2002 windstar making noise sounds like idler

[daylyter]

My 2002 windstar is making a noise on the passenger side that sounds like idler pully,belt or altinator....but I removed the belt and the noise is still there also the engine dies like something is buinding?? van has 95,000 got any sugestions?

[skibo1]

sounds like the cam sychronizer, its on the pass side by the p/s pump. they have an internal bearing that dries out and starts chirping, best to replace cam sensor and synchro (sensor is on top) its not too hard but everything needs to be marked like a distributor otherwise your eng light will come on and it will require a ford special tool to re time.

[____]

Does this go for a 2000 too? I have a lot of noise and I can't tell if it's the PS pump, alternator, or idler. It's rather noisy and I would love to identify it so i can fix it.

[wiswind]

Yes, it would apply to the 2000 also.

[____]

Would this make a LOT of noise? Can you provide any additional info about its location and repair? Thanks!

[wiswind]

Try a search on Cam sensor, as several people have worked on this issue and posted results.
The sensor is not what makes the noise, it is the shaft with the gears that goes down to a gear on the camshaft.

I don't have any pictures that show this....it it a hard to photograph location.

The sensor is held on by 2 small bolts....real easy to remove and replace.
The shaft is NOT easy to work with....as mentioned....you have to reinstall it just right, or it will not work properly, and is a pain to get back into the correct position.

The location is on the passenger side, top of the engine.
It is located very close to the front IMRC actuator on the '96 through '98, but they changed the IMRC actuator setup starting in '99.
It would be at the top of the front cover (aka timing chain cover).
The fuel pressure regulator is also right next to the camshaft sensor.

If you remember back to the days when vehicles had distributors, this is what is left of that.
It tells the PCM when to spray fuel into which cylinder, etc.

If you look on AutoZone's website, under the free vehicle repair guides, you should find some information.
If they don't have the '99 and newer up yet.....the 95-98 information should be of help to you for this item.