Mercedes Sprinter Camshaft Position Sensor – AB Elektronik | NCV3 3.0L OM642 | #0051531328 (2010–2018)

A failed camshaft position sensor on a Sprinter OM642 removes the ECU's ability to determine cam timing relative to crankshaft position — causing misfires, rough running, hard starts, and fault codes that put the engine into limp mode until the sensor is replaced. This is the AB Elektronik camshaft position sensor for NCV3 Sprinters equipped with the 3.0L OM642 diesel engine, a direct replacement that restores accurate cam timing feedback and proper engine management.

What This Part Does

The camshaft position sensor is a Hall-effect sensor that reads teeth on the camshaft reluctor ring and generates a digital signal the ECU uses to determine the position of the camshafts relative to the crankshaft. The OM642's DOHC V6 layout uses multiple cam sensors — one per camshaft bank — to give the ECU precise cam timing data for sequential fuel injection, variable cam timing control, and the cylinder identification required for the injection system to fire each injector in the correct sequence. When the sensor fails, the ECU loses cam timing reference and must revert to a degraded operating mode that compromises injection sequencing and engine performance.

Common Symptoms of a Failing Camshaft Position Sensor

• Check engine light with camshaft position sensor circuit or correlation fault codes
• Rough idle, misfires, or uneven running from disrupted injection sequencing
• Hard starting or extended cranking as the ECU struggles to establish cam/crank correlation
• Engine entering limp mode from lost cam timing reference
• Fault codes that return after clearing without other valvetrain faults

When to Replace

Replace when confirmed faulty by scan tool with active cam position sensor fault codes, after ruling out the reluctor ring and wiring harness.

NCV3 OM642 Specific — VIN Verification Required

This sensor is for NCV3 Sprinters equipped with the 3.0L OM642 diesel engine. Always verify your engine code, sensor position, and VIN before ordering. Contact us and we'll confirm fitment before you buy.

Fitment

• 2010–2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 / 3500 – 3.0L OM642 (NCV3/W906)
• 2010–2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 / 3500 – 3.0L OM642 (NCV3)

Part Numbers

• Mercedes OEM: 0051531328 / A0051531328 / 005-153-13-28
• Manufacturer: AB Elektronik — 94766
• SKU: 0051531328