Ignition, fuel and air
Camshaft position sensor replacement: what it costs
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $35 | $120 |
| Labor: 0.6 to 1.3 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $75 | $228 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $20 |
| Total, rounded | $110 | $370 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This sensor tracks the camshaft so the computer times the fuel and spark. A bad one can cause hard starts, rough running and codes.
What is usually included
- New camshaft sensor
- Inspect connector and wiring
- Clear codes
- Test drive
What moves the price
- One or two sensors per engine
- Location on the valve cover or head
- O-ring and seal
- Sensor quality, from budget to OEM, and whether a seal or O-ring is needed
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Which sensor is failing, bank 1 or 2?
- Is the connector checked?
- Is the sensor OEM, or an aftermarket one that holds up in heat?
- Did the codes clear after the repair?
Can you do it yourself?
An easy to moderate DIY; one bolt in many cases, but use quality parts.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
What does a bad cam sensor do?
It can cause hard starts, stalling, rough running and a check engine light. The engine computer uses the signal to time fuel and spark.
Could the problem be timing and not the sensor?
Yes. A stretched chain or a belt that jumped a tooth can set similar codes. A good shop checks the timing before replacing sensors.
Do V6 engines need more than one?
Many V6 and V8 engines have one sensor per bank, so two or more. Ask which one failed. Replacing both is an option but not required.
How much does camshaft position sensor replacement cost?
A typical range in Boston is $110 to $370. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $110 to $370 |
| New York City area | $100 to $360 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $100 to $370 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $100 to $350 |
| Houston area, Texas | $95 to $330 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $95 to $330 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $100 to $340 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $100 to $350 |
| Miami area, Florida | $95 to $340 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $110 to $370 |
Check-engine codes that lead to this repair
More ignition, fuel and air repairs
- Ignition coil replacement (one coil)
- Fuel injector replacement (one injector)
- Fuel pump replacement
- Mass airflow sensor replacement
- Throttle body cleaning
- Throttle body replacement
- Vacuum leak repair
- PCV valve replacement
- Crankshaft position sensor replacement
- Coolant temperature sensor replacement
- VVT solenoid / cam phaser repair
- Turbo boost leak repair