5 Top Chevy Colorado Camshaft Position Sensor Replacements for Smooth Rides
Is your Chevy Colorado acting up? Maybe you’re experiencing a flickering Check Engine Light, rough idling, or even stalling. These could be tell-tale signs of a faulty Chevy Colorado camshaft position sensor. This tiny but mighty component plays a crucial role in your engine’s operation, and when it goes bad, it can throw your whole system out of whack.
Don’t sweat it, though! Replacing a camshaft position sensor is a common repair, and finding the right part is the first step. In this guide, we’ll break down what this sensor does, why it’s so important, and review some of the top replacement options available. We’ve done the legwork to help you pick a reliable chevy colorado camshaft position sensor that’ll get your truck running smoothly again.
What Does a Camshaft Position Sensor Do?
Think of your engine as a finely tuned orchestra. The camshaft position sensor (often abbreviated as CPS) is like the conductor, signaling the engine control module (ECM) about the exact position of your camshaft. This information is vital for the ECM to accurately determine spark timing and fuel injector operation. In simpler terms, it helps your engine know when to fire the spark plugs and spray fuel into the cylinders for optimal performance.
When this sensor starts to fail, your ECM gets bad information, leading to a range of frustrating symptoms like:
- Illuminated Check Engine Light (often with codes like P0340, P0341)
- Engine misfires or rough idling
- Intermittent stalling
- Difficulty starting (especially when warm)
- Reduced fuel economy
- Uneven acceleration or loss of power
Ignoring these signs can lead to further engine issues, so addressing a faulty Chevy Colorado camshaft position sensor promptly is key.
Our Top Picks for Chevy Colorado Camshaft Position Sensors
We’ve scoured the market to bring you five high-quality replacement options designed to restore your Chevy Colorado’s performance.
ZBN 12584079 213-1557 PC403 Camshaft Position Sensor Fit…
This ZBN camshaft position sensor is a popular choice for those seeking a reliable, direct replacement. It’s built to meet OEM standards, ensuring a precise fit and dependable performance. What makes this sensor stand out is its emphasis on quality control, being tested before shipment, and its straightforward installation process that doesn’t require complex programming or special tools. This makes it a great option for DIYers looking to tackle the repair themselves.
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Key Features:
- Tested before shipment for quality assurance.
- Made of quality material meeting OEM standards.
- Designed for direct replacement, no calibration needed.
- Easy plug-and-play installation.
- One-year quality warranty.
- Compatible with various Chevy Colorado L4 2.8L (2004-2006) and L5 3.5L (2004-2006) models.
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Pros:
- Direct OEM fit ensures easy installation.
- Promises stable performance and durability.
- Helps eliminate check engine light codes.
- Good compatibility with older Colorado models.
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Cons:
- Warranty period is standard, not exceptionally long.
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User Impressions: Many users appreciate the easy installation and how it successfully resolved their check engine light and performance issues. It’s often praised as a cost-effective solution that performs just like the original part.
Camshaft Position Sensor 12584079 Compatible with 2004 2005…
This particular camshaft position sensor stands out for its extensive compatibility list, covering a wide range of GM vehicles beyond just the Chevy Colorado, including various years of the Trailblazer, Canyon, and Envoy. It’s clearly designed as a direct plug-and-play replacement, emphasizing ease of installation without the need for extensive adjustments. If you’re looking for a sensor that has been thoroughly tested for fitment across multiple compatible models, this could be a solid bet.
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Key Features:
- Broad compatibility with Chevy Colorado (2004-2006) and other GM models.
- Direct replacement design for plug-in installation.
- OEM part number match: 12584079, 213-1557, etc.
- Comes with an 18-month worry-free warranty.
- Clearly states the function and symptoms of a failing sensor.
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Pros:
- Excellent vehicle fitment coverage.
- Simple, direct replacement installation.
- Longer warranty period (18 months) offers more peace of mind.
- Customer support is highlighted as readily available.
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Cons:
- Some users might prefer a brand-name OEM part.
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User Impressions: Customers frequently commend this sensor for its perfect fit and for instantly resolving issues like hard starting or intermittent stalling. The ease of installation is a recurring positive comment.
MOTISEN PC658 12584516 213-1649 Camshaft Position Sensor…
The MOTISEN PC658 is presented as a high-quality, professional-grade replacement for your Chevy Colorado’s camshaft position sensor. What truly sets it apart is the strong emphasis on rigorous testing and calibration during its manufacturing process, aiming to ensure top-tier reliability, durability, and performance right out of the box. This commitment to quality assurance can provide significant confidence that you’re installing a robust and accurate sensor.
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Key Features:
- Undergoes testing and calibration during manufacturing for reliability.
- Meets OEM standards and specifications.
- Designed as a direct replacement, no programming or modification needed.
- One-year warranty with responsive customer service highlighted.
- Compatible with Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Hummer H3 (2004-2007).
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Pros:
- Focus on pre-shipment testing for quality.
- Easy installation process for DIYers.
- Aims to eliminate check engine light codes effectively.
- Responsive customer service for any issues.
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Cons:
- May not cover as many varied GM models as some other options.
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User Impressions: Users often find this sensor to be a reliable fix for common issues. The “plug and play” nature is a big plus, and many report their vehicle running smoothly immediately after installation, validating the product’s quality claims.
YIEXOVA Camshaft Position Sensor 12584079 Compatible with…
Very similar to one of our previous picks, the YIEXOVA camshaft position sensor also boasts wide compatibility across numerous GM models, including the 2004-2006 Chevy Colorado. Its strength lies in its explicit detail regarding OEM part number compatibility, ensuring that you’re getting a sensor that’s truly designed to swap right in. The clear explanation of the sensor’s function and the common failure symptoms helps users quickly identify if this is indeed the part they need, adding a layer of helpfulness to the product listing.
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Key Features:
- Extensive vehicle fitment list for Chevy Colorado (2004-2006) and other GM trucks/SUVs.
- Matches numerous OEM part numbers for precise fitment.
- Direct replacement, “plug-in installation” method.
- Detailed explanation of the sensor’s function and failure symptoms.
- Includes an 18-month worry-free warranty.
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Pros:
- Broad compatibility reduces fitment concerns.
- Simple, straightforward installation.
- Helpful product description for diagnostics.
- Generous 18-month warranty.
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Cons:
- Might be a newer or lesser-known brand for some buyers.
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User Impressions: This sensor frequently receives praise for its exact fit and how effectively it resolves engine performance issues. Customers often mention that their Check Engine Light cleared immediately after replacement and their vehicle’s driveability improved significantly.
ZBN 12638266 Camshaft Position Sensor Fit for Chevy Malibu…
While many Chevy Colorado camshaft position sensors target the older, first-generation models, this ZBN sensor specifically caters to newer Chevy Colorado 2.5L models from 2015-2017. If you own a more recent Colorado with the 2.5L engine, this is the sensor for you, offering a direct OEM-spec replacement. It carries the same ZBN quality promise of stable performance and easy installation without complex tools, ensuring your newer truck gets the precise part it needs to operate correctly.
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Key Features:
- Specifically compatible with Chevy Colorado 2.5L (2015-2017) and other newer GM vehicles.
- Made of quality material, meeting OEM standards.
- Designed for direct replacement, no calibration or programming needed.
- One-year quality warranty.
- Promises improved performance and elimination of failure light codes.
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Pros:
- Ideal for newer generation Chevy Colorado (2.5L) owners.
- Easy to install for a DIY repair.
- Stable performance and durable construction.
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Cons:
- Not suitable for older Chevy Colorado models (check your engine size and year carefully!).
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User Impressions: Owners of compatible newer models report this sensor works perfectly, restoring smooth operation and clearing engine codes. Its direct fit and ease of installation are often highlighted as major benefits.
FAQ Section
Q1: What are the common symptoms of a bad Chevy Colorado camshaft position sensor?
A: Common signs include your Check Engine Light coming on (often with codes like P0340), engine misfires, rough idling, difficulty starting (especially when the engine is warm), intermittent stalling, decreased fuel efficiency, and a noticeable loss of power or uneven acceleration.
Q2: Can I drive my Chevy Colorado with a bad camshaft position sensor?
A: While your truck might still run, it’s not recommended. A failing sensor can lead to unreliable engine performance, potential stalling in traffic, and could even cause further damage to other engine components over time due to improper timing or fuel delivery. It’s best to replace it as soon as symptoms appear.
Q3: Is replacing a camshaft position sensor a DIY job for a Chevy Colorado?
A: For many Chevy Colorado models, yes, it can be a relatively straightforward DIY job if you have basic mechanical skills and tools. The sensor is usually located in an accessible spot on the engine. Always consult your truck’s service manual or reliable online resources for the exact location and specific removal/installation steps for your year and engine.
Q4: Where is the camshaft position sensor located on a Chevy Colorado?
A: The exact location can vary slightly depending on your specific Chevy Colorado year and engine (e.g., 2.8L, 3.5L, 2.5L). Generally, it’s found on the cylinder head, often near the front or side of the engine, sometimes close to the timing cover. It will have an electrical connector attached to it.
Q5: How much does it cost to replace a Chevy Colorado camshaft position sensor?
A: The cost of the sensor itself typically ranges from $20 to $60 for aftermarket options, while OEM sensors might be a bit more expensive. If you take it to a mechanic, labor costs can add another $50 to $150, making the total repair cost anywhere from $70 to $250, depending on the shop’s rates and your location.
Q6: Does a bad camshaft position sensor affect the crankshaft position sensor?
A: While they are separate sensors, they work in conjunction. The camshaft position sensor tracks the camshaft’s rotation, while the crankshaft position sensor tracks the crankshaft’s rotation. The engine control module uses data from both to accurately time fuel injection and spark delivery. If one fails, it can throw off the readings of the other or the engine’s ability to interpret them correctly, leading to performance issues.
Q7: Do I need to clear codes after replacing the sensor?
A: Yes, it’s always a good idea to clear the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from your vehicle’s engine control module after replacing the sensor. This can be done with an OBD-II scanner. Sometimes the Check Engine Light will turn off on its own after a few driving cycles, but clearing the codes manually ensures the system resets immediately and you can confirm the fix.
Don’t let a faulty Chevy Colorado camshaft position sensor leave you stranded or affect your truck’s performance. By understanding the symptoms and choosing a quality replacement, you can quickly get your Chevy Colorado back to its reliable self. Always double-check compatibility with your specific year and engine size before making a purchase. Happy driving!
