Camshaft position sensor on my Lexus

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 : The on board diagnostic (OBD) sets a pending code each time the ECU detects a problem. It confirms the code if it sees the same problem twice. So you’re really only dealing with the two codes : P0016 and 17.These codes are telling you that the timing between the crankshaft and the camshaft are off on Bank 1 (the driver’s side) cylinder bank. This could be a sensor error, a problem in the reluctor ring on the harmonic balancer, or a timing chain problem. Without doing a thorough diagnosis, it’s impossible to say what parts specifically need to be replaced. If you contact Your Mechanic, they can send a technician to your home or office to investigate the codes on you Mercedes and then let you know what it will take to fix it.

ANSWER : Hello, thanks for writing in about your Dodge Challenger. From what you’ve described it sounds like you may have a different sensor than what the auto parts store has listed. If you go to the dealer you would be able to get the correct one. They use your VIN to get the correct parts. If you need assistance with finding the right sensor or installing it, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can come to your home and ensure a correct replacement of your camshaft position sensor.

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 : Hi there. You might find reading this article very helpful in trying to diagnose your P0016 OBD-II trouble code issue. It explains common causes, symptoms and solutions.

ANSWER : Hi There,
While it may be possible that the motor may have jumped time, this is not likely. It may be much more likely that your issue does in fact relate to a faulty camshaft position sensor as this is one of the main culprits of poor fuel mileage and sluggish running conditions. There are a number of things that can cause poor fuel mileage and a faulty camshaft position sensor is one of them. The camshaft position sensor is a magnetic sensor that monitors camshaft speed to regulate ignition timing and fuel injection timing. It gathers and sends information about the car’s camshaft speed (and as a result the position of each piston) to the car’s electronic control module. This information is received by the computer, which then uses this data to further calculate the time of ignition and the timing of fuel injection required by the engine. When this is not working properly, you may experience a drop in power, poor idling, poor fuel mileage and problems starting the vehicle.

A clogged or dirty EGR valve may also cause poor fuel mileage. The EGR valve is a small component designed to allow the flow of exhaust gases into the intake manifold in controlled amounts. Whenever you start the engine, the valve comes alive and waits in a closed position, blocking the flow of exhaust gases. Once the engine reaches operating temperature and speed increases, the valve, either through vacuum or electronic control will gradually open, allowing burned exhaust gases to enter and combine with the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber. When the EGR valve is clogged or dirty, as they are prone to, it may not function properly causing the engine to idle rough, stall at idle speeds, cause the car to get poor fuel mileage, or emit a strong smell of fuel due to excess hydrocarbons which also results in failing emissions tests.

A clogged or failing catalytic converter can cause the vehicle to have poor fuel economy. As you may already know, the catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When this is clogged, this causes these gases to be backed up into the exhaust system not allowing the engine to breathe properly. When this happens, the engine is forced to work much harder to expel these gases. This often results in the engine bogging down, hesitating, shaking and causing very poor fuel economy. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.

ANSWER : I found one on EBAY in Australia (90919-05010) but the seller won’t ship it to the U.S. If it were the left side you wouldn’t be having this problem because the left side sensor is identical for both CA and Fed. emissions, at least according to the catalog and it is readily available. If I were you, I would first call Technical support at Beck Arnley, BWD, and/or Standard to make sure that they do not catalog a CA application for the right side. If they don’t, you’re right, you will have to find a used one. Basically all that is involved is one retaining bolt. If you sent the yard a picture of the unit (from Internet) they will be able to remove it. By the way, another option for you is to submit a request for the sensor via Car-part.com and hopefully you will find one that way. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.