Tells the PCM the Intake Air Temperature. Helps with fuel mixing and stuff.

No.


Anyway, Does anyone have a picture of a good cam magnet? I don't want to look in there and think it'* good only to see a picture in six months...

Prime opportunity to change the timing chain and tensioner. Cheap parts, too.

Okay, here'* what I got:

The cam sensor looked like it had some scratches in it. Magnet test with mirror was inconclusive -- didn't have proper tool to turn engine over, and I couldn't bump it just right. If I had assistance, I may have had better luck. Either way -- the sensor was bad or going bad.

Wiped out PCM, but still had "58"&"41".

Changed the plats, went with NGK TR55 V-power. Plats exhibited normal wear for being a year old, but had slightly burned appearance @ tips. Gap on all plugs ranged from .055-.058. NGK'* were gapped to .060, according to factory spec.

Car ran like excrement after starting -- would not idle. Worked throttle until slightly warm, and then had skipping and serious bog with minor backfire on throttle snap. Test drive showed poor performance with pronouced skip, especially under load. Remembering that when I was tightening #5 plug that I heard a small snap, I pulled over and disconnected #5 wire. Ran the same. Fantastic -- found the culprit.

Ran to Advance, bought another TR55 and installed it. #5 plug was shattered -- chunk of porcelain was gone. Disconnected battery, cleared codes. SES reading only "12".

Started right up, most of skip eliminated. Car ran basically normal. Got immediate "41"&"58" Car has one-track mind!

Put ricer back on, and performance was remarkable. Idles smooth with just a hint of a hiccup occasionally. Much, much better!

Why the "41"? Er, a timing chain job would have to go to the shop -- and I simply can't afford it. I would think if the chain was stretched, the problem wouldn't improve as it warms up. But what do I know -- I'm still learning all this 3800 stuff! If the stall problem is settled at cold start, I will be more than satisfied with car'* performance...

First of all, TR55'* are one heat range colder (no problem), but should be gapped at .055", not .060 for factory plugs.

Secondly, a timing chain/tensioner problem will NOT throw a 41 unless it flat breaks, and you'll know it when that happens.

Your 41 is either the pickup magnet, sensor, or wiring to the Cam sensor.

If the trouble continues, I am pretty sure it is what you all say: a magnet problem.

The codes happened right after it started (few revolutions into start).

Magnet replacement is probably a big job, I would imagine. The parts are very reasonable, but labor cost is prohibitive, especially after a 'charger and injectors.

Hey, that procedure isn't bad...

It seems kinda tight doing it on the vehicle. How do you know you have the proper clearance between the magnet and sensor? It may be my only option, though...

This thing is running terrible! I just did 70 miles in it, under acceleration it bogs out and now it doesn't even take off eventually -- and I just got smoked by a normally-apirated Camaro on Rt. 11. And it had a SIX BANGER!

On the bright side -- it idles like glass at a stoplight, and you can snap it (most of the time) in neutral.

Any thoughts on TPS? How does one test it with an ohm meter? It is almost like the engine is getting plenty air and no fuel on demand. And it skips. Would having an .060 plug gap make THAT much of a difference?

Anybody want to buy a SSEi?????

If your TPS was bad, your idle would be erratic, your cruise control wouldn't work, and your TC wouldn't lock up at 48mph. And it would likely throw a code and light.

The plug gap is also not causing your problem.

The code 41 IS causing yoru problem. Your timing is in default limp-mode because of the lack of a reference signal from the cam sensor. The cam sensor also has an input for fuel injection timing.

Yup. That code 41 has been your major problem all along. Get that fixed before ANYTHING else.

Thank you. That makes perfect sense. I wasn't aware that the car is in default mode.

The timing issues and fuel delivery are definitely related.

My guess is the magnet. I will confirm this, then attempt repair using the procedure above. If the magnet is okay, then I'll check the wire harness. The cam sensor is a Borg-Warner -- not likely that that'* bad. Something damaged the one I removed - probably the magnet if it flew off.

I looked at a 3800 "L" code motor out of a Bonneville this afternoon at a shop by work. The timing cover is way over my head: it includes fooling with the oil pan even! If I have to do it though, I will. Have no choice -- labor would be astronomical!!!