Parts for your 2019 Nissan Pathfinder-Camshaft sensor

2019 Nissan Pathfinder camshaft sensor: what it does and when to replace it

Per the Nissan Factory Service Manual for the R52 series (2019, EC/Engine Control) and the Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue, the 2019 Pathfinder’s 3.5‑litre VQ35DD engine is fitted with two camshaft position sensors (one per cylinder bank). Those documents, along with Nissan diagnostic references for DTCs P0340/P0345 on this model, make it clear the camshaft sensor is absolutely used and relevant on the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder.

The camshaft sensor’s job is to let the engine computer know exactly where each cam is in its rotation. On the VQ35DD, that’s crucial for sequential fuel injection, spark timing, and controlling the Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVTC) on both banks. In plain terms, the sensor helps the Pathfinder start cleanly, idle smoothly, pull strongly, and sip less fuel. If the signal drops out or gets noisy, the ECU can’t sync the valve timing and ignition properly, which can trigger a check engine light and shove the vehicle into a protective (limp) mode.

This isn’t a regular “replace by kilometres” service item, but it does benefit from a quick look during routine servicing:

• Under the bonnet, check both sensor connectors for oil wicking, corrosion, or loose terminals.
• Inspect the harness for rubbing near brackets and the back of the cylinder heads.
• If the rocker cover area is weeping oil, tidy that up so it doesn’t contaminate the sensor or plug.

Common symptoms of a crook camshaft sensor on this Pathfinder include longer cranking, intermittent stalling at idle, flat spots off the line, poor fuel economy, and fault codes like P0340/P0345. Because the VQ35DD uses a crank sensor and two cam sensors together, it’s worth confirming live data and wiring integrity before ordering parts.

Replacement is straightforward for most workshops and switched‑on DIYers: pop off the engine cover, unplug the sensor on the cylinder head, remove the small retaining bolt, and ease the sensor out. Lightly oil the O‑ring on the new unit, seat it squarely, refit the bolt to the factory torque spec, and reconnect the plug. Clear codes and verify cam/crank sync in live data. Genuine or high‑quality aftermarket sensors are recommended, as cheap copies can cause intermittent faults. Most jobs take well under an hour per side on this platform.

Technical touchpoints owners can ask their mechanic to check: the ECU shows “CAMSHAFT PHASE” and “CAM POS SEN” signals on Consult‑III Plus, if those are rock‑steady and in range at hot idle and during a blip test, the sensors and timing control are doing their thing.

Popular questions about the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder camshaft sensor

Does the 2019 Pathfinder have one or two camshaft sensors?
It has two—one on each cylinder head—plus a separate crankshaft sensor. The pair of cam sensors lets the ECU manage sequential injection and CVTC on both banks, which is why accurate signals are so important for smooth running.

Can it still be driven with a failing camshaft sensor?
Sometimes, but it’s not ideal. The engine may start hard, run rough, or drop into limp mode to protect itself. Continuing to drive can chew through more fuel and may mask wiring or timing issues, so it’s best to scan it and sort the fault promptly.

Where are the camshaft sensors located?
They’re mounted in the ends of the cylinder heads, accessible under the plastic engine cover. Each has a small retaining bolt and an electrical connector. Access is generally good with basic hand tools, though rear‑bank space can be a touch tighter.