* Minor Issues: A small amount of water might just cause temporary intermittent faults. The sensor might send erratic signals leading to rough running, misfires, or a check engine light. The problem might resolve itself as the sensor dries.
* More Serious Issues: If the water is significant or gets into the sensor's internal components, it can cause:
* Short circuits: Water is a conductor of electricity. Water ingress can create short circuits within the sensor, leading to incorrect or no signal being sent to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). This will almost certainly trigger a check engine light and likely result in a no-start or very rough-running condition.
* Corrosion: Prolonged exposure to water can cause corrosion on the sensor's electrical contacts and internal components, leading to degraded performance or complete failure. This is a more gradual process but eventually leads to the same issues as a short circuit.
* Damaged sensor: The water could damage the sensor's internal components beyond repair, requiring replacement.
* No immediate effect (rare): In some cases, particularly if the sensor is well-sealed, there might be no immediate noticeable effect. However, hidden damage could be occurring, leading to problems later on.
Consequences of a faulty CMP sensor:
A malfunctioning CMP sensor will prevent the ECU from accurately timing the fuel injection and ignition events. This will result in:
* Engine misfires: The engine will run rough, potentially leading to decreased power and fuel efficiency.
* Rough idle: The engine might stall or have an unstable idle speed.
* No start: The engine might fail to start entirely.
* Check engine light: This will illuminate to alert the driver of a problem.
In short: Getting a camshaft position sensor wet is a serious issue that should not be ignored. If you suspect your CMP sensor has been exposed to water, it's best to have it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. They can diagnose the problem and determine if the sensor needs to be replaced or if simply allowing it to dry will resolve the issue.
