1989 Electra PA cam sensor fault

The ecm is setting a code for the cam sensor. It's always on. The car does not exhibit weird stalling, missing, or any of that; but idle doesn't drop after a cold start and has less than previously obtained fuel economy and power. Does this sound like a legitimate cam sensor failure or does it sound like the magnet is off the timing gear?

I'm guessing it's the sensor, but I've heard the vin C engine has issues with the magnet falling off.

Yes, this is very common. Code 41 is generally caused by the magnet breaking out of its plastic housing and being flung away from the CAM sensor itself. It uses the hall effect so no magnet means no change in voltage which means the ECM is having to guess at the position of the cam.

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