V6 (1994-2004) Mustangs Technical discussions on the 3.8L and 3.9L V6 torque monsters

Camshaft position sensor connector will not clip onto sensor?

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Old Jan 21, 2015 | 12:36 PM
  #1  
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gagemcc
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Default Camshaft position sensor connector will not clip onto sensor?

So I got two codes related to my camshaft sensor which I am pretty sure the problem is because of the connector not clipping onto the sensor therefore the sensor is not functional. For whatever reason it is just sitting on the sensor and I can pull it off with ease while the car is running or not. I know the sensor is fine because I already tested it with my multimeter. Could the connector somehow be damaged on the inside and need replaced? Theories? Thanks
Old Jan 21, 2015 | 01:28 PM
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There is usually a rubber or rubber like gasket in the connector, try removing it to see if it will fit on better. if it does, trim the thickness so that the sesor will still clip on. It might also just take more force than you are giving it. The new gasket needs to be compressed to make a water tight fit.
Old Jan 22, 2015 | 07:21 AM
  #3  
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If cam sensor was changed at one time before, there are 2 different types of sensors, stepped and non-stepped and the electrical connector blades are different. check the video below, somewhere around 11:00 minutes in he shows you the difference. Good video to watch because it is often not the cam sensor going bad, but the entire synchronizer that gets worn.
If the link doesn't work just search on youtube for jamesdanner 01 Taurus
Corky
Old Jan 23, 2015 | 11:37 AM
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gagemcc
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Awhile back I disconnected the sensor to clean it off because one day we had a lot of rain and mud got into the engine. At that time I did not have the codes for a bad sensor but right after I connected it or so I thought I did the codes came up. I remember the connector being snapped on at that time and when I put it back on I thought I had it on but I was wrong, there is a good chance I could have somehow damaged the connector without knowing. I tested it already and the sensor was fine, is it possible to splice the connection between the sensor and connector using some wires and high temp resistant wire sleeves? Just as a temp fix until I buy a new connector?

EDIT: I also took the rubber gasket off that Derf00 said to try and it still didn't go on like it should have

Last edited by gagemcc; Jan 23, 2015 at 12:13 PM.
Old Jan 26, 2015 | 07:49 AM
  #5  
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You can always splice it temporarily, but that is a last ditch effort to alter the factory connection. I would try to connect it and use a few zip ties to hold the connector in place. Did you check the synchronizer shaft for play? There should be no play in the shaft (side-to-side). The sensor can still test OK, but if the shaft has excessive play the signal to the PCM can drop out intermittently and trigger CEL.
Corky
Old Jan 29, 2015 | 07:46 PM
  #6  
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It will start squeaking real bad long before its worn enough to wobble an amount needed to throw it off that bad, ask me how I know...........

Its a freakin ear splitting high pitched terrible noise.

Any chance you could post us some pics of the plug from a few different angles??
Old Jan 31, 2015 | 09:59 AM
  #7  
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gagemcc
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All's good now, originally it threw me two codes related to the sensor and I managed to connect the connector. For some odd reason it required a ton of force to get it on, could have been dust and dirt blockage somehow. Thanks for the replies though!
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