Intake and Exhaust Camshaft Position Sensor Chevrolet Malibu 2008-2012 2.4l Location, Removal

In this video, I show you the exact location and the complete step-by-step process to remove both the Intake and Exhaust Camshaft Position (CMP) sensors on a 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec 4-cylinder engine.

These sensors sit right at the top of the cylinder head on the driver’s side of the engine bay. Knowing how to tell them apart, safely disconnect their electrical harnesses, and remove them without dropping the mounting bolts into the engine compartment will save you time and keep your repair on track.

Common Symptoms of Bad Camshaft Position Sensors:

• The check engine light comes on, flagging specific camshaft circuit codes like P0010, P0011, P0013, or P0014
• Severe engine hesitation, stumbling, or a sudden loss of power during acceleration
• A rough, erratic engine idle or random stalling when coming to a complete stop
• Hard starting conditions (extended cranking time before the engine finally fires up)
• A significant drop in fuel economy as the engine management system defaults to a backup timing loop

Safety First

Always prioritize safety before starting your repair. Make sure the vehicle is safely parked on a flat, level surface, the emergency brake is securely engaged, and the engine is completely turned off with the keys removed from the ignition. Allow the engine compartment plenty of time to cool down fully to avoid painful burns from hot engine components or the nearby exhaust system. Turn the ignition off to ensure no power is being sent to the sensor circuits during removal. Protect your eyes and hands by wearing safety glasses and durable work gloves, and maintain your full focus 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 determine which sensor is the intake and which is the exhaust, have trouble releasing the gray plastic locking tabs on the connectors without breaking them, or are dealing with a tricky breakdown, 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!