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Re: CAM position sensors... how to find/check? (archive)
[ Follow Ups ] [ 8-series (E31) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Posted by Stan C. on May 20, 2001 at 11:58:44:

In Reply to: CAM position sensors... how to find/check? posted by Kevin on May 20, 2001 at 11:47:55:

Kevin,
The sensors are located in the front of the engine block, inside of the serpentine belt. (Let me know if you need it and I'll e-mail the appropriate pages from the repair manual). I don't pretend to understand the failure mechanism, but I had the same symptoms I actually went through two different sets of symptoms, with the cam sensor being the culprit in either case (which is why I recommend replacing them both), and it took 3 weeks of diagnostics to find out the first time, because it only happened first thing in the morning!

1st time: Cold start - one bank idle (6 cyl). Warm up car, turn off, then back on again without problems all day long.

2nd time: 50+MPH on freeway, goes into Trans Fail-safe mode. Restart, fine.

The 8's electronics are so interconnected, that a failure of one sensor (say the Cam Pos.) will result in an OBD readout of something different (like the Trans Fail-safe). This make diagnostics the hardest part of E-31 ownership, once determined, fixes are usually pretty easy.

You should also check for stored error codes using a Modic (diagnostic computer) at the Dealer or an independent. There may be more clues there.

Stan C.

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