS—intake and exhaust, four on 2GR‑FKS—one per camshaft).

On a 2018 Camry, the camshaft sensor keeps the engine computer in the loop about exactly where each cam is, so it can sync injection and spark, and finely control valve timing. That precise timing is why these cars start cleanly, idle smoothly, and sip fuel rather than guzzle it. If a sensor goes out of whack, expect hard starts, rough running, doughy throttle response, increased fuel use, or a check engine light with codes like P0340/P0341/P0365.

It’s not a scheduled replacement item, but it’s smart to keep an eye on it while servicing. Fresh, correct‑grade engine oil helps, as varnish and debris can affect signal quality and VVT operation. Under the bonnet, inspect the sensor connectors and wiring for heat damage, oil intrusion, or loose pins. Light oil weeping at the sensor body usually means the O‑ring’s tired—replace it to prevent leaks.

• When to replace: persistent cam/crank correlation codes, confirmed no wiring faults, and symptoms that track with a specific bank or cam.
• Good practice: use a quality OEM‑equivalent sensor and a new O‑ring, avoid cheapies that can cause intermittent faults.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent home mechanic: disconnect the battery, locate the sensor on the cylinder head (A25A: one on intake, one on exhaust, 2GR‑FKS: one per cam), unplug, remove the retaining bolt, swap the O‑ring, fit the new sensor, and torque the bolt to the repair‑manual spec. Clear the fault codes and take it for a drive. No special relearn is typically needed. If faults persist, check the harness, timing, or VVT actuators before calling it done.

Tip: don’t confuse the cam sensor with the crank sensor—both are timing inputs, but they live in different spots and throw different code sets.

Popular questions about the 2018 Toyota Camry camshaft sensor

Does a 2018 Camry have one or two camshaft sensors?
Four‑cyl A25A‑FKS/FXS engines have two—one for the intake cam and one for the exhaust cam. The V6 2GR‑FKS has four, one per camshaft. That lets the ECU control and verify valve timing precisely for smooth performance and efficiency.

What fault codes point to a bad camshaft sensor?
Common Camry codes include P0340/P0341 (Camshaft Position Sensor “A” circuit/performance) and P0365/P0366 (Sensor “B” on the other cam). Always check wiring, connectors, and oil condition before condemning the sensor.

Is it safe to keep driving with a dodgy camshaft sensor?
It might run, but it’s not ideal. You can get hard starts, misfires, poor fuel economy, and the engine may drop into a protective strategy. Sort it sooner rather than later to avoid stalling or catalyst damage.