96 Camshaft Synchronizer sucessfuly installed in my 94

[Centaurious]

I've been having a constant CM code 214, camshaft synchronizer, since purchasing my Explorer. Not wanting to pay 190+ dollars for the part I did my research and found the 96-98 is the same inside the block, but offered in two shaft lengths, 123mm and 132mm.

The 96-98 synchro with 123mm shaft is a direct replacement for the 94-95 part with the exception of the connector. Even the wire colors are the same. Advance Auto Parts lists the connector online that fits the 96-98 synchro but the wires look all black in color. Not to worry, the wires are the same, just reversed.


The 94-95 synchro has a right-angle socket on it that aims the connection towards the hood. In this explanation we will imagine the socket folded flat out like the 96-98 synchro.

With the whole 94-95 synchronizer standing upright in front of you with the socket aimed towards you the wires are as follows;

Left: Black with a white stripe, Ground
Center: Blue with an Orange stripe, Signal
Right: Red: Power

With the whole 96-98 synchronizer standing upright in front of you with the socket aimed towards you the wires are as follows;

Left: Red. Power
Center: Blue with an Orange stripe, Signal
Right: Black with a White stripe, Ground

I got my Connector pigtail with a 96 Synchronizer from the junk yard for 10 dollars and since I didn't have the alignment tool I used the volt meter method after it was installed and the pigtail replaced. The Explorer runs great and no 214 code.

Advance Auto Parts
Connector: BWD Pigtail #PT2106 price, $56.99

96-98 Synchronizer: Cardone Camshaft Synchronizer - Remanufactured #30-S2604 price, $62.99

94-95 Synchronizer: Cardone Camshaft Synchronizer - Remanufactured #30-S2605 price, $190.99

 

[vq5speed]

Just curious what symptoms or problem was happening with you motor.

 

[Centaurious]

My Explorer would drive great for a while, minutes to days, and then run rough with a check engine light sometimes. Running a KOEO test and reading the KOEO and CM codes would give the following results.

KOEO 111, 111 All clear

CM 214, 214 Error in Cylinder ID (CID) circuit or signal

CID circuit is the Camshaft Synchronizer thus why I replaced it after I discovered that the guts were loose in the Synchronizer.

 

[arco777]

Great info, thanks for posting! I wonder if there are any mechanical or electronic differences affecting longevity.

 

[Rhett]

Thanks for posting. About 6 months ago I changed the cam synchronizer on my truck, and I was able to source a 94 one, but it's good to know we have options. I was too chicken to try a later model year part

 

[smegun]

I've been having a constant CM code 214, camshaft synchronizer, since purchasing my Explorer. Not wanting to pay 190+ dollars for the part I did my research and found the 96-98 is the same inside the block, but offered in two shaft lengths, 123mm and 132mm.

The 96-98 synchro with 123mm shaft is a direct replacement for the 94-95 part with the exception of the connector. Even the wire colors are the same. Advance Auto Parts lists the connector online that fits the 96-98 synchro but the wires look all black in color. Not to worry, the wires are the same, just reversed.


The 94-95 synchro has a right-angle socket on it that aims the connection towards the hood. In this explanation we will imagine the socket folded flat out like the 96-98 synchro.

With the whole 94-95 synchronizer standing upright in front of you with the socket aimed towards you the wires are as follows;

Left: Black with a white stripe, Ground
Center: Blue with an Orange stripe, Signal
Right: Red: Power

With the whole 96-98 synchronizer standing upright in front of you with the socket aimed towards you the wires are as follows;

Left: Red. Power
Center: Blue with an Orange stripe, Signal
Right: Black with a White stripe, Ground

I got my Connector pigtail with a 96 Synchronizer from the junk yard for 10 dollars and since I didn't have the alignment tool I used the volt meter method after it was installed and the pigtail replaced. The Explorer runs great and no 214 code.

Advance Auto Parts
Connector: BWD Pigtail #PT2106 price, $56.99

96-98 Synchronizer: Cardone Camshaft Synchronizer - Remanufactured #30-S2604 price, $62.99

94-95 Synchronizer: Cardone Camshaft Synchronizer - Remanufactured #30-S2605 price, $190.99

so your saying that the syncro's are compatible and the wiring is just reversed off the pig tail ? splice wires from 94 ... ive done the one with the site glass window a little involved and you have to basically do the same thing with the install anyway without one .... i cut a wrench in half i took the plennum off and put a plank across the engine bay to get it out i improvised a sling hammer few taps and out she comes ..to put in is a matter of degrees there is a page here somewhere ...its like 35mm past tdc on the flywheel you have to insert the syncro some degrees clock wise as it goes into the hole rotates counter clockwise then you end up with fine tuning with a volt meter left right left just untill the meter swings then tighten here down ...the newer year syncro tool helps in in that it keeps the syncro internals from rotating out of range while the syncro seats into the block ... real trade off :/ you can clean and paint the arrow and still feel unsure of the mechanics only used at startup but then you might not get the advance

 

[Centaurious]

Yes, just change the harness end and it works fine.