What does it mean?
The camshaft position sensor (CMP) is used to determine the position of the camshaft(s). It relays this information to the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM then uses this information to control the fuel injectors, and on some applications, for ignition timing. The crankshaft position sensor (CKP) relays crankshaft position and engine RPM to the PCM, or ignition module.
This information is used but the PCM to control ignition timing, and in some applications, it is also used to control fuel injection. The two common CMP and CKP designs are Hall Effect and permanent magnet. Permanent magnet: creates an AC voltage signal that is proportional to engine speed. A permanent magnet crankshaft sensor Hall Effect: uses a reference voltage from the PCM to produce a DC voltage signal.
A Hall Effect crankshaft sensor Inside the engine, the crankshaft and camshaft are held together by a timing belt or timing chain, which keeps them synchronized. The CKP and CMP sensors work together to keep the PCM informed about engine timing. Should the timing be off, the PCM will set a code P0016. This code stands for Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor B). The sensor B is most likely on the exhaust side.