92 Regal cam position sensor

[chadnyne]

I have a 92 Regal Limited that I just bought with 139K, and the 3.8 V6. The car runs ok but has a SES light on. I pulled the code, and it was code 41 for the cam position sensor/circuit. I replaced the sensor, disconnected the negative to clear the code, but the SES came right back after I restarted the car. How do I check to see if the magnet came off, and if it did, how do I replace it? Thanks

[The_Mechanic_33]

to check magnet pull cam sensor and disable ignition then with a mirrior look in cam hole while someone bumps the key till u see it through hole.I have seen them get soft so u might want to poke the magnet lightly with a pick and see if its still hard.carefull not to push out of place.to replace it requires removing timing cover as the magnet is pushed in through back of cam gear.

[chadnyne]

Thanks for the info. That will probably be mechanic level work, beyond me. I will check the wiring connections first though. If I do have to have the timing cover off, would it be wise to have them change out the timing chain also? Anything else that would be wise to do with that cover off? Thanks

[HotZ28]

If I do have to have the timing cover off, would it be wise to have them change out the timing chain also?

If the timing chain has never been changed, you should change it. In addition, have them change the tensioner while they are at it.

[richtazz]

I'd also replace the water pump as it is attached to the timing cover and is one of the only weak components of the engine in your car.

[chadnyne]

Before I go to the mechanic, does the ses light need reset by a code scanner, or can you just disconnect the battery for a bit? I disconnected the battery for about 30 seconds, but the code returned. I had a ses on another GM product, however, and it did not reset by disconnecting the battery, I had to clear it with a code reader (04 Blazer with the loose gas cap code). I'd hate to take the car in if my cam pos sensor replacement did work and there really isn't a magnet problem. Car runs fine so far.