Exhaust and Intake Camshaft Position Sensor Chevrolet Spark 1.2L 2010-2015 Location and Replacement

In this video, I show you the exact location and the complete step-by-step process to replace the Intake and Exhaust Camshaft Position Sensors (CMP) on a 2010-2015 Chevrolet Spark equipped with the 1.2L 4-cylinder engine.

The camshaft position sensors monitor the rotational speed and position of the camshafts, sending critical data to the engine computer to control fuel injection and ignition timing. On this 1.2L dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine, GM utilizes two separate sensors. They are located on the top driver’s side (left-hand side) of the cylinder head, mounted directly into the valve cover casting right next to the engine core structure. Because they sit close to the upper engine wiring harness and a few tight plastic clips, knowing how to release the locking tabs without breaking them will save you time and prevent unnecessary diagnostic headaches.

Common Symptoms of a Bad Camshaft Position Sensor:

• The check engine light illuminates, flagging specific camshaft circuit or correlation codes such as P0340, P0341, P0365, or P0366
• Intermittent long cranking times or a stubborn “no-start” condition when the engine gets hot
• Sudden engine stalling while idling at a red light or driving at highway speeds
• Severe engine hesitation, stumbling, or random misfires under acceleration due to timing miscalculations
• The vehicle enters a protective “limp mode,” resulting in noticeably reduced engine power and fuel efficiency

Safety First

Always prioritize safety before opening the hood or tackling an engine electrical repair. Make sure the vehicle is safely parked on a flat, level surface, the emergency brake is securely engaged, and the ignition is turned completely off with the keys removed. You must disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting this repair. This protects the sensitive Engine Control Module (ECM) from unexpected voltage spikes while handling the sensor harness.

Allow the engine bay to cool down completely to the touch before reaching over the cylinder head to avoid painful burns. Before unbolting the old sensors, thoroughly clean the surrounding area on the valve cover using compressed air or an electrical cleaner spray. If any road grit, dirt flakes, or debris drop into the sensor mounting holes while they are open, it can contaminate the clean engine oil and damage internal mechanical components. Inspect the small rubber O-ring seal on the new sensor, lubricating it with a fresh drop of engine oil before sliding it into place. Protect your eyes and skin by wearing safety glasses and clean work gloves throughout the task.

Need Help? Ask an Expert

I am an experienced mechanic, and I am here to help you guide your vehicle projects to a successful finish. If you hit a snag trying to slide back the plastic safety locks on the harness plugs without snapping the brittle tabs, aren’t sure how to clean out oil residue that has leaked into the electrical connector pins, or need to verify if your codes are being caused by a faulty sensor or a stretched timing chain, leave a message in the comments below. Let me know what you are running into, and I will help you solve your car’s problem!