Camshaft Position Sensor: Service and Repair

NOTE: Ford does not provide a TDC (Top Dead Center) mark or determination procedure for this engine in this vehicle.
ALLDATA users have reported success using aftermarket tools to determine TDC on this engine.

Alldata Editors Note: Ford provides NO procedure to replace the Camshaft Position Sensor without the special tool shown in this article.

CAUTION: Syncro Positioning Tool T95T-12200-A (303-529) must be obtained prior to installation of the replacement synchronizer assembly. Failure to follow this procedure will result in the fuel system being out of time with the engine, possibly causing engine damage.

REMOVAL

CAUTION: Prior to removal of the Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor, set cylinder No.1 to zero degrees Top Dead Center (TDC) of compression stroke. Then note the position of the CMP sensor electrical connector. The installation procedure requires that the connector be located in the same position.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.

NOTE: When the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to relearn the strategy.

2. Disconnect engine control sensor wiring connector from CMP sensor.
3. Remove retaining screws and CMP sensor from sensor housing.
4. If removing CMP sensor housing from the cylinder block, proceed with Removal Step 5. If not removing sensor housing, proceed to installation Step 6.
5. Remove hold-down clamp (bolt and washer assembly).
6. Remove CMP sensor housing from cylinder block.

Camshaft Position Sensor:

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: A special service tool such as Syncro Positioning Tool T95T-12200-A must be obtained prior to installation of the replacement CMP sensor. Failure to follow this procedure will result in improper sensor alignment. This will result in the fuel system being out of time with the engine, possibly causing engine damage.

1. Attach Syncro Positioning Tool T95T-12200-A as follows:
a. Engage CMP sensor housing vane into the radial slot of the tool.
b. Rotate tool on CMP sensor housing until tool boss engages notch in sensor housing.
2. Pre-lubricate synchronizer gear with engine oil meeting Ford specification ESE-M2C123-A prior to assembly.
3. Install sensor housing so that drive gear engagement occurs when arrow on locator tool is pointed approximately 75 degrees counterclockwise from the rear face of the cylinder block. This step will locate CMP sensor electrical connector in the pre-removal position.
4. Rotate Syncro Positioning Tool T95T-12200-A clockwise slightly. This will engage oil pump intermediate shaft. Push downward while adjusting Syncro Positioning Tool T95T-12200-A until the Syncro Gear engages the camshaft gear.
5. When synchronizer flange is fully seated against block, the installation tool should be facing counterclockwise of engine centerline approximately 33 to 45 degrees.
6. Install hold-down clamp (washer and bolt) and tighten bolt to 19-30 Nm (14-22 lb ft).
7. Remove Syncro Positioning Tool T95T-12200-A.

CAUTION: If CMP sensor electrical connector is not positioned properly, DO NOT reposition the connector by rotating the sensor housing. This will result in the fuel system being out of time with the engine, possibly causing engine damage. Remove the sensor housing and repeat installation procedure, beginning with Step 1.

8. Install CMP sensor and retaining screws. Tighten screws to 1.5-4.0 Nm (13-35 lb in).
9. Connect engine control sensor wiring connector to camshaft position sensor.
10. Connect battery ground cable.