Camshaft Position Sensor (CPM) Replacement

[cjryan]

2000 4.0 OHV. I have started removal of my upper intake manifold in order to access my camshaft position sensor. The Hayne's manual says its at the "rear of the block where the distributor used to be on these engines." I've read on this site that for this engine you need to take off the upper intake manifold for better access to the sensor. But I haven't found a detailed thread for the 4.0 OHV. I can't see it with a small mirror, will it be obvious where the sensor is once I have the upper intake manifold off?

Thanks

 

[2000StreetRod]

CMP photo

According to RockAuto below is what you're looking for.

 

[cjryan]

That looks like the replacement I have to install, just wondering exactly where it is.

 

[Turdle]

it is at the rear of engine, a little toward the passenger side. It is in the flat area of the rear block deck.

Follow the wire harness back there and that may help you find it

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

i have the same year and motor and am planning on doing this tomorrow. i need to find the sensor to. but i didn't know you had to remove the upper intake manifold.

 

[cjryan]

i have the same year and motor and am planning on doing this tomorrow. i need to find the sensor to. but i didn't know you had to remove the upper intake manifold.

Yea, you definitely need to take off the upper intake manifold. Get a new upper intake manifold gasket (three separate pieces) and some RTV sealant for when you put it back together. Just take your time and label everything as you disconnect electrical components. The EGR valve gave me the biggest trouble, I loosened it through the wheel well near the exhaust manifold. I loosened the nut a little bit (with either a 1&1/18" or 1&1/16" open ended wrench) and the whole EGR tube turned a little, giving me space to get the intake manifold off.

I took off my valve covers too because they were leaking. About to head home and put it all back together!

 

[cjryan]

I've researched and was led to believe that if my engine was throwing a code for the camshaft position sensor I could replace just the sensor and not the entire drive unit. I am about to install the new sensor but the drive unit moves (turns) a little. Is this normal? I know I could mount the new sensor the same way on the drive unit as the old sensor. I'm just a little nervous because the Haynes manual is very detailed on how to align the drive unit IF you need to replace it. How do I know if I need to replace the drive unit?

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

I've researched and was led to believe that if my engine was throwing a code for the camshaft position sensor I could replace just the sensor and not the entire drive unit. I am about to install the new sensor but the drive unit moves (turns) a little. Is this normal? I know I could mount the new sensor the same way on the drive unit as the old sensor. I'm just a little nervous because the Haynes manual is very detailed on how to align the drive unit IF you need to replace it. How do I know if I need to replace the drive unit?

The movement in the drive unit is probably play you're feeling between
the drive unit gear and the camshaft gear, which is normal.

If there's side to side movement in the drive unit, then the bushings are
worn and the drive should be replaced. When these things fail, they
usually make a squeaking noise first. If your's 'feels' OK, I'd leave it alone.
However, if the sensor has wear from contacting the drive unit, better
replace it all.

You'll need a synchro tool for timing the drive unit, if you have to
replace it. Two capscrews install the sensor, and it self-aligns.

 

[cjryan]

Update!

So, after replacing the sensor and putting everything back together, here is the update. I started it up and got a good amount of white smoke out the tailpipe for about 20 minutes. This happened before when I replaced rebuilt my engine in my other Ex. I'm not exactly sure why this happened, but I think it may be because of dirt/debris that got in the intake. I put shop towels covering the intake however...

My new valve cover gaskets fixed my oil leak problem, but the check engine light came back on. I took it to a shop not expecting it to be the CMP or synchronizer. But it was the synchronizer. Took it to the dealer, with my own newly bought motorcraft synchronizer (saved $160 by not buying from the dealer), and now it's all good!

It's really nice not having my CEL on.

Now its time for performance/accessory mods!

 

[bsr2002]

According to RockAuto below is what you're looking for.
View attachment 57852

The sensor looks like it pops off. I've tried but it won't budge. What's the easiest way of getting this unit off?

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

The sensor looks like it pops off. I've tried but it won't budge. What's the easiest way of getting this unit off?

After loosening the two capscrews (5.5mm I believe), the
sensor pulls directly off the synchro shaft top. If it's tight,
grab it with a shop rag and rock it back and forth, while pulling
the sensor upward. It should come off fairly easily.....

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

So, after replacing the sensor and putting everything back together, here is the update. I started it up and got a good amount of white smoke out the tailpipe for about 20 minutes. This happened before when I replaced rebuilt my engine in my other Ex. I'm not exactly sure why this happened, but I think it may be because of dirt/debris that got in the intake. I put shop towels covering the intake however...

My new valve cover gaskets fixed my oil leak problem, but the check engine light came back on. I took it to a shop not expecting it to be the CMP or synchronizer. But it was the synchronizer. Took it to the dealer, with my own newly bought motorcraft synchronizer (saved $160 by not buying from the dealer), and now it's all good!

It's really nice not having my CEL on.

Now its time for performance/accessory mods!

congrats on the new cps! now that i got my income tax, i gotta get mine done. i got a guy that does all my more difficult work. i'll probably give him a call. i figure why the upper intake manifold is off, i will replace the gaskets for it. maybe that will fix my bank 1 & 2 lean issue i get some times.

 

[jel5555]

wow

 

[Justinwht]

2000 4.0 OHV
I'm getting only the cam shaft position error code, so I doubt there are more other problems.

Now...Do I *really* need to take off the manifold cover to unscrew two screws for the sensor or does it just make it easier?

/Added
My Chilton and Haynes simple say "rear of engine block". Like right... Can't see it.

 

[kendrellh]

2000 4.0 OHV
I'm getting only the cam shaft position error code, so I doubt there are more other problems.

Now...Do I *really* need to take off the manifold cover to unscrew two screws for the sensor or does it just make it easier?

/Added
My Chilton and Haynes simple say "rear of engine block". Like right... Can't see it.

Did u find out if u could get it without removing the intake

 

[Justinwht]

Did u find out if u could get it without removing the intake

Haven't gotten to it yet. Will post when I do.

 

[kendrellh]

Haven't gotten to it yet. Will post when I do.

Sounds good