Sensor Removal-Replacing Old Sensor With Original

Fig 29 Camshaft Position Sensor Location:

The camshaft position sensor is located on the timing chain case/cover on the left-front side of the engine (Fig. 29).

Fig 30 Sensor Depth Positioning Rib -- Typical:

A thin plastic rib is molded into the face of the sensor (Fig. 30) to position the depth of sensor to the upper cam gear (sprocket). This rib can be found on both the new replacement sensors and sensors that were originally installed to the engine. The first time the engine has been operated, part of this rib may be sheared (ground) off. Depending on parts tolerances, some of the rib material may still be observed after removal.

If the original camshaft position sensor is to be removed and installed, such as when servicing the timing chain, timing gears or timing chain cover, use this procedure.

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the sensor harness connector from the sensor.
2. Scribe the sensor for location depth.
3. Remove the sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 29).
4. Carefully pry the sensor from the timing chain case/cover in a rocking action with two small screwdrivers.
5. Remove the sensor from vehicle.
6. Check condition of sensor O-ring.

Fig 31 Camshaft Sensor O-Ring:

NOTE: When installing a used camshaft position sensor, the sensor depth must be adjusted to prevent contact with the camshaft gear (sprocket).

INSTALLATION
1. Apply a small amount of engine oil to the sensor O-ring (Fig. 31).

Fig 32 Sensor Operation:

A low and high area are machined into the camshaft drive gear (Fig. 32). The sensor is positioned in the timing gear cover so that a small air gap exists between the face of sensor and the high machined area of cam gear.

Before the sensor is installed, the cam gear may have to be rotated. This is to allow the high machined area on the gear to be directly in front of the sensor mounting hole opening on the timing gear cover.

Fig 33 Sensor Depth Dimensions:

Do not install sensor with gear positioned at low area (Fig. 33). When the engine is started, the sensor will be broken.

2. Using a 1/2 inch wide metal ruler, measure the distance from the cam gear to the face of the sensor mounting hole opening on the timing gear cover.
3. If the dimension is approximately 1-15/32 inches, it is OK to install sensor.
4. If the dimension is approximately 1-5/8 inches, the cam gear will have to be rotated.
5. Attach a socket to the vibration damper mounting bolt and rotate engine until the 1-15/32 inch dimension is attained.
6. Install the sensor into the timing case/cover with a slight rocking action until the sensor is aligned to scribe line.
7. Install sensor mounting bolt and tighten to 6 Nm (50 in. lbs.) torque.
8. Connect engine wiring harness to sensor.