Ok, I keep getting a cam position sensor code on my 95 so I am going to replace it this weekend. If all I am doing is pulling the oldone off and putting the newone back on do I have to have an alignment tool? I have heard both ways.

 

If you are just replacing the Sensor ( $40 or so) you dont need the alignment tool. If the synchroniser (drive unit is a lost more expensive) is damaged you will have to replace it too, which will require the alignment tool, since it is very important for correct operation of the fuel injection timing. Also if not aligned properly your CEL will come back on again.

 

if your doin the sonsor it takes <5 mins and a really small socket an 4mm or 5mm if i remember correctly two screws out pull the plug thensensor then reverse it its simple sits right on top of the motor directly in front cost me 21 bucks i think for the sonsor from advance

 

Well not sure if the sensor is actually bad or not. The car drives fine but everytime i clear the code it comes back in a couple of days so Im going to give it a try. Thanks for the help.

 

If you have a semicircular vane type (hall effect), make sure it is not damaged. If it is you need a new Synchroniser. Wreckers sell them around 30-40 bucks. You'll then have to time the replacement unit.

 

just replace the damn sensor i had the same problem week before last geez i ran fine no rough idle no loss of power but it threw the code

sorry red you just make everything thing sound so bad to me this morning

 

Thats great it might be that simple!

However, sometimes the synchroniser is shot & it could also pooch the new sensor !
I would still be sure the synchroniser is not bent or otherwise damaged.
Also could be an electrical problem, since a damaged wire / bad connection will throw a code also.

The cam sensor delivers electrical pulses at approx TDC on the power stroke of the engines cycle. In the sensor ( Hall effect type) is a magnet which can come adrift & catch up on the rotating vane of the synchroniser. If this happens the vane will be damaged & a new sensor will not correct the problem. Luckily though, the damage to the vane is obvious if you know what it is supposed to look like. I would advise to look at another good one before inspecting for a faulty one, that way you know what you are looking for !
BTW what was the code?

All the best, Steve

 

Sorry. I dont remember the code numbers but it said cam position sensor circuit failure

 

Means that the ECU is not receiving a signal from the CMP circuit. If you disconnect the plug & backprobe the sensor signal line with a sensitive DMM you should get pulses at 1/2 engine speed ( probably detectable as you crank the engine. If you do then CMP sensor is probably O.K. check the wiring from the ECU in that case. If you dont get any pulses then the sensor or the synchroniser are at fault.

Good luck!

 

[BTW what was the code?

Found the code on my reader P0340 cam position sensor circuit failure bank 1.

Replaced sensor yesterday, reset codes and then drove it about 50 miles. still no codes. I think that is a good sign because it always threw the code in about 5 mile before.

Thanks for the help.