Check engine light came on, checked at Autozone and found that the tester inidcated that the sensor is malfunctioning and engine is misfireing, even though it is running ok. Question is there a way to test the sensor before buying one. Replaced engine about 1000 miles ago, light came on at 300 miles, same sensor. I dont know if it just needs adjustment, i put it back on the same way it came out of the old engine. This is a 97 F150 4.2l.


thanks for any input.

 

cmp sensor out of adjustment (or you might say out of time) wont turn on the ck eng lamp. I have seen 2 in the last month that were 180 degrees out and the complaint was hesitation. Both of these had been driven for months after engine replacement so cmp adjustment was one of the latter things checked. Your best bet is to goahead and replace the sensor.

 

I saw a Windstar a while back that the CMP was out of adjustment and it did throw a code and turned on the MIL. I cant remember what code it was though.
I agree though with just replacing the sensor.
That will most likely cure it.