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Cam position sensor

Now that I have an OBD reader I used it for a check engine light I got.
Gave me a code for a cam position sensor.
My question is how does one of these go bad when all it does is sense a magnetic field? Could it be something else or is that a common fail item.
Is there any way to test the sensor?
Thanks
db

Old 01-23-2008, 05:20 PM
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Is that the only code? Does the car run ok?

Other than wiring or solder(rare), if the Cam pos sensor code must be the sensor itself.

I would reset the code and see if it reappears.
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Old 01-23-2008, 08:14 PM
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Yes that was the only code. I cleared it and initially when I started the car the check engine light did not return but the second time I started it came back. Engine seems to be running ok other than a slight hesitation at startup.
db
Old 01-24-2008, 12:54 AM
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BTW the car has 203K + miles and still runs with the big dogs.
Had a guy compliment me the other day on the car and when I told him it was over ten years old and over 200K miles he was surprised. thought it was a newer car!!
db
Old 01-24-2008, 12:58 AM
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I would pull the connector, inspect the wires make sure its getting a good connection, reset the light again. If it comes back replace the sensor. I don't think the sensor is expensive.
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Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4
Old 01-24-2008, 06:24 AM
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I'm going to go ahead and change the sensor. It's my daily driver and I only want to tear into it one time. Today it wouldn't start. Cleared the cam sensor code and was finally able to get it started after it stumbled quite a bit. Seems to run ok above idle.
Old 02-16-2008, 03:37 PM
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OK, I changed the sensor this evening. What a pain. I can't believe the connector is almost inaccessible under the intake. The biggest amount of time was spent trying to get the dang connectors hooked back up with one hand.
Bentley manual recommends hooking a wire around the connector end so you don't lose it. I ended up looping a plastic zip tie around it and clamping a set of needle nose vise grips to hold it while I snapped the connectors together. Just left the zip tie on the cable in case I need to do it again.

Had to keep reminding myself how much money I saved.
Cheers
db
Old 02-23-2008, 05:44 PM
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The pain and suffering will soon be a distant memory.

The big question is did that fix the problem?
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Old 02-25-2008, 08:02 AM
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I guess I forgot to mention that, Ya it fixed it. Runs like a champ.

Cheers
db

Old 02-25-2008, 07:30 PM
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