Video Purpose and Component Location
This video focuses entirely on the intake and exhaust camshaft position sensors (CMP) on the 3.5L V6 engine. If you are looking for the precise spots where these sensors are mounted, this video will point you directly to them.
Because this is a V6 engine, it has two cylinder heads (Bank 1 near the firewall, and Bank 2 near the radiator), with a total of four camshaft position sensors—two intake and two exhaust:
- Bank 1 (Rear/Firewall Side): The intake and exhaust sensors are located on the top driver’s side (transmission side) of the rear cylinder head assembly.
- Bank 2 (Front/Radiator Side): The intake and exhaust sensors are located on the top driver’s side (transmission side) of the front cylinder head assembly.
On both heads, the intake sensor reads the camshaft closer to the intake manifold, while the exhaust sensor reads the camshaft closer to the exhaust manifold.
DIY Car Repair Assistance
Finding and replacing the camshaft position sensors on a V6 engine is a highly manageable task that can quickly restore proper engine timing control. Knowing exactly where they are located across both cylinder banks saves you an expensive diagnostic or labor fee at the repair shop, eliminates guesswork under the hood, and allows you to approach your DIY automotive maintenance with complete confidence.
Symptoms of a Faulty Component
When a camshaft position sensor fails or sends an intermittent signal to the computer, the engine control module loses its ability to precisely manage fuel injection and ignition timing across the cylinders. This leads to several distinct operational symptoms, including an illuminated Check Engine Light (commonly throwing codes P0340 through P0349 or bank-specific timing codes), prolonged or hard engine cranking when starting, sudden stalling or stumbling while driving, a rough idle, and a noticeable drop in overall engine power and fuel efficiency.
Safety Precautions and Awareness
Working around the top of the cylinder heads requires standard automotive safety habits. Always wear appropriate protective gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from residual engine oil, dirt, and sharp metal bracket edges under the hood. Ensure the engine has cooled down completely before starting to avoid severe burns from hot components, especially when reaching near the rear Bank 1 head close to the firewall. Remove the keys from the ignition before disconnecting any electrical connectors, stay alert, and remain fully aware of your surroundings.
Expert Support and Community Questions
As an experienced mechanic with years of hands-on technical diagnostic and repair experience, I am here to help you get this job done right. If you run into any issues during the replacement, have trouble identifying which sensor corresponds to the specific error code on Bank 1 or Bank 2, or have specific questions about uncliping the wiring harnesses in those tight spaces, feel free to leave a comment below. I actively read the comments to help you get your car sorted out.