Where Camshaft Position Sensor Bank 1 Is Located

Camshaft position sensor Bank 1 is almost always located on the engine side that contains cylinder number 1, typically mounted near or on the cylinder head, often at the front or top of the engine and aligned with the camshaft or timing components. Exact placement varies by make and model, but it’s usually accessible from the top or front of the engine and secured with one or two small bolts and an electrical connector.

Understanding What “Bank 1” Means

To find the camshaft position sensor for Bank 1, it’s essential to understand what “Bank 1” refers to in automotive terminology and how it differs from the physical location of the sensor itself.

Definition of Bank 1

In modern engines, the term “Bank 1” does not describe where the sensor sits, but rather which side of the engine it monitors. Bank 1 is always the side of the engine that contains cylinder number 1. Bank 2, where present, is the opposite side.

The following list explains how Bank 1 is determined by engine layout, which is the starting point before you can narrow down the sensor’s physical location.

• Inline (I4, I3, I6, etc.) engines: These engines have only one bank of cylinders, so the entire engine is Bank 1. Any camshaft position sensor on an inline engine is considered Bank 1 by default.
• V6, V8, V10 engines: These have two banks. Bank 1 is the bank that includes cylinder 1; Bank 2 is the opposite bank.
• Flat (boxer) engines: Like some Subaru and Porsche engines, these also have two banks. Again, Bank 1 is the side with cylinder 1.
• Transverse vs. longitudinal engines: In transverse (sideways) engines, Bank 1 may be toward the front of the vehicle (radiator side) or toward the firewall, depending on design. In longitudinal (front-to-back) engines, Bank 1 is usually on the left or right side, defined only by where cylinder 1 sits, not driver side vs. passenger side.

Understanding that Bank 1 is linked to cylinder 1—rather than to a visual left/right or front/back reference—helps avoid confusion when comparing guides or diagrams for different vehicles.

Bank 1 vs. Sensor Location

Manufacturers often refer to camshaft sensors as “Bank 1 Sensor A” or “Bank 1 Intake” and “Bank 1 Exhaust.” The “Bank 1” part tells you which side of the engine is being monitored; the exact location of the sensor hardware depends on how that engine’s camshafts and timing components are laid out.

Typical Physical Locations of a Bank 1 Camshaft Position Sensor

While every vehicle is a bit different, camshaft position sensors follow a few common placement patterns. They must “see” the camshaft or a related trigger wheel to monitor its position relative to the crankshaft.

Common Mounting Areas

The camshaft position sensor on Bank 1 will usually be mounted to the cylinder head or timing cover on the Bank 1 side, positioned so its tip faces a camshaft sprocket, trigger wheel, or camshaft end.

The list below describes the most frequent locations where technicians find a Bank 1 camshaft position sensor across modern engines.

• Top of the cylinder head (valve cover area): On many inline-4 and some V6 engines, the sensor is on top of the engine, near one end of the valve cover on the Bank 1 side, with a small electrical connector and a single retaining bolt.
• Front of the engine near the timing cover: On engines with timing chains or belts at the front, the sensor is often inserted into or just beside the upper timing cover, aligned with the camshaft sprocket on Bank 1.
• Rear of the cylinder head: Some V6 and V8 engines place the cam sensor at the rear (firewall side) of the cylinder head for Bank 1, where it reads the back end of the camshaft.
• Under plastic engine covers: Cosmetic engine covers can hide sensors. The Bank 1 cam sensor might sit just beneath such a cover, requiring its removal for access.
• Integrated into a camshaft housing or cam carrier: On some modern DOHC engines, the sensor is built into or attached to a separate camshaft carrier assembly on the Bank 1 side.

Although these locations vary, a consistent clue is that the sensor sits close to the rotating camshaft on the Bank 1 side and is fixed in place with a small bolt and a keyed electrical connector.

How to Visually Identify the Sensor

The camshaft position sensor itself is usually a small electronic device, roughly finger-sized, with a plastic body and an O-ring where it inserts into the head or cover.

The following features can help distinguish a camshaft position sensor from nearby components such as knock sensors or solenoids.

• Shape: Typically a narrow cylindrical or rectangular sensor body that inserts into the engine, with a mounting tab for a bolt.
• Connector: A 2- or 3-pin electrical connector, sometimes with a distinctive lock tab, routed to the engine wiring harness.
• Mounting style: Bolted flat against the head or cover, with the sensor tip pointing inward toward a toothed wheel or cam lobe area.
• Location relative to cam components: Positioned near the camshaft sprocket, cam gear, or the end of the camshaft, but not in contact with oil externally (though the sensor tip may be exposed to oil inside).

These visual clues, combined with a repair manual illustration or an online parts diagram for your specific engine, make it much easier to verify you’ve found the correct Bank 1 sensor.

Bank 1 by Engine Configuration and Brand Examples

Because people often search by brand or engine type, it’s helpful to see how Bank 1 is defined on a few common layouts and what that means for locating the camshaft sensor.

Inline Engines (Common in Many 4-Cylinder Cars)

With inline engines, you only have a single bank of cylinders. That simplifies Bank 1, but not necessarily the exact sensor location.

The examples below show how Bank 1 camshaft sensors are typically placed on popular inline engines.

• Toyota / Lexus inline-4 (e.g., 2AR-FE, 2ZR-FE): Bank 1 cam sensor is often at the end of the cylinder head near the timing chain, under or beside the upper timing chain cover on the passenger side in a transverse layout.
• Honda 4-cylinder (e.g., K-series, R-series): Commonly mounted on the cylinder head at either the top front corner or top rear corner, reading the intake camshaft position.
• Modern turbo 4s (Hyundai, VW, GM, Ford EcoBoost): Frequently located on the top or side of the cylinder head, next to the camshaft gears and beneath plastic engine covers.

Because any inline engine is entirely Bank 1, the primary step is finding the camshaft area—usually near the timing chain or belt end—then looking for the compact cam sensor attached to the head or timing cover.

V6 and V8 Engines

On V-type engines, Bank 1 identification is essential, because the exact sensor location depends on which head holds cylinder 1. The sensor might be on either bank relative to the car’s body, depending on manufacturer design.

The following list outlines how common manufacturers define and implement Bank 1 on V engines, which directly affects where the Bank 1 cam sensor sits.

• GM V6 / V8 (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac): Bank 1 is usually the driver’s side on longitudinal (front-engine, rear-drive) setups. The Bank 1 cam sensor may be on the front or rear of that head or integrated into the timing cover, reading the Bank 1 camshaft or a combined cam wheel.
• Ford V6 / V8: Bank 1 is the bank with cylinder 1; on many longitudinal Ford engines, this is often the passenger side, but not always. The Bank 1 cam sensor is typically on the timing cover or the top of the Bank 1 head near the front.
• Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep V6 (e.g., Pentastar 3.6L): Bank 1 is commonly on the passenger side in longitudinal layouts. The Bank 1 cam sensor sits at the front or top of that cylinder head, or just behind the timing cover.
• Mercedes-Benz V6 / V8: Bank 1 is usually on the side closest to the front of the crankshaft pulley when viewed from the front. Cam sensors are placed at either the front or rear of each cylinder head; Bank 1 cam sensor is on the Bank 1 head.
• BMW V6-equivalent inline-6 (N-series, B-series): These are inline engines, so the entire engine is Bank 1, and the cam sensors are on the front of the cylinder head, usually one each for intake and exhaust cams.

Because V engines can flip Bank 1 between driver and passenger sides depending on layout, the most reliable method is always to consult a cylinder numbering diagram for your specific engine to identify the Bank 1 head, then look for the sensor on that side’s cam or timing area.

Bank 1 Intake vs. Exhaust Cam Sensors

Many dual overhead cam (DOHC) engines use separate camshaft sensors for intake and exhaust cams on Bank 1. Diagnostic trouble codes may refer to these as “Sensor A” and “Sensor B.”

The list below clarifies how naming conventions map to physical locations on Bank 1.

• Sensor A (often intake): Typically monitors the intake camshaft on Bank 1, positioned at or near the intake side of the cylinder head where the intake valves and intake manifold are located.
• Sensor B (often exhaust): Usually monitors the exhaust camshaft on Bank 1, sitting closer to the exhaust manifold or exhaust side of the head.
• Manufacturer-specific naming: Some automakers reverse A/B or use “Intake” and “Exhaust” directly in scan tool readouts or service manuals, so checking a service reference for your exact engine avoids mix-ups.

Understanding whether a trouble code refers to the intake or exhaust cam on Bank 1 is crucial, since each may have its own sensor mounted in a slightly different location on the same cylinder head.

Diagnosing and Accessing the Bank 1 Camshaft Position Sensor

Locating the sensor is often part of diagnosing a check-engine light, misfire, or drivability issue. Modern vehicles will usually log a fault code when the camshaft position sensor on Bank 1 fails or its signal becomes erratic.

Common Trouble Codes for Bank 1 Cam Sensors

On OBD-II vehicles, camshaft position sensor issues are frequently captured by standardized codes that specifically mention Bank 1.

The following codes are among the most common indicators of a Bank 1 camshaft position sensor issue.

• P0340: Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit (Bank 1 or Single Sensor) – typically indicates a widespread signal or wiring fault on the primary Bank 1 cam sensor.
• P0341: Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1) – often signals a weak, noisy, or out-of-sync signal relative to the crankshaft.
• P0345–P0349 range: Similar issues for other cam sensors, sometimes specifying Bank 2 or Sensor B (which may still be on Bank 1 for exhaust cams, depending on naming).
• Manufacturer-specific codes: Some brands add codes that explicitly say “Bank 1 Intake Camshaft Position Sensor” or “Bank 1 Exhaust Camshaft Position Sensor,” guiding you directly to the affected unit.

Once a Bank 1-related cam sensor code appears, confirming which side of the engine is Bank 1—and then identifying whether the intake or exhaust cam is referenced—pinpoints the sensor you need to inspect.

Typical Steps to Access the Sensor

Physically reaching the Bank 1 camshaft position sensor can range from straightforward to difficult, depending on engine orientation and packaging.

The steps below outline a basic approach used by technicians when locating and accessing the Bank 1 camshaft sensor for inspection or replacement.

1. Identify Bank 1: Use a factory service manual, reliable repair database, or label under the hood to see which side houses cylinder 1.
2. Locate the camshaft area: Find the top of the engine where the camshafts or timing cover for Bank 1 are situated—in many cases at the front or top of that cylinder head.
3. Remove covers or ducts: Take off plastic engine covers, air intake tubes, or small brackets that obstruct access to the Bank 1 head or timing cover.
4. Look for the sensor by shape and connector: Find the small, bolt-on sensor with an electrical connector pointing into the cam or timing region at the Bank 1 side.
5. Verify via part diagrams: Cross-check with an online parts catalog or diagram for your exact engine to confirm you’ve identified the correct Bank 1 camshaft position sensor.
6. Disconnect and remove if needed: Unplug the connector, remove the retaining bolt, and gently pull the sensor straight out, being mindful of the O-ring seal.

This method leverages both the conceptual understanding of Bank 1 and physical clues on the engine, reducing the risk of removing the wrong sensor or working on the incorrect bank.

Why the Exact Location Can Vary

Although the general rule—Bank 1 equals the side with cylinder 1—holds across the industry, manufacturers implement camshaft sensors differently for design, packaging, and emissions reasons.

Design Factors Affecting Location

Automakers must balance sensor performance, serviceability, and cost when deciding exactly where to place the camshaft position sensor on Bank 1.

The list below summarizes key factors that influence how and where a Bank 1 camshaft position sensor ends up mounted.

• Type of timing system: Chain vs. belt drives can change whether it’s easier to read cam position at the front or rear of the head, or through a dedicated trigger wheel.
• Number of camshafts: Single overhead cam (SOHC) engines may have a single cam sensor per bank, while DOHC engines often need separate intake and exhaust cam sensors per bank.
• Emission and performance strategies: Engines with variable valve timing (VVT) rely heavily on precise cam feedback, sometimes prompting multiple sensors or specific mounting points for best signal quality.
• Engine orientation in the vehicle: Transverse mounting in front-wheel-drive cars can end up hiding Bank 1 sensors against the firewall, while longitudinal engines may leave them more exposed at the front.

Because of these engineering differences, the most reliable way to identify the exact sensor location is to combine general rules about Bank 1 with a model-specific diagram or manual.

Summary

Camshaft position sensor Bank 1 is located on the side of the engine that contains cylinder number 1, typically mounted in or on the cylinder head or timing cover so it can read the position of the Bank 1 camshaft. On inline engines, the entire engine is Bank 1, and the sensor is usually at the cam or timing end of the head. On V or boxer engines, Bank 1 is the head with cylinder 1, and the sensor may sit at the front or rear of that head or in the adjacent timing cover. Because design, orientation, and naming conventions vary, the most dependable approach is to identify which side is Bank 1 for your specific engine, then use a service manual or parts diagram to pinpoint the exact camshaft position sensor location on that bank.

Which camshaft is bank 1?

Bank 1 refers to the side of the engine containing cylinder number one, and the camshafts on this side are designated as Bank 1 camshafts. For engines with a single row of cylinders (inline), there is only one bank, which is Bank 1. For engines with multiple banks (like V6 or V8s), Bank 1 is always the side where cylinder 1 is located, and Bank 2 is on the opposite side. You must identify cylinder 1 to determine which camshaft is on Bank 1.
 
This video explains how to locate different engine banks and sensors: 59sBarbour’s Auto HelpYouTube · Jan 7, 2024

• Identify cylinder 1: The location of cylinder 1 varies by engine type and manufacturer, but it’s often the one closest to the front of the engine on the driver’s side for a V-type engine, or simply the first cylinder in a line for an inline engine. 
• For V-type engines: Look for the side of the engine that houses cylinder 1. This entire side is Bank 1. 
• For inline engines: There is only one bank, and it is designated as Bank 1. 
• Camshaft types: Within Bank 1, there may be one or two camshafts depending on the engine’s design (single or dual overhead cams). The terms “Camshaft Position Sensor A” or “Sensor 1” usually refer to the intake camshaft, while “Camshaft Position Sensor B” or “Sensor 2” refers to the exhaust camshaft. 

This video explains the causes and fixes for a P0016 code, which is related to camshaft and crankshaft correlation: 36sCar FixYouTube · Aug 6, 2024

Which camshaft sensor is A or B?

Camshaft sensor A typically refers to the intake camshaft, and sensor B usually refers to the exhaust camshaft. In an engine with multiple banks, like a V6 or V8, Bank 1 is the side with cylinder #1, and Bank 2 is the opposite side. For a specific bank, A is the intake and B is the exhaust. 
This video explains the difference between intake and exhaust camshafts: 55sHVAC Mechanic YouTube · Jun 21, 2025
Key distinctions

• A = Intake Camshaft: This sensor monitors the camshaft responsible for opening the intake valves to let air and fuel into the cylinders. 
• B = Exhaust Camshaft: This sensor monitors the camshaft that opens the exhaust valves to let burnt gases out of the cylinders. 
• Bank 1 vs. Bank 2: On a V6 or V8 engine, Bank 1 is the side of the engine that contains cylinder #1. Bank 2 is the opposite side. If a code specifies “Bank 1” or “Bank 2,” it refers to the specific side of the engine being monitored. 

Example scenario

• A code for P0014 (Camshaft Position B – Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance, Bank 1) indicates a problem with the exhaust camshaft on the side of the engine with cylinder #1. 
• A code for P0365 (Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Bank 1) also indicates a problem with the exhaust camshaft on Bank 1. 

This video explains the relationship between crankshaft and camshaft position sensors: 59sHVAC Mechanic YouTube · Sep 1, 2024

Which side is the Bank 1 camshaft position sensor on?

Bank 1 refers to the side of the engine that contains cylinder #1. The specific camshaft sensor for Bank 1 is the one located on this side of the engine. If the code specifies both the bank and sensor number (e.g., “Bank 1 Sensor A”), it will be on the intake camshaft side of that bank.
 
This video explains how to locate engine bank sensors: 1mYOUCANICYouTube · Feb 14, 2023

• Engine Cylinder Layout: Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder #1. Cylinder #1 is always the one closest to the front of the engine. 
• Multiple Banks: In a V-type or horizontally opposed engine (like a V6 or V8), Bank 2 is the opposite side of the engine from Bank 1. 
• Four-Cylinder Engines: Engines with four cylinders in an inline configuration only have one bank, so “Bank 1” refers to the entire engine. 
• Sensor A vs. Sensor B: A single bank can have multiple camshaft sensors. If a code specifies “Sensor A” or “Sensor 1,” it is typically the intake camshaft sensor. If it specifies “Sensor B” or “Sensor 2,” it is usually the exhaust camshaft sensor. 

This video demonstrates how to identify sensors for different banks: 1mDuby4lifeYouTube · Nov 10, 2023

Where to locate camshaft position sensor?

The camshaft position sensor is typically located on the engine’s cylinder head, cylinder block, or timing cover, near the camshaft gears. Its exact position varies by vehicle, so a service manual or diagram is helpful. Accessing it may require removing components like the air filter housing.
 
This video shows how to locate the camshaft position sensor on a specific vehicle: 51sDIY Auto Repair VideosYouTube · Nov 21, 2014

• Common locations: Most often, you will find it on the cylinder head or timing cover. Some vehicles may have it located near the back of the engine. 
• Variable Number of Sensors: Vehicles without variable valve timing (VVT) typically have one sensor, while those with VVT may have two or more, one for each bank of cylinders. 
• How to find it: To find the exact location for your car, consult a vehicle-specific service manual or online diagram. 
• Obstructions: Be prepared to remove other components, such as the air filter housing or timing belt cover, to gain clear access to the sensor. 

This video shows how to remove the air intake housing to access the sensor: 59sBlueDriverYouTube · Sep 18, 2020