Camshaft Position Sensor - Circular vs Rectangular?

Post by **Fosty** » Mon Mar 20, 2023 3:16 pm

I've got the P1145 code and I'm looking at which sensor to buy.
I usually try to just go with a familiar name and match the shape, but I noticed this Holstein one is circular. Is there anything special about that? Should I steer clear of it?

https://www.amazon.com/Holstein-2CAM012 ... B077ZMWJ7F

I figure it's got something to do with compatibility in other vehicles.

This is what the other one looks like: https://www.1aauto.com/nissan-pathfinde ... 66182/2001

Post by **VStar650CL** » Mon Mar 20, 2023 4:00 pm

There's no functional difference between the ashcan and slot type sensors, that's a manufacturer preference. The main thing is that the length and internal sensor orientation are correct. Part of the reason aftermarket sensors don't always work right is that makers "split the baby" on the magnetic orientation in an attempt to use the same sensor in multiple applications. Depending on the Hall chip's sensitivity and other characteristics, that can result in a spotty or unreliable sensor. I absolutely never recommend aftermarket cam and crank sensors to my customers, I've seen way too much wasted time and pulled hair over them.

Post by **Fosty** » Mon Mar 20, 2023 5:11 pm

VStar650CL wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 20, 2023 4:00 pm
There's no functional difference between the ashcan and slot type sensors, that's a manufacturer preference. The main thing is that the length and internal sensor orientation are correct. Part of the reason aftermarket sensors don't always work right is that makers "split the baby" on the magnetic orientation in an attempt to use the same sensor in multiple applications. Depending on the Hall chip's sensitivity and other characteristics, that can result in a spotty or unreliable sensor. I absolutely never recommend aftermarket cam and crank sensors to my customers, I've seen way too much wasted time and pulled hair over them.

So I guess I should go with rectangular one because that Holstein one looks considerably shorter. But I think I'll go with one that is sold as a left hand one.

Post by **VStar650CL** » Mon Mar 20, 2023 5:45 pm

You should look up the OE part number using your VIN at NissanPartsDeal, then use the OE part number for googling equivalents. Shopping for any electrical part by MMY is inviting a migraine. Don't do it.

Post by **Fosty** » Mon Mar 20, 2023 6:06 pm

VStar650CL wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 20, 2023 5:45 pm
You should look up the OE part number using your VIN at NissanPartsDeal, then use the OE part number for googling equivalents. Shopping for any electrical part by MMY is inviting a migraine. Don't do it.

Pardon my ignorance, but what is MMY?

Post by **VStar650CL** » Mon Mar 20, 2023 6:51 pm

Make Model Year.

Post by **Mike W.** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 4:20 pm

Interesting, on the BMWs I'm usually playing with, it's the same thing. Some in the BMW world say OEM is ok, others say to use OE only, Nissans I don't know.

Post by **VStar650CL** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 4:35 pm

I never recommend aftermarket crank or cam sensors to my customers, I've seen way too much hair pulling and heartbreak over the years. Not that I'm against aftermarket generally, there are tons of places on any model where aftermarket will serve you every bit as well as OE, but CKP's and CMP's aren't among them. My advice is always bite the bullet and stick with OE.

Camshaft Position Sensor - Circular vs Rectangular?

Camshaft Position Sensor - Circular vs Rectangular?

Re: Camshaft Position Sensor - Circular vs Rectangular?

Re: Camshaft Position Sensor - Circular vs Rectangular?

Re: Camshaft Position Sensor - Circular vs Rectangular?

Re: Camshaft Position Sensor - Circular vs Rectangular?

Re: Camshaft Position Sensor - Circular vs Rectangular?

Re: Camshaft Position Sensor - Circular vs Rectangular?

Re: Camshaft Position Sensor - Circular vs Rectangular?

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