Parts for your 2020 Lexus Is-Camshaft sensor

2020 Lexus IS camshaft sensor — what it does and how to look after it

Per Lexus/Toyota technical sources — including the Lexus Repair Manual (TIS), the 2020 IS Electrical Wiring Diagram, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue — the 2020 Lexus IS is fitted with camshaft position sensors. The 8AR-FTS 2.0‑litre turbo four has a camshaft sensor on the cylinder head, and the V6 variants (2GR series) use two sensors, one per bank. Lexus service information also details DTCs in the P0340–P0349 range for these engines, confirming the sensor’s role.

This sensor’s job is to tell the engine control module exactly where the camshaft is, so it can sync fuel injection and ignition and control VVT‑i/VVT‑iW cam timing. That keeps the IS smooth at idle, punchy off the mark, and efficient on a long Kiwi or Aussie motorway run.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval. Instead, the sensor is serviced by inspection: keeping the connector clean and dry, ensuring the engine oil is the correct grade and changed on time (dirty oil can upset VVT operation and confuse cam timing readings), and scanning for any stored cam/crank correlation faults during routine diagnostics.

• Common symptoms of a crook cam sensor: long cranking, rough running, intermittent stalling, limp mode, poor fuel economy, and the MIL on. Typical codes include P0340/P0341 (Bank 1) and P0345/P0349 (Bank 2 on V6).
• Location notes: on the 8AR‑FTS it sits near the top/front of the timing cover, on the V6 there’s one on each bank near the front of the cylinder heads under the engine cover (bonnet up, front of the engine).

If replacement’s needed, a genuine Lexus/Denso unit is the safe bet. The job is straightforward: disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, remove the retaining bolt, and ease out the sensor. Lightly oil the new O‑ring, seat it squarely, and torque the small retaining bolt to about 9 N·m. Reconnect, clear codes, and let the ECU relearn — usually a short drive cycle of a few kilometres will do it. No special programming is typically required.

Good practice during a service: check for oil seepage into the connector, brittle wiring near hot areas, and any signs of previous over‑tightening. If the IS shows cam timing or sensor faults, always verify engine oil condition/level and inspect the crank sensor and timing marks before condemning the cam sensor.

• Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2020 Lexus IS?
  On the 8AR‑FTS 2.0‑litre, it’s at the front upper timing cover on the cylinder head. On the V6 models, there are two — one per bank — mounted near the front of each cylinder head, tucked under the engine cover.
• Does a new camshaft sensor need programming?
  Generally no. Fit the new sensor, clear any codes, and the ECU will adapt on its own after a short drive. Expect a brief idle relearn, a few kilometres of mixed driving sorts it.
• Is it safe to drive with a faulty camshaft sensor?
  It might start and run but can stumble, lose power, or enter limp mode. Short, gentle trips to a workshop are usually fine, but extended driving risks poor performance and higher fuel use. Scan for codes like P0340/P0345 and fix it promptly.