ok pulled the codes and said cam sensor. changed sensor had battery cables pulled for over 1 hour. ran car and check engine light came on again immediately. could it be the pick up on cam? I would hate to think where that went. can that be changed or is it time for a new cam. car is a 1992 sse with 217,000 miles and running strong thanks for any help

What code number are you getting?

Isn't cam error Code 41?

Yes I would suspect the magnet on the cam gear.In the series 1 3800 there'* a spring loaded button that can wear the inside of the aluminum timing chain cover allowing the camshaft to move .If worn too bad another cover may be required.And speaking of timing chains,that would be right at the top of my list if it has alot of miles on it.I can't believe this is the original timing chain at 217,000 unless somebody did a helluva lotta highway driving.You say it runs strong but if the timing chain is stretched that bad and gets replaced,you should get a noticeable increase in low end pickup.The magnet on the cam gear should be replaced as a matter of course when replacing a timing chain.So should the cam sensor but you already did that.Keep us posted on what you find.

cant remember code number. called dealer and that is what they told me. yes allot of highway driving. I have had this car since 40,000 miles. don't know how much life is left in it. good oil pressure and all. will look into the info you have provided. would I be better off changing cam and lifters while im in there? thanks

Should you change the cam and lifters?Boy that'* a judgement call depending how long you want to keep the car and how cheaply it can be done and the general shape of the car overall.If it were me and the car still had decent performance and gas mileage then no I wouldn't.Assuming it'* the timing chain then I'd do that because the damm SES light will never go away.But figure on about 425 bucks give or take to have it done if you don't do it yourself.The bigger question is how many parts have been replaced already.At 217000 there'* a whole but of stuff just waiting to go south that can add up real quick to more than the car is worth plus let you sit.Anything from little stuff like thermostat and radiator hoses with lots of age on them that can give you a major overheat(head gasket failure can follow later) to stuff like ball joints ,tie rod ends,steering rack,exhaust,fuel pump,radiator,rusted brake lines,master cylinder and the list goes on.I'm not even considering the normal battery,starter,alternator and water pump stuff which is to be expected.Bluntly stated your car has lots of miles and because of highway miles many of these things may never have been replaced.But they're gonna fail eventually.There may be alot of miles left in the car but expect to replace things.Sometimes the best thing is to have done a thorough inspection to assess the true condition before investing too much money.Realizing that you may have to sink 1000 bucks repairs into a 900 dollar vehicle(I'm just picking numbers here,no reflection on the value of your car) for stuff that'* bad now kinda changes your perspective.Then there'* what'* gonna fail 6months to a year later.Not trying to freak you out but just offering one way to look at your situation.Thinking some more here,your 92 is at that 11 to 12 year mark where factory brake hoses should be hard and cracked if they're still on the car and the rubber in the crankshaft damper pulley may be cracking also.The list could go on.Sh*t wears out.Hopefully you'll get off easy until you get rid of the car.

Did you use diagnostic chart for code 41? May not be missing magnet ....could be ignition control module or PCM or insulation worn off a wire, allowing it to go to ground.

thanks for all the info. now where to start

I use http://www.alldatadiy.com , like having a service manual that includes Technical Service Bulletines. Cost is $25 for first vehicle.