Abstract: An axial cam shifting system configured to selectively open and close engine valves includes an axial cam shifting assembly and a controller. The axial cam shifting assembly includes a camshaft, a first cam assembly, an actuator, a carriage and a position sensor. The first cam assembly is received on the camshaft and has two distinct cam profiles. The actuator has a first pin and a second pin. The carriage is arranged on the camshaft and defines a track that selectively receives the first and second pins, wherein the axial shifting cam assembly is movable between a first, and a second position corresponding to alignment of the respective two distinct cam profiles. The position sensor communicates a signal indicative of a position of the carriage. The controller receives the signal and determines whether the carriage is in one of the first and second positions based on the signal.