After the check engine had been on for approximately one year, I decided to get it checked out. The report came back as an erratic cam sensor. I would like to replace it myself but have been told that this sensor is fairly difficult to reach. Any suggestions on location and difficulty of replacement?

 

year and engine would help

 

of course, a 1997 Ford Ranger, 3.0 L, V-6

 

On the front of your engine, where the distributor would otherwise be, is the camshaft sensor/synchronizer assembly is in the "distributor" hole.
This is a good opportunity for you to pick up a service manual to get specific instructions and see what the special tool looks like for timing the synchronizer assembly.

 

The camshaft position sensor is on the back of the engine on the passenger side. It is where the distributor would be if you had one. It is difficult to see with all the hoses and wires, but not too bad to get to if you remove one small part (sorry I do not know what it does or what it is). It will be obvious. The cp sensor is a small plastic piece with a wiring connector. Do not remove the shaft; take the connector off and remove the cap (2 small screws-I think 8mm). On the shaft still in the engine, you should see a half round (like a "C") metal piece on the top of the shaft. If it is not there and you have a bunch of pieces in there, the shaft will need to be replaced. If the shaft is ok, you can probably replace the sensor (mine was about $50) and as long as the wiring is good it will work. If the shaft is bad, it takes a special tool to align it. Let me know if you need more help. I'm getting pretty good at fixing these things.

 

hreed, that's right, good info. I've got a ranger 4.0 v6, same camshaft sensor CEL a while ago. Turned out the little magnet "unglued" from the sensor and was getting thrown around in the shaft. The shaft looked ok, so I only changed the sensor ($50). (had to take my hood, upper manifold cover, and several wiring harnesses off to really get to it) way in the back in the center on mine. Even though the shaft looked good, it had little tiny pieces of metal shaving in it, so even with the new sensor, it still went squeak, squeak, squeak...... After shooting some 5w-30 on top of the CS shaft twice over two weeks, it has now been quiet for months, with no CEL. Good luck shotfirers.....

hreed, I've got a question for you. You seem to have some experience with these camshaft sensors....lol. I asked three different mechanics in my town and none of them really knew what they were. Is this a little known secret Ford? Is there a TSB or recall on these things? I wasted 2 days figuring mine out. I'm still young and have had 2 different Ford trucks, and both have had so many problems. My '96 Ranger now has a head gasket leak I just noticed. That explains the water in the oil pan I guess.... I spend more time in the hood of my truck than I do with my wife! (that may not be a bad thing) Anyway, I hate to say it but.......thinkin' of gettin' me a chevy.....lol....have a good one....
Scott

 

The CMP tells the computer when #1 is top dead center, and allows it to sequence the injectors and timing to provide the best performance for the engine. Not all engines have it, and my guess is the reason Ford got rid of it is because of the problems. But if you have one, it is important to keep it working. The computer will default to a "nominal setting" if it fails, so the engine will keep running, but it won't be as efficient. And don't use the "C" word please!!! If you have water in the oil, better check it out quick, or you will be scrapping your Ranger for "a different brand". Do a compression check. That should tell you if the head gasket is bad. Also a vacuum check is a good indicator.