having trouble with changing a cam position sensor???

1slosn95 · 05-11-2008, 06:37 PM

I have a 1998 mustang 3.8. The other night i was driving home and it started bucking and hesitating, then it shot me a check engine light. Went up to advanced auto and got them to put the code reader on it andIt read that i need to replace the camshaft position sensor. So i got one went home swaped it out and its still running ruff...really ruff. It sounds like im camming at idle then it sounds like a huge miss. Do you have to do something special with theses or what???

RyansQuick6 · 05-11-2008, 08:19 PM

That's because when a sensor throws a code it means that the sensor is working fine. Take it back and get your money back.

how many miles are on the car?
how long have the plugs and wires been on it?
it's most likely a coil, if not a tune-up issue.

While it's running, run your hand down each spark plug wire. If you feel a little shock, then you have a hole in wire and need a new set. Also try cleaning out your MAF.

1slosn95 · 05-11-2008, 10:12 PM

all thats brand new...9mm live wires, screamin demon coil pack, and brisck spark plugs. MY car has 179,000 miles(mostly highway)

RyansQuick6 · 05-12-2008, 04:49 AM

What are brisck spark plugs?

Why did you change the coil?

NeoTokyo · 05-12-2008, 12:44 PM

Sorry Ryan, your kinda close but not there

I replaced my CPS when I did the ol 00' engine swap and I had the same problem.

Its happening because you didnt get the sensor back in place exactly EXACTLY where it should be and you probably didnt use the alignment tool to line up the shaft gear on the cam, or you are not on the correct tooth.

1.) Get the alignment tool (If you have it do it again)
2.) Re-Stab the CPS and try to remember where you had it before, put it exactly as it was angled before.
3.) Make sure the gears mesh perfectly
4.) BUY THE MANUAL AND READ THROUGH THAT!!!

(I have a couple so I can cross ref them.)

The CPS determines when the fuel injectors fire, not the timing so thats where your problems are coming from. Its a bitch to get just right if you havnt done it before but its not as big of a headache as it seems like.

Chances are that your original wasnt bad, but replacing an electrical part is always a good idea in an engine bay.

NeoTokyo · 05-12-2008, 12:49 PM

Oh ya, +1 with the coil pack. SD packs arent the best

Try switching back to your OE pack before doing everything I just told you and see if that helps anything.

1slosn95 · 05-12-2008, 10:45 PM

oh yeah ima try that this weekend. if nothin else someone on 3.8mustang said it could be a worn timing chain also.

RyansQuick6 · 05-13-2008, 11:32 AM

Yeah, I haven't had to screw with the cam sensor yet. lol

It seems everyone's car has the same issues at the same time.
We had a spurt of coil pack issues from people, then squeeking belts,now cam sensor issues, what's next? lol

1slosn95 · 05-13-2008, 09:41 PM

bad muffler bearings i guess....LOL

RyansQuick6 · 05-13-2008, 10:08 PM

Yeah, I actually kinda just had that issue too, my hanger broke holding my muffler up for my dumps, so the bolts on the h-pipe are the only thing holding up the left side exhaust. lol