2001 Taurus Has odd Squeak

My 2001 Taurus has a loud squeak coming from the driver side of the motor - not the belts or water pump side. It sounds like a chirping bird that does not go away. It increases with throttle increase. With a really long screw driver as a stethoscope, I pinpointed the sound and it is coming from ( or near ) a small round 'thing' mounted to the head or the block - it has a clip-on electrical feed ( like a fuel injector would have ). This part is located right under/near the throttle assembly

What is this thing ? Could this be the squeak ? EZ or tough repair ?

And lastly, is there a site where I could get free engine schematics for my year car ?

Thx..

I think you are referring to the CAM SENSOR....I had that chirping sound (it was intermittent).,when I bought my 2000 Tauras...I mentioned at the dealer and he suggested that it may be the cam sensor......I don't know if what I did helped or not...but I've only heard the chirping once since I changed oil and added Slick 50...There are several postings on the forum a few months back about the cam sdnsor...and it seems the biggest problem is the plastic shield evedently it has to come off to get to the cam sensor

I'v got a 2003 with the same squeaking from the same area. I cannot see how a cam sensor could sound like that. It really sounds like a bearing or belt. I first thought Alt or power str but it comes from around the Trans bell housing??????? Will follow this thread and see. I will also check Cam Sensor. It really sounds exterior to the engine though.

Possibly tensioner pulley?

It sounds like the cam sensor. Had the same problem on my 2002. Replacing the sensor made the problem go away. Now, after 18000 miles, it's back. The sensor was only $28 at Autozone. I read on another forum that removing the sensor and putting a drop or two of motor oil in the recess helps. My sensor was damaged and also caused a check engine light so I didn't try the oil.

Nope, wrong end of the engine, the transmission side.

Possibly tensioner pulley?

I will check this next. But dang I don't see how a plastic sensor can sound like a bearing/belt. I will report back here but it may be a few days.

It sounds like the cam sensor. Had the same problem on my 2002. Replacing the sensor made the problem go away. Now, after 18000 miles, it's back. The sensor was only $28 at Autozone. I read on another forum that removing the sensor and putting a drop or two of motor oil in the recess helps. My sensor was damaged and also caused a check engine light so I didn't try the oil.

FYI: It was the cam sensor - the part that actually gears intot he cam gear. The plastic pc on top was fine.

It was covered under warranty - so I let the guys at Ford do it ( I did however 'tell them' what it was )

All quiet now...

It sounds like the cam sensor. Had the same problem on my 2002. Replacing the sensor made the problem go away. Now, after 18000 miles, it's back. The sensor was only $28 at Autozone. I read on another forum that removing the sensor and putting a drop or two of motor oil in the recess helps. My sensor was damaged and also caused a check engine light so I didn't try the oil.


I'm getting the chirping more often now...looks like I will be replacing the sensor....Whats involved to removing and replacing the part? Is there any special tools needed?...Will appreciate your info.....Thanks

I don't know handy you are. If I did not have the warranty, I would have done it myself - ot at least attempted it. I think there is a tool needed ( not sure ). The parts, w/ the plastic sensor is like $150.

I do know that it is CRITICAL to take out the cam gear you have and install the new one exactly the same way. If you misalign the gears/teeth, the car will run incorrectly. This cam sensor is very important, believe it or not, in sending critical info to the FI computer, so the computer will send the correct, fuel, advance etc. to the injection system.

It is do-able. I think you have to move a lot of the crap that is in the way to get to the sensor i.e throttle assembly, and man-handle some wiring out of the way. I would go to your Ford dealer w/ a couple of cups of coffee and ask them what is involved...

Sorry, but I did not do the actual job, so I do not have 1st hand details - I just researched it to a point, then found out I was under warranty and did not give it another thought.

Good luck. I'm sure with some research, good tools, good directions, and some luck - you'll get it done.

I don't know handy you are. If I did not have the warranty, I would have done it myself - ot at least attempted it. I think there is a tool needed ( not sure ). The parts, w/ the plastic sensor is like $150.

I do know that it is CRITICAL to take out the cam gear you have and install the new one exactly the same way. If you misalign the gears/teeth, the car will run incorrectly. This cam sensor is very important, believe it or not, in sending critical info to the FI computer, so the computer will send the correct, fuel, advance etc. to the injection system.

It is do-able. I think you have to move a lot of the crap that is in the way to get to the sensor i.e throttle assembly, and man-handle some wiring out of the way. I would go to your Ford dealer w/ a couple of cups of coffee and ask them what is involved...

Sorry, but I did not do the actual job, so I do not have 1st hand details - I just researched it to a point, then found out I was under warranty and did not give it another thought.

Good luck. I'm sure with some research, good tools, good directions, and some luck - you'll get it done.


THANKS MUCH.... I THINK I CAN HANDLE GETTING IT OUT ...THE ONLY THING I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT WAS INSERTING THE NEW ONE......HOPEFULLY I CAN GET SOME INFO FROM A TECH ON THE FORUM ABOUT THE INTALLATION...I think that may be a problem.

According to my Haynes Manual, this thing is like a distributor of old. (Sort-a) The book also says that you don't have to pull the drive assembly to change the sensor which mounts to the top. My engine runs fine, so I'm just going to lube the spinning part of the drive assemble. The actual sensor just sits on top.
I remember (telling my age) that distributors only had a bushing at the top and was only splashed oiled. If this quiets the noise, I'll go the the local junk yard, ummm, I mean auto recycling location and pick up another. Its like changing a distributor. Just like with a distributor, one tooth off and it won't run.
Lee



FYI: It was the cam sensor - the part that actually gears intot he cam gear. The plastic pc on top was fine.

It was covered under warranty - so I let the guys at Ford do it ( I did however 'tell them' what it was )

All quiet now...

Just an update, the noise has not repeated for 5 days and its been to cold to work on it. Car driven daily.

The Haynes manual says you don't have to pull the assembly to replace the sensor, but it's the assembly that chirps, not the sensor. Anyhow, it's usually sound advice to say replace them both at the same time.

The sensor itself bolts in to the drive assembly. A special tool is required to ensure the cam sensor drive assembly is clocked to the correct angle. My original replacement of the sensor was due to a little play in the drive assy causing the sensor itself to become damaged. I just checked it and the sensor is stil intact, but with our cold weather, the drive was rubbing on the sensor. A couple of drops of 5W30 motor oil in the drive and reinstalling the sensor made it nice and quiet.

O.K. I have the squeak as well on my '02. I see the senor down below the throttle body. If I just want to try oiling it what do I need to do? Will just removing the sensor give me access to the assembly?

Thanks in advance.