Where Is the Camshaft Position Sensor Bank 1?

The camshaft position sensor for Bank 1 is mounted on the cylinder head of the engine bank that contains cylinder number one; on inline engines it’s typically at the front or rear of the single cylinder head near the timing cover, while on V engines it’s on the head for the “Bank 1” side, often near the cam gear or under the valve cover. In practice, the exact spot varies by engine family, so verifying the bank that hosts cylinder #1 is the quickest way to locate it.

What “Bank 1” Means

“Bank 1” refers to the side of the engine that includes cylinder #1. Inline engines have only one bank, so Bank 1 is the only side. V and flat (boxer) engines have two banks—one on each side—and the manufacturer assigns cylinder #1 to one of them. The camshaft position sensor (CMP) for Bank 1 monitors the camshaft on that bank to help the engine control module synchronize fuel injection and ignition timing.

Typical Locations by Engine Layout

The exact mounting point can differ by manufacturer, but the following patterns cover where most technicians find the Bank 1 camshaft position sensor across common engine layouts.

• Inline 3/4/5/6 engines: On the single cylinder head, usually at the front by the timing chain/belt cover or at the rear near the firewall. It’s often just above or below the valve cover line, secured by one or two small bolts, with a three-wire connector.
• V6/V8/V10 engines: On the Bank 1 cylinder head (the side with cylinder #1). Common placements are at the front near the timing cover, on the upper face of the head by the cam cap, or at the rear of the head by the firewall. Many dual overhead cam engines have two CMP sensors per bank (intake and exhaust).
• Boxer (flat) engines: On or near the timing cover area for each side’s head. Bank 1 sits on the side that contains cylinder #1; CMP sensors are typically accessed from the front corners of the engine bay.
• Older pushrod engines: The CMP may be in the engine block (sometimes in the distributor housing or a dedicated hall-effect pickup location) rather than on the head. Bank references still point to the side with cylinder #1.

While these placements are typical, packaging differences, plastic engine covers, and emissions components can obscure the sensor, so a visual trace along the valve cover edge and timing area usually helps confirm the spot.

Which Side Is Bank 1? Common Manufacturer Conventions

Manufacturers define Bank 1 based on where cylinder #1 lives. The side varies by brand and by how the engine is installed (longitudinal vs. transverse). The notes below reflect widely observed conventions, but always verify for your exact year/engine.

• General Motors (many V8s, longitudinal): Bank 1 is typically the left/driver side (in left-hand-drive markets).
• Ford (many modular V8s, EcoBoost V6s): Bank 1 is commonly the right/passenger side (LHD).
• Toyota/Lexus V6/V8: Bank 1 is usually the right/passenger side (LHD). On transverse V6s, Bank 1 is often the rear bank near the firewall.
• Honda/Acura V6 (transverse): Bank 1 is typically the rear bank (firewall side) where cylinder #1 resides.
• Nissan/Infiniti V6/V8: Bank 1 is generally the right/passenger side (LHD); on transverse V6s, this may be the rear bank.
• BMW inline-6: Single bank; the lone CMP is on the head (front or rear). BMW V8s typically designate Bank 1 on the right/passenger side (LHD).
• Mercedes-Benz V6/V8: Bank 1 is commonly the right/passenger side (LHD).
• Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep (HEMI and many V engines): Bank 1 is typically the right/passenger side (LHD).
• Subaru flat engines: Cylinder #1 is typically on the right/passenger side (LHD), making that Bank 1.
• Volkswagen/Audi V6/V8: Bank 1 is usually the right/passenger side (LHD); verify for specific engines.

Because exceptions exist—even within a brand—the quickest way to be certain is to identify cylinder #1 in the factory service information for your exact engine code and model year.

How to Positively Identify Bank 1 on Your Vehicle

If you’re unsure which side is Bank 1 or where the sensor sits on that bank, this process will help you verify before you remove parts.

1. Check the service manual or under-hood label for the cylinder numbering diagram and firing order; find cylinder #1.
2. Stand at the front of the vehicle and locate the head containing cylinder #1—that is Bank 1.
3. Scan the top edge of the Bank 1 head along the valve cover and timing cover for a small, bolted-in sensor with a three-wire connector.
4. If the engine has dual cams per bank, look for two sensors on that bank (often labeled “intake” and “exhaust”).
5. Use a mirror or borescope if visibility is tight near the firewall; remove the plastic engine cover if equipped.
6. Confirm by part number or connector style against the replacement part catalog for your VIN/engine code.

Following these steps avoids guesswork and minimizes unnecessary disassembly, especially on transverse V6s where the Bank 1 sensor can be tucked near the firewall.

Signs You’ve Found the Right Sensor

You can validate the component you’re looking at is the Bank 1 camshaft position sensor with a few simple checks.

• Housing and mount: A small magnetic or hall-effect sensor held by one bolt, protruding into a cam trigger wheel area.
• Connector: Usually three wires (power, ground, signal); harness routed toward the ECU along the head.
• Labeling: Some engines cast or stamp “IN”/“EX” or “A”/“B” near the boss; “A” typically denotes the intake cam sensor.
• Scan tool corroboration: With live data, unplugging the suspected sensor will drop Bank 1 cam signal or set a corresponding code.

These identifiers help distinguish the CMP from nearby components like VVT solenoids, oil control valves, or knock sensors.

When You See “Sensor A” or “Sensor B” for Bank 1

Modern dual overhead cam engines often assign letters to multiple sensors per bank. In OBD-II diagnostics, “Bank 1 Sensor A” usually refers to the intake cam sensor on Bank 1, while “Sensor B” points to the exhaust cam sensor on the same bank. Related fault codes include P0340/P0341 (Bank 1 Sensor A circuit/performance) and P0365/P0366 (Bank 1 Sensor B circuit/performance). Matching the code’s bank and letter helps you pinpoint the exact unit.

Sources and How to Verify

The definitive reference is your vehicle’s factory service information (OEM manuals and technical information systems such as TIS, WIS, ServiceBox, etc.) or reputable databases (Alldata, Mitchell). Under-hood emissions and vacuum routing labels often include cylinder numbering diagrams. Cross-checking with your VIN and engine code ensures you’re targeting the correct bank and sensor.

Summary

Bank 1 is the engine side with cylinder #1, and the camshaft position sensor for Bank 1 sits on that bank’s cylinder head—commonly at the front or rear near the timing cover or cam cap area. Inline engines have a single head with the sensor at one end; V and flat engines place the sensor on the Bank 1 head and may have separate intake (“Sensor A”) and exhaust (“Sensor B”) units. Verify cylinder #1 for your engine to locate Bank 1, then trace the head’s edge near the valve cover to spot the small, bolted-in three-wire sensor.

Where is a camshaft position sensor located?

A camshaft position (CMP) sensor is commonly located on the engine’s cylinder head, valve cover, or timing cover, though its exact position varies by vehicle application. To find it, you typically need to identify the engine’s cylinder head or valve cover and look for a cylindrical sensor with a wiring harness attached, possibly requiring the removal of components like the air filter housing for better access.
 
This video shows the location of the camshaft position sensor on a GM 5.3L V8 engine: 45sPhillips VisionYouTube · Jul 30, 2023
Key Characteristics to Look For

• Cylindrical body: The sensor itself has a cylindrical portion that inserts into the engine. 
• Electrical connector: A wiring harness is connected to the sensor, which you will need to detach to remove it. 
• Mounting bolt: A single bolt or clip secures the sensor to its location. 

Common Locations

• Cylinder Head: This is a frequent location, as the sensor is positioned to read the camshaft directly. 
• Valve Cover: In some engines, the sensor may be mounted on the valve cover. 
• Timing Cover: On some applications, it’s found in or on the timing cover. 

You can watch this video to see the location of the camshaft position sensor on a Jeep Patriot: 52sTRQYouTube · May 12, 2025
Steps to Locate the Sensor

1. Identify the engine’s cylinder head or valve cover: These are the large metal covers on top of the engine. 
2. Look for a small, cylindrical component with a wire attached: The CMP sensor will stand out. 
3. Check for access obstructions: You may need to remove the air filter housing, intercooler pipe, or other components to get a clear view and access to the sensor. 

Which camshaft sensor is bank 1 sensor A?

The Camshaft Position Sensor for Bank-1/Sensor-A (intake) is situated at the rear of the passenger side cylinder head, being the sensor nearest to the center of the engine.

How to remove bank 1 camshaft position sensor?

Now here’s the screw. You can see it’s pretty long so it took a while to thread it all the way. Out. Now just wiggle the whole sensor. Out. There’s the old.

Where is the Bank 1 sensor located?

So bank one sensor one because it’s upstream the catalytic converter is right there we know the exhaust. Flow. Goes that way.