Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cam position sensor install

[Lockard]

I have to replace my CPS (2001) and in searching the archives I could not find any instructions or hints to the install. I did see several comments about it being a dificult install. Anyone out there with any info? Thanks

 

[Steve Campbell]

Would that be the "crankshaft" ......

position sensor? I have never changed one, but I think it only requires removal of the starter for easier access. Sorry if I am off base with the "guess"!!!

 

[Lockard]

The Cam position sensor is different than the crank pos sensor. IN mid 2000 they did away with the crank position sensor and the ECM now only reads the CPS which is in the front of the engine near the VP44. It used to read both I think. I think that the install of the sensor is relatively easy but access to and removal of the sensor is difficult.

 

[ididntdoit]

Changed mine a couple of weeks ago. A real B**CH.



The camshaft position sensor (CMP) is located below the fuel

injection pump and above the power steering pump. It is attached

to the back of the timing gear cover housing.



Instructions from Dodge service manual.



Removal

Disconnect both neg. battery cables

Clean area around CMP

Disconnect plug at CMP

Remove CMP mounting bolt. Bolt head is female hex.

Remove CMP from engine by twisting and pulling straight back.



Installation

Install new o-ring to CMP. Apply clean engine oil to o-ring.

Clean area around mounting hole.

To prevent tearing new o-ring, instal CMP into gear housing using

a twisting action.

Install mounting bolt and tighten to 15 ft lbs.

Install CMP electric plug.

Connect battery cables.



All this is easier said than done. I removed the battery and the

intercooler outlet duct just to be able to reach the CMP.

It would help to be double jointed.

Good luck.

 

[Lockard]

What size is the bolt holding the CPS in place? Is it a hex head? Thanks

 

[ididntdoit]

It takes an allen wrench. I got the best fit with one from my metric

set. Don't know what size, they were not marked with sizes. I am sure a standard allen would work. Again, good luck.

 

[Agades]

my 02 has a 10mm bolt

some of the older ones are allen wrench style



found it easiest to change from under the pickup

its still a real bugger to get at

 

[Lockard]

Finished!

Thanks for the replies. I worked this Saturday for about 3. 5 hours and finally got it done. I removed the battery and intercooler outlet pipe just to be able to get may arm anywhere near the sensor. My truck was built 1/00 as a 2001 and the bolt ended up being a 5mm female head. All I had was an "L" shaped allen wrench and it took me about 30 minutes to just get the wrench in the head. 1/8 a turn was all it needed to be able to roll out with my fingers. Keep in mind when I say fingers it means i was barely able to get two fingers on the bolt. I was literally laying on the engine with my feet draped across my ranch hand bumper. Once the bolt was out replacing the sensor took about 5 minutes. Replacing the bolt was quite a trick. I ended up using a 4 mm allen wrench to line up the bolt holes on the sensor and block. This got them close enough to thread the bolt. I dropped the bolt about 10 times before finally getting it threaded. The 1/8 turn tight and it was done. Using a long flat head screwdriver to lift the snap on the sensor plug worked pretty well. The sensor is extremely hard to see from the top and not accessible from the bottom.



Also, try as I might I could not find the directions for this install in my 2001 manual. The dealership wanted $260 bucks for the sensor and install. I got the sensor from Cummins for $37 and did it myself. Other than the satisfaction of doing it myself I'd say it was a wash. After my arms heal from all the sratches I may feel differently.

 

[ididntdoit]

It's a tough job...

but better than having a dealer do it. Your description of project sounds just like mine... no fun. These old bones don't like doing repairs of this sort, but will I keep doing it until they pry the wrench from my cold dead hands. The procedure in the service manual is found under "ignition control", section 8I-5 in my book.

Glad to hear your back on the road.