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Cam position sensor replacement

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Old 11-18-2007, 04:55 PM
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Default Cam position sensor replacement

Edit: This is for a friend'* 89 Bonneville.

If the CPS is right behind the water pump, though I do see it, how do I go about replacing it?

Here'* Alldata'* info on the sensor:
The cam sensor is located on the timing cover behind the water pump near the camshaft sprocket. As the camshaft sprocket turns, a permanent magnet activates the Hall-Effect switch in the cam sensor. When the Hall-effect switch is activated, it grounds the signal line to the ECM, pulling the cam signal line'* applied voltage low. This is interpreted as a cam signal. The cam signal is created as piston #1 is approximately 25°after top dead center on the power stroke. When the cam signal is not received by the ECM, a Code 41 will set.
We shorted out the A&B sockets on the computer plug, and the computer is truly showing code 41. The car has a fair acceleration rate, but I know 3800 engines can do better. Here'* Alldata'* set of instructions for replacing the sensor:
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove water pump pulley attaching bolts, then the serpentine belt and water pump pulley.
3. Disconnect sensor wiring connector and remove sensor retaining bolt.
4. Twist and pull sensor to remove.
5. Reverse procedure to install and prior to installing new sensor, lubricate sensor O-ring.
Is there an easier way of doing this? If I take off the water pump pulley, is it necessary to be accurate on the bolt torque specs when putting it back on?
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Old 11-18-2007, 05:03 PM
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easier way? sounds simple. You just need to get those 4 bolts off the WP pulley to get it off. They want you to keep the belt on while loosening the bolts so the pulley doesnt spin. Once they are all loose, remove the belt and then loosen the bolts the rest of the way and the pulley will come right off.

It is always a good idea to torque the bolts back to spec.
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Old 11-18-2007, 09:53 PM
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I saw the way the sensor is held on in various drawings, and I thought I might ask if anyone has taken the sensor out & put in a new one without removing the pulley. However, the way it'* put in the guide and in how you worded it makes it seem as that is the easier way. How often do cam pos sensors go out in normal driving conditions?
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Old 11-19-2007, 08:11 AM
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Can you confirm which car this is for? I'm assuming the 95....but it'* in the 87-91 area. Or maybe you are working on another?
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Old 11-19-2007, 12:45 PM
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Ah, sorry. I'll update my original post. Thanks!
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Old 11-20-2007, 10:41 AM
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Default cps

You need to determine if the cam magnet fell off and if so there is another procedure for re-instaliing a new one.
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Old 11-21-2007, 12:25 AM
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Can the cam magnet fall off at 51K miles? Original miles!!
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Old 11-21-2007, 03:24 AM
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heres a good write up on it

http://padgett.ws/cars/cammag.htm
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Old 11-21-2007, 03:27 AM
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That'* incredible. How could this be done with the engine still in the car? It would seem to take as much time as taking off the timing chain cover, but cheaper.
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Old 11-21-2007, 10:30 AM
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Default magnet

I have 142k on my SSE and the original cam magnet but anything is possible. Check out the wiring and connector first.
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