Camshaft Sensor/Synchronizer Replacement
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: arkansas
another CPS replaced here, on a 1995 3.0L 150,000 miles.
the "c vane" on top of the shaft was bent, and i was able to crudely bend it back to somewhat of a round shape.. nowhere near perfect i really expected it would have torn up the new sensor on the first crank of the motor... But actually, it seems to be working fine! only 300miles on it so far, but running as smooth as it ever does (a little rough is the norm i've decided), certainly doesn't seem to have a fuel timing issue at all and the CEL has stayed off!! That was my main goal, get that darn light to go off. I used a pair of pliers and just kinda "gave it a whirl".. and maybe just got lucky but is worth a shot before you replace it IMO. Another poster did this more wisely by using a socket just the right size to judge how to shape it... good idea...
sensor was $27.. took 20 minutes total. Used a long extension and unplugged a couple vaccum lines and an electrical connection to allow easier access.
the "c vane" on top of the shaft was bent, and i was able to crudely bend it back to somewhat of a round shape.. nowhere near perfect i really expected it would have torn up the new sensor on the first crank of the motor... But actually, it seems to be working fine! only 300miles on it so far, but running as smooth as it ever does (a little rough is the norm i've decided), certainly doesn't seem to have a fuel timing issue at all and the CEL has stayed off!! That was my main goal, get that darn light to go off. I used a pair of pliers and just kinda "gave it a whirl".. and maybe just got lucky but is worth a shot before you replace it IMO. Another poster did this more wisely by using a socket just the right size to judge how to shape it... good idea...
sensor was $27.. took 20 minutes total. Used a long extension and unplugged a couple vaccum lines and an electrical connection to allow easier access.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 19,460
Likes: 0
From: carter lake ia.
when i did mine in my ranger the cam sensor was destroyed. due to the fact that the housing was wobbled out causing the shaft to move around taking the sensor out.
so i wound up replacing the whole thing. the 4.0l plenums are different from the 3.0l.
and you can't see the sensor from the top.
so i wound up replacing the whole thing. the 4.0l plenums are different from the 3.0l.
and you can't see the sensor from the top.
4wd Low
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I know this thread has been extensively discussed and has a lot of information. However, I can't seem to find the camshaft position sensor on my 2000 Ranger 3.0L 6 cyl with the V engine. There are close-up pictures of the sensor on the car and a parts diagram in this thread, but I can't seem to identify the area on my engine based on those pictures.
I read I should be able to inspect the sensor without taking anything apart. Do any of you guys happen to have any more pictures showing the general location of the sensor in relation to other engine parts?
Thanks,
I read I should be able to inspect the sensor without taking anything apart. Do any of you guys happen to have any more pictures showing the general location of the sensor in relation to other engine parts?
Thanks,
4wd Low
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I found it, and I appreciate your help. The parts diagram I was looking at gave me the impression the sensor was on the front of the engine. As soon as I took a look at the back of the engine, I saw the sensor right away.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 19,460
Likes: 0
From: carter lake ia.
cool,cool, and your welcome! no there not! like most ford engines there in the front... these are in the back of the block!!! my buddies 29 is in the same spot... the 2.9l,3.0l,4.ol are all in the same spot..
New User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Camshaft Sensor for 4.2 liter
How do I get to it I can get one screw out but the other one is blocked by one of the lines going into the water pump can it be removed from the water pump?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: arkansas
it COULD be harmful, yes, depending on what's causing the squeak (magnet or shaft, etc), but it could also go a long time without any damage BUT YOU NEED TO CHECK IT AND CLEAN up if you haven't yet. At least take the sensor off and see if the magnet is still intact b/c if its broken or loose and that is causing the squeak you need to clean brush, use a vaccuum, etc the shavings and magnet material out of or off of the top of the assembly. This won't cost you a penny! And it may prevent the serious damage that's possible when it rockets around in there bending the vane, those metal shavings etc from getting in the bearing/gears and ruining your synchronizer assembly, camshaft itself, etc etc.
Its really a guessing game or shooting match of whether or not it will make a bigger problem if its squeaking. Mine didn't squeak, the sensor was just bad... and it won't hurt anything to run it without working as long as it runs OK for you so i didn't fix mine for a looonnng time, maybe a few years fwiw, but the shaft was fine so no harm done.
Its really a guessing game or shooting match of whether or not it will make a bigger problem if its squeaking. Mine didn't squeak, the sensor was just bad... and it won't hurt anything to run it without working as long as it runs OK for you so i didn't fix mine for a looonnng time, maybe a few years fwiw, but the shaft was fine so no harm done.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Another 3.0 saved! Mine was starting to squeak and I thought it was the belt...but putting my head near the engine it was coming from the back! Read this forum and viola! Installed very simply...no hassle. Took longer to do an oil change. By the way, most everyone on other forums agree...ONLY USE MOTORCRAFT sync...the Dormans are junk...they have failed in less than 10,000 miles. If you bought one, you might want to pull it out and check the gear and shaft wobble.