i guess my next question is what does the "camshaft position sensor" have anything to do with the alternator? and my other question is say i swap out the alternator for a new one and the check engine light is still on? What's the next step?

 

It's producing AC waveforms, IWO it's throwing out garbage and that sensor is close enough to be affected by it.

Should replacing it not cure the DTC, replace the sensor next.

 

sensor was the first thing i changed out. very easy. should i consider buying another one and swapping it out again?

 

Then hold off on anything further til you replace the alternator. This is an extremely common issue, the odds of a properly functioning alternator replacement not curing this are about the same as a **** star being elected president this year.

 

Done. just replaced it. check engine light still on. but haven't ran the check engine light yet to see if the same code is up. i will be doing that tomorrow.

 

May need a drive cycle or two to clear, or be done so manually. Do you have a mult-meter to do a ripple test with to make sure the new one isn't throwing out garbage as well?

 

Same link from the other alternator thread:
http://assets.fluke.com/appnotes/aut...e/beatbook.pdf Use page 3 of that.

The garbage is from failed, faulty, or crappy diodes used on the rectifier bridge.

 

i do not have mult-meter.

 

Think you can borrow one at the local auto-zone if you have no friends.

You could probably tell them the concern, and they would probably even do it for you for free.

 

and then after that get back to you.