Where is the camshaft position sensor on a 2013 Honda CRV?

The camshaft position sensor on a 2013 Honda CR-V is mounted on the engine's cylinder head toward the rear (firewall side) of the engine bay, usually on the passenger side. It is a small sensor with a wiring harness that plugs into the connector on the side of the head. Access may require removing components such as the air intake or throttle body in some configurations.

In more detail, this model year uses the 2.4L inline-4 (K-series) engine. The CMP sensor monitors camshaft position to help control ignition timing and fuel injection. While the exact physical spot can vary slightly by engine variant and trim, the sensor is consistently mounted on or near the cylinder head, facing toward the passenger side of the engine bay, and connected to a multi-pin electrical connector. If you don’t immediately see it, follow the wiring harness from the sensor on the engine to locate the sensor’s mounting point. For precise identification, consult the service manual or a repair guide for your exact VIN and engine code.

Locating the sensor in the engine bay

Use the following steps to visually locate the camshaft position sensor on most 2013 CR-V configurations. This will help you confirm the exact mounting point before attempting removal or replacement.

• Look at the rear portion of the cylinder head on the passenger side of the engine bay, near the firewall. The CMP sensor should be mounted flush to the head with a small electrical connector attached.


• Trace the wiring harness from the distributor area (or the back of the engine) toward the back of the engine; the CMP connector will be along that harness path.


• If you cannot locate it from the top, you may need to remove nearby components such as the air intake plenum or snorkel to gain a clear view of the back of the cylinder head.

Concluding note: Once located, you’ll identify the CMP sensor by a short 2- or 3-pin wiring connector plugged into a small sensor body mounted on the cylinder head. The sensor’s orientation is typically with the connector facing upward or toward the engine front, depending on exact mounting. If you’re unsure, consult the vehicle’s service information for the precise mounting orientation for your VIN.

Accessing and replacing the sensor

The following steps outline how to access and replace the camshaft position sensor if you need to service or replace it. Safety and proper procedure are important, so proceed with the engine off and the negative battery disconnected when working on electrical components.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent any electrical shorts.


2. Remove obstructions to access the back of the cylinder head (common obstructions include the air intake plenum or throttle body). Gently set these aside without disconnecting any essential hoses.


3. Locate the CMP sensor on the rear/side of the cylinder head and carefully unplug the wiring connector by pressing the locking tab and pulling the connector straight away from the sensor.


4. Remove the mounting bolt(s) securing the sensor to the engine using the appropriate socket or bit, and extract the sensor from its bore.


5. Install the new sensor in the reverse order, ensuring the O-ring or gasket seats properly if applicable, and tighten to the manufacturer’s specified torque. Reconnect the wiring harness securely.


6. Reinstall any components you removed (air intake, throttle body, etc.), reconnect the battery, and start the engine to verify proper operation.

Concluding note: When replacing, consider inspecting the wiring harness for signs of damage or corrosion, and apply dielectric grease to the connector to help prevent future corrosion. If misfires, poor fuel economy, or starting issues persist after replacement, additional fault codes or related sensors (such as the crankshaft position sensor) may need inspection.

Common symptoms of a faulty CMP sensor

Recognizing signs of a failing camshaft position sensor can help you decide if replacement is necessary. The following symptoms are commonly reported with CMP faults.

• Engine misfires, rough idle, or stalling, especially when the engine is cold or at idle.


• Check Engine Light (CEL) or MIL illumination with codes such as P0340 or related CMP/ignition timing codes.


• Difficulty starting the engine or intermittent no-start conditions.


• Poor acceleration or inconsistent engine performance under load.

Concluding note: If you observe these symptoms, have the vehicle scanned to confirm CMP-related trouble codes before replacing components. Electrical harness issues or other sensors can sometimes produce similar symptoms, so a proper diagnostic check is recommended.

Summary

The camshaft position sensor on the 2013 Honda CR-V is mounted on the cylinder head toward the rear (firewall side) of the engine on the passenger side. Access may require removing parts of the air intake system to clearly view and reach the sensor. When servicing, disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, remove the mounting bolt, replace with a new sensor if needed, and reassemble. Be mindful of wiring condition and refer to the service manual for exact torque specs and wiring harness routing. If symptoms persist after replacement, further diagnostics may be necessary to check related sensors and circuits.