ECM code problem/question
10-19-2003, 01:48 PM
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ECM code problem/question
:?:
I retrieved code 41 (Cam sensor circuit loss of signal) and 48 (misfire diagnosis). My engine runs great and now am wondering where to go, or what to do. Anyone have any ideas please?
I retrieved code 41 (Cam sensor circuit loss of signal) and 48 (misfire diagnosis). My engine runs great and now am wondering where to go, or what to do. Anyone have any ideas please?
10-19-2003, 02:57 PM
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Re: ECM code problem/question
Originally Posted by debbiegary99
:?:
I retrieved code 41 (Cam sensor circuit loss of signal) and 48 (misfire diagnosis). My engine runs great and now am wondering where to go, or what to do. Anyone have any ideas please?
I retrieved code 41 (Cam sensor circuit loss of signal) and 48 (misfire diagnosis). My engine runs great and now am wondering where to go, or what to do. Anyone have any ideas please?
I would erase all codes & wait for a re-occurance. This is nothing to really worry about as almost anything could have caused it to throw a temp code, such as moisture, humidity, water, loose wire or connector, etc....
10-19-2003, 04:54 PM
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Oye Code 41 rears its ugly head
Chances are when you accelerate you are dealing with sputter problems right? Well basically the cam magnet inside the camshaft is cracked and it is not aligning the camshaft at start up. So you get this misposition and the car will not accel smoothly. Now the cheap solution is to just live with it. However you have lost your warning system since the SES light is always on.
To fix it, you must replace the cam magnet so that the cam position sensor accurately reads the correctly aligned camshaft and allows for smooth accel. Also, since the cam shaft is removed the timing chain is replaced.
This repair for a non "gearhead" is $800 CDN, I had to deal with the code 41 problem on my 89.
Here is some more info that I managed to dig up
_________________
Chances are when you accelerate you are dealing with sputter problems right? Well basically the cam magnet inside the camshaft is cracked and it is not aligning the camshaft at start up. So you get this misposition and the car will not accel smoothly. Now the cheap solution is to just live with it. However you have lost your warning system since the SES light is always on.
To fix it, you must replace the cam magnet so that the cam position sensor accurately reads the correctly aligned camshaft and allows for smooth accel. Also, since the cam shaft is removed the timing chain is replaced.
This repair for a non "gearhead" is $800 CDN, I had to deal with the code 41 problem on my 89.
Here is some more info that I managed to dig up
I'll give you the down low on Code 41: Cam Postioning Sensor.
Usually if this code comes up, it indicates that your cam shaft is not in the proper position to properly fire up your engine. A cam magnet located within the system properly aligns the cam shaft when the car is energized in order to ensure proper firing sequence. It is common for older VIN c 3800 engines to have the magnet break away. The resultant is the cam sensor is not longer locating the cam magnet and thusly not aligning for proper firing seqence. When this happens, the car may experience a shuddering and stutter feeling when accelerating or cruising.
It is so expensive to fix because it is labour intensive. In fact the dealer told me 5hrs, they pull out the cam, replace the sprockets, replace the cam position sensor, replace the magnet, replace a gasket cover or something (Don will correct me... ) and lastly replace your timing chain.
My cam magnet is being fixed tomorrow. I know for sure that Don (Jrs3800) and Merlin1 have gone thru the same problem....both with different results, Don fixed it himself with the aid of a friend with air tools and Merlin1 had his 3800 totally replaced with modified heads or something, beefing his engine up to a stock 180HP...lucky punk
Since I don't have power tools, resources, or the time to drive down to Florida to have Don fix it...lol I have to shell out as much as $1400 beans....
Usually if this code comes up, it indicates that your cam shaft is not in the proper position to properly fire up your engine. A cam magnet located within the system properly aligns the cam shaft when the car is energized in order to ensure proper firing sequence. It is common for older VIN c 3800 engines to have the magnet break away. The resultant is the cam sensor is not longer locating the cam magnet and thusly not aligning for proper firing seqence. When this happens, the car may experience a shuddering and stutter feeling when accelerating or cruising.
It is so expensive to fix because it is labour intensive. In fact the dealer told me 5hrs, they pull out the cam, replace the sprockets, replace the cam position sensor, replace the magnet, replace a gasket cover or something (Don will correct me... ) and lastly replace your timing chain.
My cam magnet is being fixed tomorrow. I know for sure that Don (Jrs3800) and Merlin1 have gone thru the same problem....both with different results, Don fixed it himself with the aid of a friend with air tools and Merlin1 had his 3800 totally replaced with modified heads or something, beefing his engine up to a stock 180HP...lucky punk
Since I don't have power tools, resources, or the time to drive down to Florida to have Don fix it...lol I have to shell out as much as $1400 beans....
10-19-2003, 07:34 PM
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before my bonny was handed down to me, my dad and the previous owner went several years with the cam sensor code 41, the previous owner took it to the local dealership and payed them to change out the computer and the sensor (neither probably happened since the code was still there). Eventually my dad just decidied to cahange the cam sensor itself. now there is no code 41 and never has been since then.
10-21-2003, 02:14 AM
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To answer a few questions...
I have not had the chance to try what jr's3800 suggested, but as far as how well the car runs... Well, as my first message stated, the runs great. She starts right up with a zip, even when cold. We get no spits or sputters, nothing, not even a hesitation even in passing gear. My brother did the test for the codes and has promised to show me how, I know he said something about a and b terminals and shorting something out. Hope I quoted him correctly. Also, I cannot begin to tell you all how much all everyone'* time and help in this matter means to both me and my hubby. 
10-23-2003, 09:05 AM
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If it is a cam magnet failure then you have a choice: if about time to replace the timing chain then can use the factory method and remove the timing cover etc.
OTOH I found a much easier method and it has been working on one of mine for over a year now. A few friends have also had good luck. As long as you get everything really clean so the JB Weld adheres properly, you might try this: http://www.6007.us/cammag.htm
OTOH I found a much easier method and it has been working on one of mine for over a year now. A few friends have also had good luck. As long as you get everything really clean so the JB Weld adheres properly, you might try this: http://www.6007.us/cammag.htm
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