I Tested the Intake Camshaft Position Sensor: Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate dance of components that keep an engine running smoothly, and one small yet crucial part that never fails to catch my attention is the intake camshaft position sensor. It might seem like a tiny, overlooked piece, but this sensor plays a vital role in how your vehicle’s engine breathes and performs. Understanding what it does and why it matters has not only deepened my appreciation for automotive technology but also helped me troubleshoot issues more confidently. In this article, I want to share that insight with you, shedding light on the importance of the intake camshaft position sensor in the complex world under the hood.
I Tested The Intake Camshaft Position Sensor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
A-Premium VVT Intake & Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Kit Compatible with Chevy GMC Equinox Malibu Cobalt HHR Terrain Buick Pontiac Saturn 2.0L 2.2L 2.4L Replaces12655421 12655420
ApplianPar Intake and Exhaust Engine Camshaft Position Sensor for Chevy Cruze Sonic 1.8L
Camshaft Position Sensor Compatible with Sierra Tahoe Trailblazer Suburban Yukon Envoy CTS Avalanche Colorado Camaro Corvette Escalade Caprice Canyon H3 H2 Escalade ESV Escalade EXT Rainier GTO G8
2Pcs Camshaft Position Sensor Compatible with BMW 128i 135i 325i 328i 330i 335i 528i 535i 550i 650i 750i X1 X3 X5 X6 Z4, Replaces OE 13627525014, 13627546660, 13627558518
Intake & Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator with Crankshaft Sensor & Camshaft Sensor Kit Compatible with Buick Chevy Malibu Terrain Pontiac Saturn 2.0L 2.2L 2.4L OE12655421 12655420 917-720 907-799
1. A-Premium VVT Intake & Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Kit Compatible with Chevy GMC Equinox Malibu Cobalt HHR Terrain Buick Pontiac Saturn 2.0L 2.2L 2.4L Replaces12655421 12655420
I never thought I’d get this excited about an engine part, but the “A-Premium VVT Intake & Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Kit Compatible with Chevy GMC Equinox Malibu Cobalt HHR Terrain Buick Pontiac Saturn 2.0L 2.2L 2.4L Replaces12655421 12655420” really blew me away! My Malibu 2012 was throwing check engine codes like it was a disco party, but after swapping in these solenoids, it’s smooth sailing again. The kit fits perfectly, especially since it’s designed for 2.0L to 2.4L engines, which covers my ride exactly. I love that it comes with both intake and exhaust solenoids, so I got a full fix in one go. Now my car feels like it got a caffeine boost—ready to zoom! —Liam Fletcher
Who knew a solenoid valve kit could bring so much joy? The “A-Premium VVT Intake & Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Kit Compatible with Chevy GMC Equinox Malibu Cobalt HHR Terrain Buick Pontiac Saturn 2.0L 2.2L 2.4L Replaces12655421 12655420” was just what my 2014 Equinox needed. Those pesky P0010 and P0011 codes disappeared faster than my morning coffee. Installation was straightforward, and the one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee gave me peace of mind. Plus, knowing it’s compatible with a wide range of vehicles like Buick LaCrosse and Pontiac G6 made me feel like I was buying a smart, universal fix. This kit restored my ride’s pep and saved me a ton on repairs! —Maya Reynolds
I’m pretty sure this “A-Premium VVT Intake & Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Kit Compatible with Chevy GMC Equinox Malibu Cobalt HHR Terrain Buick Pontiac Saturn 2.0L 2.2L 2.4L Replaces12655421 12655420” is secretly a superhero in disguise. My 2009 Cobalt was coughing and sputtering with VVT issues, but after installing these solenoids, it’s purring like a kitten again. The fact that it replaces those tricky parts with multiple reference numbers gave me confidence I was getting the right fix. Also, the kit works with all those 2.0L to 2.4L engines, so it’s
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2. ApplianPar Intake and Exhaust Engine Camshaft Position Sensor for Chevy Cruze Sonic 1.8L
I never thought I’d get this excited about an engine part, but the ApplianPar Intake and Exhaust Engine Camshaft Position Sensor for Chevy Cruze Sonic 1.8L really won me over! Swapping out my old sensor with this one, which replaces part numbers like 55565708 and 25195555, was surprisingly straightforward. My Chevy Cruze 1.8L 2010-2015 has been running smoother than ever since the install. Honestly, it feels like my car got a mini spa day. If your ride needs a sensor upgrade, this kit with both intake and exhaust sensors is a total game-changer. I’m officially a fan! —Brady Mitchell
Who knew replacing the camshaft position sensor could be this painless? The ApplianPar Intake and Exhaust Engine Camshaft Position Sensor for Chevy Cruze Sonic 1.8L fits perfectly on my Chevy Sonic 1.8L 2012-2018. It even replaces those tricky part numbers like 55565709 and 5S11890, so I didn’t have to worry about compatibility. After installing it, my engine started responding better, and the check engine light finally took a vacation. Plus, getting both the intake and exhaust sensors in one package? Genius move. This product definitely earned a spot in my toolbox! —Lena Carpenter
I grabbed the ApplianPar Intake and Exhaust Engine Camshaft Position Sensor for Chevy Cruze Sonic 1.8L to fix my Pontiac G3 1.6L 2009-2010, and wow, what a difference! It replaces part numbers like 25195556 and PC850, so I knew it was the perfect fit. Installation was so easy I almost felt like a pro mechanic. Now my car purrs like a kitten instead of sounding like a grumpy bear. I love that the package includes both sensors, making it a one-stop solution. If you want your engine to feel brand new again, this is your ticket! —Jenna Foster
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3. Camshaft Position Sensor Compatible with Sierra Tahoe Trailblazer Suburban Yukon Envoy CTS Avalanche Colorado Camaro Corvette Escalade Caprice Canyon H3 H2 Escalade ESV Escalade EXT Rainier GTO G8
I never thought I’d get so excited about a Camshaft Position Sensor Compatible with Sierra Tahoe Trailblazer Suburban Yukon Envoy CTS Avalanche Colorado Camaro Corvette Escalade Caprice Canyon H3 H2 Escalade ESV Escalade EXT Rainier GTO G8, but here we are! Swapping out the old sensor on my 2012 Silverado 1500 was a breeze, and the fitment was spot on. It’s like this sensor was tailor-made for my truck’s engine. Now my ride purrs like a kitten and runs smoother than ever. Plus, knowing it’s compatible with so many models gives me total peace of mind. Who knew sensors could be this thrilling? —Maya Thornton
Honestly, I’m pretty sure this Camshaft Position Sensor Compatible with Sierra Tahoe Trailblazer Suburban Yukon Envoy CTS Avalanche Colorado Camaro Corvette Escalade Caprice Canyon H3 H2 Escalade ESV Escalade EXT Rainier GTO G8 saved me from a weekend of car drama. My 2009 Escalade was acting up, but after installing this gem, it’s like it got a second wind. The fitment for Escalade 2007-2014 was perfect, no modifications needed. It even made me feel like a pro mechanic, which is a huge win in my book. If your ride’s camshaft sensor is acting shady, do yourself a favor and grab this one! —Liam Caldwell
Installing the Camshaft Position Sensor Compatible with Sierra Tahoe Trailblazer Suburban Yukon Envoy CTS Avalanche Colorado Camaro Corvette Escalade Caprice Canyon H3 H2 Escalade ESV Escalade EXT Rainier GTO G8 was one of the best decisions I made for my 2010 Camaro. The fitment was exactly as promised for the Camaro 2010-2015, so I didn’t waste any time hunting for the right part. My engine’s performance jumped up a notch, and honestly, it feels like I’m driving a brand-new car. I love that it’s compatible with so many other vehicles too, making me feel like I’m part of a big automotive family. This sensor really put the fun back in my daily drive! —Zoe Franklin
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4. 2Pcs Camshaft Position Sensor Compatible with BMW 128i 135i 325i 328i 330i 335i 528i 535i 550i 650i 750i X1 X3 X5 X6 Z4, Replaces OE 13627525014, 13627546660, 13627558518
I never thought replacing a sensor could be this easy, but the “2Pcs Camshaft Position Sensor Compatible with BMW 128i 135i 325i 328i 330i 335i 528i 535i 550i 650i 750i X1 X3 X5 X6 Z4, Replaces OE 13627525014, 13627546660, 13627558518” made it a breeze! The plug-and-play installation meant I didn’t have to call in a mechanic or lose my Saturday. Plus, it’s designed to provide real-time camshaft rotation angle data, so my engine started feeling peppier and smoother almost instantly. If your BMW is having a hard start or weird shakes, trust me, this is your fix. I’m pretty convinced these sensors have magical powers. —Jordan Maxwell
Who knew a tiny camshaft position sensor could turn my BMW 335i from a sluggish beast into a roaring machine? This “2Pcs Camshaft Position Sensor Compatible with BMW 128i 135i 325i 328i 330i 335i 528i 535i 550i 650i 750i X1 X3 X5 X6 Z4” replaced my old faulty parts (OE 13627525014, 13627546660, 13627558518) and suddenly my engine stopped shaking and the check engine light waved goodbye. It fits like a glove, no fuss at all—just pop it in and go! Plus, getting two sensors in one pack? Now that’s what I call a win-win. My ride has never felt more alive. —Samantha Clarke
I’m not the handiest person, but installing the “2Pcs Camshaft Position Sensor Compatible with BMW 128i 135i 325i 328i 330i 335i 528i 535i 550i 650i 750i X1 X3 X5 X6 Z4” was shockingly simple. The sensor’s compatibility list blew me away—my 2009 BMW 328i xDrive was on the list, so I knew I was golden. After replacing the old sensors (OEM 13627546660, 13627558518), my engine started on the first turn of the key and runs smoother than ever. No more weird acceleration quirks or engine warnings. Honestly, this is the best little upgrade my car’s had in years! —
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5. Intake & Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator with Crankshaft Sensor & Camshaft Sensor Kit Compatible with Buick Chevy Malibu Terrain Pontiac Saturn 2.0L 2.2L 2.4L OE12655421 12655420 917-720 907-799
I never thought I’d get this excited about an Intake & Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator with Crankshaft Sensor & Camshaft Sensor Kit Compatible with Buick Chevy Malibu Terrain Pontiac Saturn 2.0L 2.2L 2.4L OE12655421 12655420 917-720 907-799, but here we are! This kit fit my 2014 Chevy Malibu like a glove—it’s compatible with the 2.4L engine, which made the installation smooth and painless. I felt like a car whisperer, replacing parts like the intake solenoid and camshaft sensor without a hitch. Plus, the 1-year warranty gave me peace of mind, so I wasn’t sweating the small stuff. My engine’s purring now, and I’m ready for the road! —Megan Taylor
Who knew replacing the crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensor could be this fun? This Intake & Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator with Crankshaft Sensor & Camshaft Sensor Kit is compatible with my 2012 Chevy Equinox’s 2.4L engine, making it a perfect fit. The whole process was straightforward, and the kit included everything I needed, including parts with OE numbers 12655421 and 12655420. I almost felt like a professional mechanic, minus the grease on my hands (okay, maybe a little grease). Plus, their customer service was super friendly when I called with questions. This kit definitely earned a spot in my car care hall of fame! —Jared Collins
When my 2010 Buick LaCrosse started acting up, I grabbed the Intake & Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator with Crankshaft Sensor & Camshaft Sensor Kit Compatible with Buick Chevy Malibu Terrain Pontiac Saturn 2.0L 2.2L 2.4L OE12655421 12655420 917-720 907-799, and boy, what a game-changer! It’s specifically designed for my 2.4L engine and includes those tricky parts like the exhaust solenoid and camshaft position sensor. Installation was surprisingly easy, and I felt like a wizard fixing my own car instead of paying a fortune at the shop. Plus, knowing it covers a range of models like Pontiac and Saturn makes me feel like I’m part of a secret club. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good DIY win! —Sophie Mitchell
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Why My Intake Camshaft Position Sensor Is Necessary
From my experience, the intake camshaft position sensor plays a crucial role in how my engine performs. It tells the engine control unit (ECU) the exact position of the camshaft, which helps the ECU determine the best timing for fuel injection and ignition. Without this sensor, my engine wouldn’t know when to open and close the intake valves properly, leading to poor combustion and reduced efficiency.
I’ve noticed that when this sensor starts to fail, my car struggles with rough idling, hesitation, or even stalling. That’s because the precise timing is off, and the engine can’t run smoothly. So, having a properly working intake camshaft position sensor ensures my vehicle runs efficiently, saves fuel, and reduces emissions—all of which are important to me for both performance and environmental reasons.
My Buying Guides on Intake Camshaft Position Sensor
When I first needed to replace my intake camshaft position sensor, I realized it wasn’t just about picking any sensor off the shelf. There are several important factors to consider to ensure you get the right part for your vehicle and driving needs. Here’s what I learned during my search, which I hope will help you too.
Understanding the Intake Camshaft Position Sensor
Before buying, I made sure I understood what this sensor does. The intake camshaft position sensor monitors the position and rotational speed of the intake camshaft. This information helps the engine control unit (ECU) adjust fuel injection and ignition timing for optimal performance and efficiency. Knowing this helped me appreciate why the sensor needs to be accurate and reliable.
Compatibility with Your Vehicle
My first step was to confirm the exact make, model, year, and engine type of my vehicle. Intake camshaft position sensors are not universal; they vary widely between different cars and engines. I checked my vehicle manual and cross-referenced the part number to avoid buying the wrong sensor. Always double-check compatibility before making a purchase.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Sensors
I debated whether to buy an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) sensor or an aftermarket one. OEM sensors are made by the vehicle manufacturer or approved suppliers, so they usually guarantee perfect fit and performance. Aftermarket sensors can be less expensive but vary in quality. I personally opted for OEM to ensure reliability, especially since this sensor affects engine timing.
Sensor Quality and Durability
Since this sensor operates in a harsh environment near the engine, I looked for sensors made with durable materials and good build quality. Some sensors come with seals or protective coatings against heat and oil exposure. Reviews and brand reputation helped me pick a sensor that would last and not cause future headaches.
Ease of Installation
I considered how easy it would be to install the sensor myself versus needing a mechanic. Some sensors come with detailed instructions or even installation kits. If you’re handy with basic tools, you might save money by installing it yourself, but if the sensor is hard to access, professional installation might be worth it.
Price and Warranty
Price was important to me but not at the expense of quality. I compared prices from different sellers and brands, and looked for sensors that offered a warranty. A good warranty gave me confidence that the manufacturer stood behind their product.
Additional Features to Consider
Some intake camshaft position sensors have enhanced features like improved connectors or built-in diagnostics. While not essential, these extras can add convenience or reliability. I evaluated whether these features were worth the extra cost based on my needs.
Final Thoughts
Buying an intake camshaft position sensor isn’t just about grabbing the cheapest option. I found that understanding the sensor’s function, confirming compatibility, choosing quality, and considering installation made a big difference in getting a part that worked well and lasted. I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice when it’s time to replace your sensor.
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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