Cam position sensor
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,849
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
Originally Posted by gonefishing
Hello. The check engine light came on in my wifes 96 3.0 aerostar. They ran the code at Advance auto parts and it came up cam position sensor fault. I went for a second opinion at a local garage and they said the same thing. Advance said all I needed was the sensor and they had it for $30 bucks. The garage said I needed the sensor and the piece that it sets on and that they were ford oem parts. The parts are going to cost $230 plus labor!! Has anybody else been thru this? I was going to attempt to change the sensor myself, but I want to make sure it's right as this is my wifes primary mode of transportation. Any and all advice is very much appreciated!
Thanks,
Fred.
Thanks,
Fred.
Being the sponsor for this part of the forum, i will throw in my 2 cent.
I sell the Ford OEM part for $43.56.
I would not install anything from autozone on my wifes car. Women do not like to be stranded on the side of the road.
The garage more then likely quoted you for the synchronizer assy also, It's the distributor looking shaft part the sensor mounts on. They crack at the housing and the gear, sell quite a few. They've(garage) seen to many of them and are covering there butts. hence the price diff.
Ed
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 0
From: charlotte nc
I had to remove the drive unit on a 97 tarus 3.0 and just put it back in like it came out with no problem.problem was the dang thing cost me about 140 bucks and NO autozone didnt carry it,,,,,,,It was a dealer only item
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener,Ontario,Canada
CMP sensor testing
Originally Posted by kky
I was told by a mechanic today, (who took my money for the job), that the synchronizer gear and sensor could be set electronically. Is this possible, or did he lie through his teeth?
Regards, Aeroman.
Last edited by Aeroman59; Dec 28, 2006 at 07:36 PM. Reason: addition to text
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,242
Likes: 0
From: Kiev, Ukraine
I used to replace CMP at 3.0 Rager..... I just marked the position of CMP with paint, puted the new CMP in the same position and installed...I saw the marks to be moved for 3-5 dgr and I corrected its position, unscrewing the bolt (3) and rotatiom CMP body. That is all. 1/2 hour work. That is all.
CMP is just a Hall effect sensor, but there is only 1 puls in TDC #1.
CMP is just a Hall effect sensor, but there is only 1 puls in TDC #1.
Junior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
hi i know this is a old post but im doing this project i tried to install the new sensor with the syncro gear parallel with the cam and it turns the wrong way do i need to install at 75 degrees or what.
btw my vehicle is a 97 mercury mountaineer 5.0 i will have pics soon.
any help would be great
btw my vehicle is a 97 mercury mountaineer 5.0 i will have pics soon.
any help would be great
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 1
From: Mitchell, SD
Welcome to the coolest section of FTE, The Aerostar Section 
grndlzrd.
You might have better luck finding your answer if you post your question over in the Explorer section of FTE.
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
As far as I knew, the 5.0L only came with the old distributor system so I am drawing a blank at the moment on what is causing your issue.
grndlzrd.You might have better luck finding your answer if you post your question over in the Explorer section of FTE.
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
As far as I knew, the 5.0L only came with the old distributor system so I am drawing a blank at the moment on what is causing your issue.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener,Ontario,Canada
hi i know this is a old post but im doing this project i tried to install the new sensor with the syncro gear parallel with the cam and it turns the wrong way do i need to install at 75 degrees or what.
btw my vehicle is a 97 mercury mountaineer 5.0 i will have pics soon.
any help would be great
btw my vehicle is a 97 mercury mountaineer 5.0 i will have pics soon.
any help would be great
You need to turn the engine to No1 piston at TDC on the power stroke. Also need the correct angular setting for the engine (it varies by CC's), engage the synchro housing at this angle & carefully seat the housing, put a new 'o'seal if it's damaged. You may need the fixtureing tool to hold the synchro drive shaft in the correct position while you engage the helical gear, it's about 15 bucks or so if I remember rightly.
The other way is to rotate the engine to the sensor firing position (you have to find out what this is ) then rotate the synchro housing slowly until you get a deflection with the DMM attached to the magnet terminals on the cmp sensor.
Good Luck, Aeroman.
Junior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
ok i got it lined up the CEL stays off until i turn off the vehicle then the CEL comes back on again for camshaft position sensor ( i know that was the original coade befor i replaced the both peices) do i need to take truck to dealer and get them to re time the truck or something of that nature?i followd install directions from hays manuel and from what i seen here. any help would be great
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener,Ontario,Canada
ok i got it lined up the CEL stays off until i turn off the vehicle then the CEL comes back on again for camshaft position sensor ( i know that was the original coade befor i replaced the both peices) do i need to take truck to dealer and get them to re time the truck or something of that nature?i followd install directions from hays manuel and from what i seen here. any help would be great
Aeroman.
Junior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
ok i think the problem is fixed i put my old CPS on just to see if the other that cam with the sinc. was bad and no CEL i restarted the truck about 10 time still no CEL i think the problem is solved ill let every one know tomarrow after i drive it to work......
thanks
thanks
New User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Sorry for reviving this thread, but I'm trying to repair my parents 97 3.0 Aerostar, the magnet fell out of the sensor and completely ripped off the sheild/cup thing that goes past it, I don't even know how it was lined up inside, all know is the "hole plug" on the side of the synchronizer is lined up with the bolt that tightens it down to the engine. 
I got another synchronizer, sensor and alignment tool altogether, so are they any shortcuts I can take or am I stuck with having to rotate the engine to get Cylinder 1 to TDC? and taking those other 5 steps? Thanks for any help you can give me.
I got another synchronizer, sensor and alignment tool altogether, so are they any shortcuts I can take or am I stuck with having to rotate the engine to get Cylinder 1 to TDC? and taking those other 5 steps? Thanks for any help you can give me.
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Ythomas
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
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Jun 16, 2013 02:34 PM
303562, 50, 96, camshaft, cmp, faulty, installation, position, positioning, rotate, sensor, syncro, t96t12200a, taurus, tool
