Genuine Mazda MX-5 Miata Camshaft Position Sensor

Mazda MX-5 Miata Camshaft Position Sensor Parts and Q&A

• Camshaft Position Sensor
  ZZCA-18-230B
  Q:

  How to remove and install the camshaft position sensor on Mazda MX-5 Miata?

  A:

  Each model has a sensor to show camshaft position, the terminology used by Mazda may be confusing. In older models (1994 and earlier), the sensor was known as the Crankshaft Position Sensor or crank angle sensor although there was no such thing as the crankshaft position sensor. Mazda became the first manufacturer of a real crankshaft position sensor in 1995, and it adopted standard SAE nomenclature, with camshaft sensors being named Camshaft Position (CMP) sensors and crankshaft sensors being called Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensors. On 1994 to 1997 models the CMP sensor is on the left rear of the cylinder head and in 1993 and the older ones, it is on the right rear. The process of their removal and installation is the same. to start with, disconnect the negative battery terminal, and follow it with unplugging the electrical connector of the sensor, identifying its position relative to the cylinder head. Lift the sensor out by unscrewing the mounting bolt on the sensor. Install a new O-ring on the sensor housing, and align the sensor drive tang with the camshaft slot and then install the sensor into the cylinder head. In case the sensor does not fit, recheck the positioning. The removal process is inversed to installation one though the CMP sensor mounting bolt should not be tightened until the ignition timing was checked and adjusted accordingly. On 1999 and 2000 models, the CMP sensor is on the upper right front of the timing belt cover, close to the intake camshaft timing belt sprocket and the procedure is comparable in removing and installing. On 2001 to 2005 models, the sensor CMP is mounted on the top and close to the right rear side of the valve cover whereas in 2006 and the rest, the sensor CMP is mounted on the left side of the rear. The process of removing and installing the two units is the same as disconnection of the negative battery terminal is carried out, next comes disconnection of the electrical connector, removal of the mounting bolt and careful inspection of the sensor to check its presence of metal particles then installation is carried out as the reverse of the former.