Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement
 

I've used the Search function here, but to little or no avail. My apologies if I've missed something, and this is redundant.

My step-dad has a '96 SSEi which is having an erratic idle issue, and occasionally (but rarely) stalls while sitting still. When it stalls, it throws a CEL and a battery light. A memory pull at AutoZone showed a code indicating bad voltage from the camshaft position sensor.

The part is only about $28. Is this something that can be easily changed at home? Where is it located? Does anyone have detailed/illustrated instructions for removal/replacement?

Could the camshaft position sensor be causing the erratic idle/stall on its own, or could there be other common issues contributing to it that should be investigated?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

- Iszi

The cam position sensor isn't that hard to replace, IF indeed that is the only problem.

Here's a pic of it's location:

Attachment 52546

Now, I'm off to get you some more info, 'cause I can't remember where it all is. :? :D

Be right back...

.....OK, back with the goods.

Read this thread and it's many links and various discussions. It and it's links cover about all you need to know. If not, then just ask and, ...uh, ...someone... will help you. :D ;)

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Cam Sensor Problems...

I had this exact problem with my car recently, and it took firestone a while to figure out that it was both the cam AND crank sensor, even though the computer was just screaming cam sensor. It hasn't stalled since and starts fine. You might want to make sure it's not just the cam sensor...

With a bad cam sensor the typical behavior is that the car has a 1 in 6 chance of starting each time you turn the key. I've yet to hear about a bad idle caused by a cam sensor.

The crank sensor could cause many different symptoms. Personally if the voltage is in question, I'd check the wiring for rubbing and any visible damage, then move on to checking the voltage at each wire and ICM.

Looks like some good answers here, and LOTS of info in that one post! Thanks a lot!

My step-dad had gone ahead and gotten the sensor from the parts store, so I'll likely be tasked with replacing it sometime in the near future. I'll take a look around that area for anything else that seems like it might have caused that engine code. Sounds like the idle issue may have to be fought another day.

New symptom.
 

Well, I haven't gotten to change the Camshaft Position Sensor yet (Stepdad read the posts here, and says it's impossible to reach - although I haven't looked under the hood yet myself - and his mechanic is unavailable as of yet) but the car gave me a new problem today.

Typically, it's not hard at all to start his car up. Most times, it feels like the engine turns over and starts purring before I even get the key turned all the way. This morning however, was different. I first noticed a problem when I gave it the usual "quick turn" to avoid over-cranking it, but it didn't start like normal. So, I turned the key and held. It seemed to crank forever until I gave up on that try. Tried another time, and it started after a few cranks but stalled out immediately. I decided to give it one more try and it finally came alive.

When I shifted into Reverse however, the car almost acted like it wanted to stall out again. I let it sit for a minute before finally moving, and it behaved well the rest of the way to work. (30 miles, highway driving)

I'm getting ready to go to lunch now, and I'll let you guys know how it behaves then. Meanwhile, any ideas? I'll also try to find a local shop to do a quick code pull while I'm out, to see if anything new popped up this morning.