Cam Position Sensor Question

[Jke68]

Have to replace the cam position sensor and possibly the drive assembly. Ford has 2 different sensors. The parts department asked if it was a "2 pin" or a "3 pin". Anyone have any idea how to determine which one I need? It's a 1999 explorer v6 sov. Big difference in price between the two. Also how difficult is it to replace the drive assembly? Any comments appreciated.

 

[Cobraguy]

You are going to have to see how many wires go into the connector. 2 or 3.

 

[rwenzing]

99~2000 Explorer/Ranger 4.0L OHV uses a 2-wire Variable Reluctance Sensor.

If you replace only the CMS, that is just a bolt on swap. If the Synchronizer (gear drive and housing) needs to be replaced, then the CMS must be timed to the camshaft on installation, similar to timing a distributor. A special tool is available from Ford (303-638) or OTC (6483) to align it.

 

[Stic-o]

It's a pain, but doable. Just get cly 1 to TDC and remove, and put the new one in in the exsact same postion. If your off a tooth you'll have problems. Get the Ford one, don't go cheap. I did, and had to replace it again in 1000 miles, cause it broke. You pretty much have to do it all by feel, can't get in to see anything where it's at. The sensor turns a shaft that turns your oil pump. The shaft has a cross at the top that must line up with the bottom of the sensor like a key. The first time is the hardest, but understanding how it works helps alot.

Napa one on the left that broke old factory one on right.

Sensor goes on top of these. Try just replacing that first. It's pretty easy

 

[Joe Dirt]

I've been getting a code for this thing forever on my '95.

What exactly does this sensor do, and what adverse affects will I be putting my rig through driving it if it's bad?

It's an absolute pain to get to, and I haven't noticed bad things to this point, and it's been coding for a year...

 

[lorenambrose]

ECM uses it as the primary way to control the fuel timing.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Primary or only? What backs it up? If it isn't reading correctly, would I still get my normal 15-17 MPG mix/19-20 MPG strict highway? It's not a cheap sensor, and if I'm not having big issues, it it worth it to replace?

 

[armyeng1]

1999 Ford Explorer Sport X Vin Number

It's a pain, but doable. Just get cly 1 to TDC and remove, and put the new one in in the exsact same postion. If your off a tooth you'll have problems. Get the Ford one, don't go cheap. I did, and had to replace it again in 1000 miles, cause it broke. You pretty much have to do it all by feel, can't get in to see anything where it's at. The sensor turns a shaft that turns your oil pump. The shaft has a cross at the top that must line up with the bottom of the sensor like a key. The first time is the hardest, but understanding how it works helps alot.

Napa one on the left that broke old factory one on right.

Sensor goes on top of these. Try just replacing that first. It's pretty easy

Where is the CAM Position Sensor on this Engine, I cant find it anywhere?

 

[Turdle]

Where is the CAM Position Sensor on this Engine, I cant find it anywhere?

on the 4.0 OHV engine it is on the right side rear of engine block, on the top deck behind where the intake manifold ends-

If you get to this area follow the wire harness down to it.

You would be best removing the upper intake to get to it IMO.

 

[Linga]

All the way at the back of the engine next to the fire wall.

 

[armyeng1]

Thanks alot

on the 4.0 OHV engine it is on the right side rear of engine block, on the top deck behind where the intake manifold ends-

If you get to this area follow the wire harness down to it.

You would be best removing the upper intake to get to it IMO.

thanks for the help, its right where I thought it was and didnt want it to be

Manny

 

[armyeng1]

Thanks alot

All the way at the back of the engine next to the fire wall.

thanks for the help, thats right where I thought it would be and right where i didnt want it to be.

Manny

 

[SAY789]

sorry to thread jack but i just replaced my 94 ranger 4.0 for another 4.0 due to hydrolock and i got it all put back together and i seemed to lost the plug going into the cam sensor. I cannot remember where it is is it connected to any other harness or is it stand alone that i musta hid somewhere? any help is appreciated thanks /hijack

 

[Turdle]

sorry to thread jack but i just replaced my 94 ranger 4.0 for another 4.0 due to hydrolock and i got it all put back together and i seemed to lost the plug going into the cam sensor. I cannot remember where it is is it connected to any other harness or is it stand alone that i musta hid somewhere? any help is appreciated thanks /hijack

it is way back on the block deck, toward the passenger side rear, slightly off the canter. You will need to reach down between the coil pack and upper intake, about 4" from the firewall. way down there you will find the cam sensor.
The wire connector is tied in with the passenger side 02 sensor harness, so follow it and you will find the connector.

 

[SAY789]

it is way back on the block deck, toward the passenger side rear, slightly off the canter. You will need to reach down between the coil pack and upper intake, about 4" from the firewall. way down there you will find the cam sensor.
The wire connector is tied in with the passenger side 02 sensor harness, so follow it and you will find the connector.

just looked im sittin next to ranger now it has a 3"bl so i can see in there easily the wiring harness comes over the intake and it splits to 4 connectors 2 are whit for 02 and 1 whit e and 1 bllack go to tranny no other plug is there. i can see the cam sensor knew where it was but just lost the plug somewhere

 

[armyeng1]

Cam Sensor

I have a 99 ford explorer and it is just riddled with problems in regards to engine operation and fuel. this thing sucks fuel like a train, i almost thought maybe i had a leak. it runs so rich that the exhaust is very foul smelling. i replaced the cam sensor and it was right there in the back behind that intake manifold about four inches down on the passenger side. as for the connector it is either a two wire of a three wire connector and should come off of that wire harness that runs along the back of the engine, if it's not there, then i cant imagine where it would be.

just looked im sittin next to ranger now it has a 3"bl so i can see in there easily the wiring harness comes over the intake and it splits to 4 connectors 2 are whit for 02 and 1 whit e and 1 bllack go to tranny no other plug is there. i can see the cam sensor knew where it was but just lost the plug somewhere