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Auto Maintenance: Choosing One Repair Shop

One of the things I learned from my dad is that it pays to find a good auto repair shop and stick with it. True enough, I have tried using more than one shop, based on what I needed done to my car. Every time, I found myself going back to one shop that knew my car and the car's history. I had found that shop not too long ago. They had offered help with everything from rebuilding engines to dent repair. The shop is located near my home, and they keep records that went back for years. Thanks to the long history, they always knew what to do when something was not working as it should. If you think that finding one shop to meet all your needs is a good idea, let me help. With a little effort, you'll know exactly where to take your vehicle any time it needs some work.

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Auto Maintenance: Choosing One Repair Shop

Camshaft Position Sensor Problem? Find Out & Fix It

by Noelle Snyder

Several components of your vehicle depends on computerized signals for proper functioning. The camshaft position sensor is one of the components that your computer uses to measure speed. This sensor may fail at times. The following guide will teach you signs of a bad sensor and how to change it.

Symptoms Of A Bad Camshaft Position Sensor

Watch out for some of the following signs:

  • Engine may misfire because the spark timing may be off.
  • The pistons won't be in sync with your computer, and this will result in poor acceleration.
  • Your car my fail to start (or turnover), so you will hear your car crank but the engine will not start.
  • The engine light may come on.
  • Backfiring may occur because the spark timing is off.
  • Rough idling.

You can talk to your mechanic to confirm these symptoms are related to your camshaft position sensor. This is because some of the aforementioned symptoms are also related to your fuel pressure regulator or your idle air control valve.

Replacing Your Camshaft Position

You will need the following:

  • Your socket and wrench set.
  • Your owner's manual or repair guide.
  • Ratchet.
  • Gloves and safety glasses.

Steps:

  1. Park your vehicle at level and in a safe place to work in.
  2. Put your gloves and safety glasses on.
  3. Remove the negative cable from your car battery; this is for your protection.
  4. Locate the camshaft position sensor, which is usually in front of the engine by the valve cover. It can also be inside the intake manifold. The sensor is a small cylinder with 2 wires connected to it. You can use your owner's manual to help you find the sensor.
  5. Disconnect the electrical plug. You may have to press on the tab to release the plug.
  6. Use your ratchet and socket wrench to loosen the bolt holding the sensor down. You may have to try a few socket sizes to find the one that you need.
  7. Insert your new sensor, making sure you keep the tip clean. 
  8. Tighten your sensor with the bolt.
  9. Reconnect the electrical plug. Check to make sure the connector is clean before reconnecting. And be sure that the cable is tightly connected.
  10. Connect the negative cable back to your car battery.

Now the problems you experienced should be fixed. If not, you will need to talk to your auto specialist to investigate this further. And if you do not feel comfortable with any of these steps, be sure to let your auto specialist handle it. To learn more, visit Import Automotive. 

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