Camshaft not balanced

ANSWER : Hello, thanks for writing in. From my experience with eBay sensors, chances are that it is bad. This happens all of the time with these sensors. A bad crank position sensor can also cause this as well as a failing timing chain. I usually install a computer scan tool to be able to see which codes are coming up and which readings look like they are off. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.

ANSWER : There are two camshaft position sensors on your model. Both position sensors, as well as the crankshaft position sensor, should be tested using an appropriate scan tool or automotive scope to determine if they are functioning. Due to the availability of scan tools and other diagnostic techniques, it is almost never necessary to replace parts on a "trial and error" basis. Also, it is very costly and wasteful to proceed that way. The best thing to do is have the vehicle fault actually diagnosed (pinpointed) and then replace only those parts which are confirmed by testing to be faulty. In your circumstance, the best way to proceed is to request a check engine light diagnostic. A certified mechanic from YourMechanic would use a code scanner to retrieve the specific diagnostic trouble code(s) from your car’s PCM that have caused the check engine light to illuminate. Using those codes, the appropriate individual vehicle components or sub-systems (often a sensor, circuit, and the like) are then carefully tested, based on specifications set forth in your car’s Factory Service Manual, to pinpoint the cause of the fault or the reason why the check engine light has illuminated. Once the faulty part or component is identified, it is explained to your satisfaction and the mechanic will let you know of the cost to repair. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : The engine in your vehicle is an overhead-cam V6. That means there are camshafts on both sides of the Vee, so to speak. One side of the Vee is considered bank 1, and the other side bank 2. The typical position with a transverse-mounted engine and transmission like in your vehicle would be the front three cylinders you see when you open the hood are considered bank 1. The three cylinders facing the firewall would be considered bank 2. If the sensor for bank 2 has never been replaced, then you should assume it is the same age as the bank 1 sensor. Once verified that the bank 1 camshaft position sensor is at fault, you may want to consider replacing both bank 1 and bank 2 sensors. If they are the same age, the sensor for bank 2 may fail a short time later. Replacing them at the same time, would save you time and costs later.

ANSWER : If the balancer has fallen off of the engine, it is very likely that the balancer has been damaged and will require replacement. The ideal repair would be to replace the harmonic balancer and the woodruff key only. If the woodruff key falling out has damaged the crankshaft to the point where a new woodruff key cannot be installed, unfortuantely the crankshaft will require replacement in order to fix this issue. If you are unsure of whether or not the crankshaft is damaged beyond repair, consider YourMechanic for a vehicle inspection to determine if the crankshaft can be salvaged.

ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. A poor tire balance will not cause the pulsation when you hit the brakes. This might be from the brake rotors being warped. A certified mechanic will be able to diagnose this issue for you and provide you with the service necessary for repair. If you’d like, you can request a YourMechanic certified technician come to your home or place of business to perform a Brake System Inspection.

ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The bank 1 camshaft position sensor is going to be located on the front of the engine. Most specifically it is going to be located right below the valve cover on the bank (or side of the engine) that includes cylinder 1. On your specific vehicle, this should be the side of the engine is on the driver’s side. Your owner;s manual will have more information on cylinders and firing orders. With that being said, the sensor will cause running issues and should be replaced first before turning your attention to any other potential problems. For more diagnostic help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

ANSWER : You actually have four camshaft sensors. Two on each head and one for each camshaft. There is likely a deeper issue that should be diagnosed.

1208 is "Constant adjustment of intake camshaft or right cylinder bank in direction retarded."
200 is "(Throttle valve actuator), Position throttle valve."

There is nothing in these codes that suggest there is a balance shaft issue. These codes together could be two separate issues or more than one issue. Only time diagnosing your car will tell. I wouldn’t recommend replacing camshaft sensors without a thorough diagnosis.

The 1200 camshaft code is a cam timing problem. It could be a mechanical problem with the chain or a problem with the system that adjusts the variable valve timing. Variable valve timing system consist of solenoids that advance and retard the camshafts. All manufacturers tend to have issues with these solenoids.

The 200 code has to do with your throttle plate. This could be a TPS (throttle position sensor), throttle valve motor, or a physical problem with the throttle plate itself.

Both of these codes will require a scanner and a technician with experience, like one from YourMechanic, to properly diagnose the trouble codes in your car.

Good luck!

ANSWER : The P0025 code is telling you that the exhaust camshaft timing is running late. This is not necessarily a sensor issue, but more likely a mechanical one. The variable camshaft timing is controlled by a hydraulic device that is part of the camshaft drive sprocket. It uses engine oil pressure to control the advance or retard of the camshaft and is controlled by the VCT Solenoid. If you are lucky, the VCT solenoid is not working, that isn’t very bad to replace. Another strong possibility is that the VCT device is gummed up and sticking. It has some very tight clearances and small orifices in it, so if the engine oil is not kept perfectly clean, or of the correct viscosity it gums up easily. Sometimes you can correct this with an oil change, otherwise about the only thing to be done is to take it apart and clean it out. If you contact Your Mechanic, they can send a technician to your home or office to check out your VCT system and tell you what it’s going to take to fix it.