Cam Sensor Removal? Is there a trick?

[jaso1108]

Hi there,

It appears from the code I am pulling on our 1998 Montana 3.4 L that the Cam Position Sensor is bad. After following the wires, it looks as if it is located on the top of the engine, just to the right of the power steering reservoir.

First, does that sound like the right location? It's hard to see it very well, and as everyone knows, there are about ten sensors that look alike.

Second, is there some sort of easy way to get it out- from what I see it looks like I have to take off the power steering pump? Any guidance is much appreciated!

Thanks,

Jason

['97ventureowner]

IIRC I did not have to take off the pump, just loosen it and moved it out of the way. I did mine along with the EGR about 2 to 3 years ago and ended up doing it after dark because I did not allot enough time to do it,(took longer than I expected.)Once you access it, it's fairly easy to change out. A manual with pics is a good thing to use, and I used the new part to help differentiate it from the other sensors.

[jaso1108]

Thanks, I will try just moving the Power steering pump over without disconnecting the lines, and see where it goes!

-Jason

[rkvons]

Originally Posted by jaso1108

Hi there,

It appears from the code I am pulling on our 1998 Montana 3.4 L that the Cam Position Sensor is bad.

Did you experience any undesireable symptoms from your vehicle prior to the code and, presumeably, the "Service Engine Soon" light? If so, what were they? Thanks.

[jaso1108]

Originally Posted by rkvons

Did you experience any undesireable symptoms from your vehicle prior to the code and, presumeably, the "Service Engine Soon" light? If so, what were they? Thanks.

No, nothing too extraordinary, just a recurring "Service Engine Soon" light- I thought intially it was some weird reaction to the gas, as it seemed to coincide with filling up the tank. But after it stayed on, I had Autozone pull the codes, and it came up with one for a cam sensor. Any other thoughts?

['97ventureowner]

I, too, didn't have anything out of the ordinary happen when my went. My EGR also set a code at the same time, so I replaced both while I was in there. My EGR has set a code a few weeks earlier, and I took it off and attempted to clean some of the buildup in hopes that was the issue.

[jaso1108]

I finally got it changed out- I took out the power steering pump bolts, and was able to lift it up enough to get to the cam sensor with a couple of wobbly extensions and a lot of luck! Took about an hour though, it took a couple of shots (OK, maybe 5) to get the retainer bolt started.

Thanks for the advice!