Replacing Old Sensor With Original

The camshaft position sensor is located on the timing chain case above the water pump and under the throttle body. See Figure.

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

1. Apply a small amount of engine oil to the sensor o-ring.

   A low and high area are machined into the camshaft drive gear. See Fig 1. 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.

   Fig 1: Sensor Operation

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - MACHINED STEP

   2 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

   3 - CAM DRIVE 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.

   Do not install sensor with gear positioned at low area. See  Fig 2 . When the engine is started, the sensor will be broken. 

   Fig 2: Sensor Depth Dimensions

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - 1-5/8 inches NO GOOD

   2 - 1-15/32 inches GOOD

2. Using a 1/2 in. 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 or less, it is OK to install sensor.
4. If the dimension is approximately 1-5/8 inches or more, 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. The paper spacer can be used if reinstalling a used sensor.
7. Install sensor mounting bolt and tighten to 10.7 N.m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
8. Connect engine wiring harness to sensor.