Q: What is the purpose of the camshaft position sensor and how is it used by the ECM?A: The camshaft position sensor, also known as the cylinder identification sensor, responds to an impulse wheel on the camshaft. It sends signals to the ECM for cylinder recognition, spark timing, fuel injection, and valve control. If a fault is detected, the malfunction indicator light is illuminated. The sensor is powered by 12 volts from the engine electronics fuses and ground from the ECM, producing a 5 volt square wave signal. The intake sensor is located at the left front of the cylinder head, the exhaust sensor at the right. A faulty VANOS solenoid may trigger sensor fault codes. If suspected, swap the solenoid from the faulty bank to the other. If the fault code follows, the solenoid is to blame.