I think I may have a failing camshaft sensor in my Fiat Bravo 1.8 HLX 1997. The car always started first time but since having the timing belt replaced it still may start first time but on other occasions it can take two or three attempts although once started runs like a dream.

Question, can the camshaft sensor be removed / replaced without removing the cam belt?

Any advice or suggestions greatly appreciated.

There is a cam shaft sensor on the exhaust camshaft sprocket behind the sprocket.

And a crankshaft sensor that reads a phonic wheel inside the block of the engine. The sensor is just under the starter motor on the flywheel end of the engine.

I have been told by two respected member's here that you have to take the exhaust sprocket off if you want to change the cam shaft sensor. But I have never done the job myself. I have changed the crankshaft sensor before which is very easy with the right access. just watch out for loosing an O-ring in the hole on the block or binning it with the old sensor.


Is it defiantly the cam sensor you need to change rather than the crank? Its very rare we get posts about people changing cam sensors but crank sensors are often know to produced intermittent starting for people that have posted before.

Hi Adrian,

Many thanks for your quick reply. Upon reflection, I think you are right andI was getting the sensors muddled up. I think I do in fact need a crankshaftsensor.

I note you say it is reasonably easy to replace. Is this done from under thevehicle or from on top?

I’ve had a quick trawl on ebay and see a couple of sensor variants althoughI don’t appear to be able to find in the service manual.

Any idea of what the sensor part number is? Is it ok to use an aftermarketpart or should I buy an OEM?

Again, any guidance or advice much appreciated.

if your 1.8 is a Mk1 1995-1997 (with the mechanical odometer) then the crank sensor part number is 46432909 it is made by Hitachi.


If your 1.8 is a mk2 1998-2001 (digital odometer) then the crank sensor part number is 46479456 I'm nut sure if Hitachi make that one.


A lot of motofactors seem to offer Denso parts rather than Hitachi. I haven't been able to figure out what the Denso and Hitachi relationship is? Maybe its just rebranded Hitachi parts or if they make them under licence or taken over. Or eve which of the two is better quality.


Id go for original Hitachi then branded like Denso. I don't bother with anything unbranded, I would rather use a second hand original than a new unbranded cheap part myself.


When I changed a crank sensor the engine was out of the car, but I would attempt it from underneath first. I cant imagine getting access from above because of the starter motor and the air intake. In this blurry picture from TheSultan you can just make out the sensor.


Heres the one I did on a 1.4