Camshaft Reluctor Wheel
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 GMC Yukon XL, 2006 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The camshaft reluctor wheel is either pressed onto the camshaft or part of the timing gear depending on the application. The feature-or target- is read in a radial or axial fashion respectively. The wheel is a smooth track, half of which is of a lower profile than the other half. This feature allows the CMP sensor to supply a signal as soon as the key is turned ON, since the CMP sensor reads the track profile, instead of a notch.