Camshaft position sensor (CMP) in cars Nissan - a critical element of the engine management system, responsible for synchronizing fuel injection and ignition. Its malfunction leads to errors P0340 (“Sensor circuit malfunction”) or P0345 (“Incorrect signal”), which manifest themselves as unstable idling, loss of power, or even engine failure to start. In this article we will analyze camshaft sensor pinout for all popular models Nissan (from Almera N16 to X-Trail T32), we will learn how to check it with a multimeter and analyze oscillograms.

Features of the sensors Nissan - use of a three-wire connection circuit (less often - two-wire for older models), where each contact is responsible for power, ground or signal. However on engines QR25DE And MR20DD pinout may differ from the classic diagram GA16DE or SR20DE, which often causes diagnostic errors. We have collected current pinout data, including color coding of wires and contact numbers in the ECU connector.

Where is the camshaft sensor located on a Nissan?

The location of the sensor depends on the engine type and vehicle model. In most cases it is installed:

  • 🔧 On the cylinder head (cylinder head) next to the camshaft (typical for Qashqai J10/J11, X-Trail T31/T32).
  • 🔧 At the end of the cylinder head from the timing belt side (typical for Almera N16, Primera P12).
  • 🔧 On the bracket next to the oil filler neck (engines VQ35DE, VQ25DE in Teana J32, Murano Z51).
  • 🔧 Under the intake manifold (less often, for example, on some Pathfinder R51).

Visually, the sensor is a cylindrical body with a 2-3 pin connector. There may be markings on it 23731-XXXX (where XXXX is the model code). To access the sensor on some engines (eg MR20DD) you will have to remove the decorative cover or air duct.

⚠️ Attention: On engines with variable valve timing system (VVEL or CVTC) the camshaft sensor can be duplicated - one is responsible for the intake shaft, the second for the exhaust shaft. Confusion in their connection will lead to errors P0011 or P0021.
📊 What engine is installed in your Nissan?
  • GA16DE/SR20DE
  • QR25DE/MR20DD
  • VQ35DE/VQ25DE
  • Other (specify in comments)

Camshaft sensor pinout: diagram by model

Standard pinout for most Nissan with 3-wire sensor:

Contact Wire color Purpose Voltage (V)
1 Red or pink Power (+5V or +12V) 4.5–5.5
2 Black or brown Weight (–) 0
3 Green, blue or yellow Signal output 0.1–4.8 (pulse)

Exceptions:

  • 🔌 Nissan Almera N16 (engine QG15DE): pin 1 - white (+5V), pin 3 - red (signal).
  • 🔌 X-Trail T31 (engine MR20DE): pin 2 - yellow (ground), pin 3 - green (signal).
  • 🔌 Teana J32 (engine VQ25DE): the sensor has 2 wires (power + signal, common ground with the crankshaft sensor).

To determine the exact pinout on your model, check wiring diagram in the repair manual or use a diagnostic scanner to test the circuits. For example, in the program Nissan Consult III the sensor is designated as Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP).

How to find a diagram for your model?

1. Download the repair manual (FSM) for your VIN code from the website NicoClub.
2. In the "Engine Control System" section, find the "Camshaft Position Sensor" subsection.
3. Check the contact numbers with the ECU connector (usually ECM pin 24, 25, 26 for the signal circuit).

How to check the camshaft sensor with a multimeter

Sensor diagnostics includes 3 stages: checking power supply, circuit integrity and signal. You will need a multimeter with DC measurement mode (DC 20V) and variable (AC 2V) voltage.

Step 1: Checking Power:

  1. Disconnect the sensor connector.
  2. Turn on the ignition (do not start the engine!).
  3. Connect red dipstick multimeter to the power pin (usually pin 1), black dipstick - for engine mass.
  4. The voltage should be 4.5–5.5V. Deviations indicate an open or short circuit in the circuit.

Step 2: Checking the Signal Wire:

  • 🔍 Connect the probes to the signal and ground contacts (pins 3 and 2).
  • 🔍 Set the multimeter to AC 2V.
  • 🔍 Crank the engine with the starter (without starting). On a working sensor, the voltage will jump in the range 0.1–4.8V.

No power (+5V) → Check the fuse and wires to the computer

Signal voltage = 0V → Replace sensor

Winding resistance < 500 Ohm → Short circuit

The signal is unstable → Check the gap between the sensor and the drive disk (should be 0.5–1.5 mm)

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Step 3. Resistance check:

Disconnect the connector and measure the resistance between the signal and ground contacts. Normal values:

  • 📊 For sensors Nissan with Hall effect: 500–1500 Ohm.
  • 📊 For inductive sensors: 200–900 Ohm.
⚠️ Attention: On engines VQ35DE And VQ25DE The camshaft sensor may have a built-in signal amplifier. Its resistance between power and ground should be 1–10 kOhm. If it shows 0 ohm — the sensor is broken.

Camshaft sensor errors: explanation and causes

Trouble codes associated with the CMP sensor:

Error code Description Possible reasons
P0340 Camshaft sensor circuit malfunction Broken wire, oxidation of contacts, ECU malfunction
P0341 Sensor signal out of acceptable limits Incorrect clearance, damaged drive disc
P0345 Incorrect sensor signal Sensor wear, circuit interference, incompatible ECU firmware
P0011 Valve timing offset (VVEL/CVTC) Malfunction of the phase change system, oil contamination

The most insidious mistake is P0340, since it may appear sporadically. For example, on Nissan Qashqai J11 with engine MR20DD it often occurs in humid weather due to water entering the sensor connector. In such cases, contact processing helps contact lubricant (For example, CRC 2-26).

Error P0011 typical for engines with a system VVEL (Nissan 370Z, Infiniti G37). Here the camshaft sensor works in tandem with the crankshaft sensor and the timing failure can be caused by:

  • 🛑 Timing chain wear (stretching more than 5 mm).
  • 🛑 Contamination of the oil channels of the VVEL solenoid.
  • 🛑 Malfunction of hydraulic compensators.
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If after replacing the sensor the error P0340 remains, check the circuit from the ECU to the sensor connector for frayed wires near the exhaust manifold - this is a typical problem for Nissan X-Trail T31 And Pathfinder R51.

Replacing the camshaft sensor: step-by-step instructions

To replace the sensor you will need:

  • 🔧 10 mm socket wrench (less often 8 mm).
  • 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for removing the connector lock).
  • 🔧 Torque wrench (tightening torque: 8–12 Nm).
  • 🔧 New sensor (original numbers: 23731-AL50A, 23731-4M010, 23731-JK00A).

Work order:

  1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
  2. Disconnect the sensor connector by pressing the latch.
  3. Unscrew the sensor mounting bolt (do not lose the washer!).
  4. Carefully remove the sensor by rocking it from side to side (do not use force - you may break the housing!).
  5. Clean the seat from oil and dirt (use carbcleaner).
  6. Install the new sensor, observing the tightening torque.

After replacement:

  • 🔄 Reset errors via diagnostic scanner.
  • 🔄 Warm up the engine to operating temperature and check for errors.
  • 🔄 If the error returns, check the gap between the sensor and the drive disk (there should be 0.5–1.5 mm).
⚠️ Attention: On engines VQ35DE (for example, in Nissan 350Z) The camshaft sensor is included in the kit with the cylinder head cover. When replacing it, it may be necessary to replace the cover O-ring (part number 13270-4M000).

Camshaft sensor waveform: how to read the signal

For deep diagnostics use oscilloscope (or a multimeter with a graph recording function). Connect the probes to the signal and ground wires of the sensor, start the engine and record the oscillogram.

Normal signal:

  • 📈 Pulse amplitude: 0.1–4.8V (for Hall sensors).
  • 📈 The frequency corresponds to the engine speed (at idle ~ 15–20 Hz).
  • 📈 The shape of the impulses is smooth, without “dips” or noise.

Signs of a malfunction on the oscillogram:

  • 🚨 Low amplitude (<0.5V) - weak signal, possible sensor wear.
  • 🚨 Missing pulses — damage to the drive disk or an open circuit.
  • 🚨 Noises — interference from high-voltage wires or a generator.

Example waveform for Nissan QR25DE:



_


/   \____


|     |   |____


\___/    \

If the graph is “ragged” or the pulses are irregular, the sensor must be replaced. You can use the program for analysis Oscilloscope Software or built-in oscilloscope in diagnostic scanners Launch X431 or Autel MaxiCOM.

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Even if the waveform looks normal, there is an error P0345 appears periodically, check integrity of signal wire shielding — it often rubs against the intake manifold.

Frequently asked questions about Nissan camshaft sensor

Is it possible to drive with P0340?

For a short time - yes, but the engine will operate in emergency mode: fuel consumption will increase, dynamics will disappear, and jerks during acceleration are possible. Driving for a long time with this error will lead to:

  • 🔥 Overheating of the catalyst (due to incorrect fuel mixture).
  • 🔥 Accelerated wear of spark plugs.
  • 🔥 Damage to the converter (on engines with Euro 5/6).

On some models (for example, Nissan Juke with engine HR16DE) error P0340 may block engine starting after 3–5 unsuccessful attempts.

Which camshaft sensor to choose: original or analogue?

Original sensors (Nissan, Hitachi) more reliable, but more expensive (from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles). Among analogues, they are well recommended:

  • 🏆 Bosch (numbers 0 261 210 115, 0 261 210 138) - suitable for Qashqai, X-Trail.
  • 🏆 Denso (550-0103) - for engines VQ And QR.
  • 🏆 Febi Bilstein (23731) - budget option (from 1,200 rubles).

When choosing an analogue, be sure to check catalog number And number of contacts (2 or 3). For example, a sensor from Nissan Almera Classic (B10) not suitable for Almera N16 due to different connectors.

Why does the error not go away after replacing the sensor?

Reasons:

  1. Circuit fault: Check the wires from the sensor to the ECU for open or short circuits (especially near the exhaust manifold).
  2. Problems with the ECU: on Nissan Note E11 And Micra K13 The control unit often malfunctions due to corrosion on the board.
  3. Sensor incompatibility: Even if it is externally identical, the internal electronics may differ (for example, sensors for VVEL and conventional engines are not interchangeable).
  4. The master disk is dirty: on engines MR20DD And HR16DE metal shavings can stick to the disk magnet, distorting the signal.

For diagnostics:

  • 🔧 Ring the circuit from the sensor to the ECU (resistance should be <1 Ohm).
  • 🔧 Check the voltage at the ECU connector (sensor power contact).
  • 🔧 Make sure the new sensor has the same markings as the old one.
Is it possible to clean the camshaft sensor?

Mechanical cleaning not recommended, because:

  • 🧹 The sensor body is sealed - when opened, it will lose protection from moisture.
  • 🧹 The sensitive element (Hall effect or magnetoresistive sensor) is easily damaged.
  • 🧹 Oil or dirt deposits on the end of the sensor usually do not affect the signal (the exception is a thick layer of metal shavings).

Only allowed:

  • 🧽 Wipe sensor end lint-free cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
  • 🧽 Clean the connector from oxidation (use contact spray WD-40 Specialist).
How to check the camshaft sensor without a multimeter?

Methods:

  1. Replacing with a known good one: Temporarily install a sensor from another vehicle (if the model is the same).
  2. Visual inspection:
    • 👀 Cracks or chips on the case.
    • 👀 Traces of oil inside the connector (indicates leakage).
    • 👀 Oxidation of contacts (green plaque).
  • Test by ear: If the sensor is faulty, the engine may “trouble” or stall at idle.

    • On engines SR20DE (for example, in Nissan Primera P12) you can temporarily disconnect the sensor connector - if the engine starts (but runs intermittently), the problem is in the sensor.