Author Topic: Camshaft sensor (Read 10237 times)

monty23psk · « **on:** November 06, 2008, 08:49:12 PM »

Hey everyone,

Hopefully has some experience with the camshaft sensor. I was troubleshooting my aux fan not turning on with the AC button on. I decided to us the stomp test to get the diagnostic code. 4 months ago all was fine. But this time I got 1244, camshaft sensor. I did a little research and saw that this could be because of the O2 sensor. Some people replaced the cam sensor to still have the same code come up. But couldnt get a straight answer that after the O2 swap it went away. I couldnt find anything on this site. I dont want to spend $100 on the cam sensor to spend another $100+ on the O2 sensor. I am thinking of going straight to the O2 sensor as I have never replaced it and in the 7 years its been in my family, it has not.

Anybody have experience on this? Also does the code reset automatically after the part is replaced?

Thanks

asubimmer · « **Reply #1 on:** November 07, 2008, 01:23:14 AM »

You can get a universal bosch O2 and wire it in yourself, 4 wires = easy (~$30iirc). And if you want I'll sell you the sensor off my m42. I replaced it and the crank sensor a few months before I went to 24v's...

monty23psk · « **Reply #2 on:** November 07, 2008, 09:59:23 AM »

thanks, will get the O2 first and if the error code does not go away, I will then need the cam sensor. I will ask you first, but also notice you said crank sensor, is it crank or cam?

EN318isPDX · « **Reply #3 on:** November 07, 2008, 10:50:06 AM »

When i first got my M42 is was throwing a o2 sensor code and i replaced o2 and saw little to know difference. It turned out to be a serious vacuum leak around the intake and low fuel pressure

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 07, 2008, 11:19:33 AM »

Why don't you test your sensor ? Look up test in your E36 manual .
Does the car run well ?? You can disconnect the battery for a half hour and it will reset the codes.

Also some good reading here

http://m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5462&highlight=camshaft+position+sensor

monty23psk · « **Reply #5 on:** November 07, 2008, 02:32:36 PM »

^ thanks, car runs great, no power loss or hesitation ever. Idle is normal, not smooth but very stable. I have noticed, like 2 times in the past 4 months when I turned it on write after I turned it off that it stumbled, tried again and on like a charm. I will look at the e36 manual to test it. I have that manual at my parents place, e30 bentley is with me. Don't think it is something critical but don't want to overlook it. And have always wanted to change O2 as I havent ever. Just dont want to spend the money unless I need to. Trying to save for a Mark D chip.

thanks.

monty23psk · « **Reply #6 on:** November 07, 2008, 02:42:53 PM »

Very good reading. I will check out the Cam sensor. So it shoudl read 1250?

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 07, 2008, 05:13:44 PM »

Give or take a little but it is probably ok since you say that the car runs well.

monty23psk · « **Reply #8 on:** November 07, 2008, 05:20:19 PM »

yeah. Will check it tomorrow. If it is ok, will reset computer and go from there.

thanks.

monty23psk · « **Reply #9 on:** November 08, 2008, 12:55:05 PM »

Well just checked, is its dead. 0 ohms. I double checked the crank and it reads ~600, which is not 650 but I guess ok since car never has starting or stumbling issues.

Just need to get one....asubimmer, just sent you message.

thanks for help.

monty23psk · « **Reply #10 on:** November 17, 2008, 05:14:47 PM »

Well thanks to m318i, I have a new used sensor, and no more error which check the computer. I will drive it around this whole week and check it again. Hopefully it does not return. Also save $$$ not having to get it new and having to get O2 sensor so far.

nuvolarossa · « **Reply #11 on:** November 18, 2008, 12:03:00 PM »

IIRC when my camshaft went bad in my m44 the car barely was able to idle and there were a lot of misfires

Errors in DME and after changed it no more errors, car idles fine now

monty23psk · « **Reply #12 on:** November 18, 2008, 02:15:10 PM »

that is weird because my sensor was completely dead and had no issues. Maybe it learned not to use it, as if it did get a lower reading, it would cause the DME to work different, but who knows.

roundel318 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 18, 2008, 07:31:10 PM »

The crank position sensor is fundamental in helping the ECU decide when to fire the ignition (spark plugs), interesting it would work without the sensor being apparently dead

monty23psk · « **Reply #14 on:** November 18, 2008, 09:15:39 PM »

In my case it was the cam not the crank that went dead.