part location? Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Andrewhuffman]

Can anyone tell me what, and where the computer under my dash is, whatand where an ECM is, and where the camshaft position sensor is? pictures would be helpful. I have a 1995 lesabre custom, and i'm trying to fix it myself

[BNaylor]

The ECM module should be on the passenger side of the car under the dash behind the glovebox area. The camshaft position sensor should be located at the front of the engine by the crank and harmonic balancer around the 10 o'clock position on the block.

[HotZ28]

If this LeSabre is a 1995, it may have the OBD11 PCM. If so, it should be under the hood. Check the sticker on the fan schroud to see if it is OBD11 compliant.

[Andrewhuffman]

if i buy a new computer, would it have to be programed? or would it already be set.

[spinne1]

Originally Posted by Andrewhuffman

if i buy a new computer, would it have to be programed? or would it already be set.

You would remove the chip from your present computer and put it into the new one (easy to do).

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by spinne1

You would remove the chip from your present computer and put it into the new one (easy to do).

If the car is OBD1 it would have a prom (chip), if it is OBD11 it would not. OBD11 requires "flash" programming. Have you checked to see what you have yet?

[Alibi]

http://bellsouthpwp.net/p/a/padgett46/cammag.htm

Cam sensor and magnet locations on a series 1. Should be very similar on a series 2.

[BNaylor]

How about a shot of a camshaft position sensor on a SII 3800. The plastic cover and harmonic balancer are removed. Plus it it shows the crank position sensor to the right.

[Andrewhuffman]

i see anywhere it said, but it does have a chip in it and dosnt have to be flash programed.

[Andrewhuffman]

which one is the crank position sensor?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Andrewhuffman

which one is the crank position sensor?

At the 3 o'clock position of the crank. The electrical connector is disconnected to it in the pic.

[Andrewhuffman]

i see it, upon replacing it, do i need any special tools? does it have to be "set"? same question for the cam sensor. does the balancer have come off?

[spinne1]

Originally Posted by Andrewhuffman

i see it, upon replacing it, do i need any special tools? does it have to be "set"? same question for the cam sensor. does the balancer have come off?

Dealers use a special tool to set the crank sensor in the right position. There is very little clearance between the fins of the harmonic balancer and the sensor, therefore if it is not aligned just right your fins will hit the plastic of the sensor and soon destroy it. It CAN be done by hand, but it is not easy. It takes trial and error and sometimes requires putting the harmonic balancer off and on more than once (depending on your access to the backside of the harmonic balancer when it is installed--you cannot adjust the sensor from the front side with the harmonic balancer installed and you cannot adjust it without the balancer installed therefore you must adjust from the back or at least view from the back what is happening).

Another issue is that even when you think it is properly adjusted, tightening down the screw which locks the sensor in place can move the sensor, thus making your work in setting it moot and you have to start over. It can be tricky work.

The cam sensor is much easier. You simply get the old one out (rock it left and right while pulling backward and it will eventually come out), and put the new one in. You need to check the condition of your cam sensor magnet while it is out. If it needs replacing, DO IT. To do it without pulling the front cover off, do this:
http://bellsouthpwp.net/p/a/padgett46/cammag.htm

You can probably replace the cam sensor without removing the harmonic balancer, but it would be harder (and maybe not possible--I can't remember if it overlaps the sensor). You cannot replace the crank sensor without removing the harmonic balancer.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by spinne1

Dealers use a special tool to set the crank sensor in the right position. There is very little clearance between the fins of the harmonic balancer and the sensor, therefore if it is not aligned just right your fins will hit the plastic of the sensor and soon destroy it. It CAN be done by hand, but it is not easy. It takes trial and error and sometimes requires putting the harmonic balancer off and on more than once (depending on your access to the backside of the harmonic balancer when it is installed--you cannot adjust the sensor from the front side with the harmonic balancer installed and you cannot adjust it without the balancer installed therefore you must adjust from the back or at least view from the back what is happening).

Another issue is that even when you think it is properly adjusted, tightening down the screw which locks the sensor in place can move the sensor, thus making your work in setting it moot and you have to start over. It can be tricky work.

The cam sensor is much easier. You simply get the old one out (rock it left and right while pulling backward and it will eventually come out), and put the new one in. You need to check the condition of your cam sensor magnet while it is out. If it needs replacing, DO IT. To do it without pulling the front cover off, do this:
http://bellsouthpwp.net/p/a/padgett46/cammag.htm

You can probably replace the cam sensor without removing the harmonic balancer, but it would be harder (and maybe not possible--I can't remember if it overlaps the sensor). You cannot replace the crank sensor without removing the harmonic balancer.

Good post, however, some clarification is in order. No special tool is required to install a crank position sensor on a SII 3800. There is no air gap setting needed. The CKPS is preformed and a fixed fit once properly bolted and torqued down on to the two studs.

On the harmonic balancer puller special bolts are needed to remove the harmonic balancer. The typical rented ones will not come with them.

The bolts (total 3) are 1/4" X 3" 28 NF (National Fine).

You may be able to replace the camshaft position sensor, however, it will be alot easier to remove the harmonic balancer and the plastic protective shield. The plastic shield is blocking the access to the sensor. It recommended to replace both sensors while it is all apart.

If the original poster needs a tech procedure with pics I will be happy to provide it. Just PM me.

BTW - The backside of the balancer should be inspected after removal. The teeth on the rings is what breaks the signal for the CrankShaftPosition Sensor to read properly. Inspect them for possible damage.

The above is only applicable if he has a SII 3800 Vin "K". He may have a 3.8L Vin "L" depending on when it was made during the production year. However, the Vin "L" and Vin "K" sensors are identical and have the same part number.