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Whats this sensor just to the left of the header bolt (drivers side, in front of header under the alternator)? I've been having timing issues and found this broken off while checking the plugs.
Last edited by DickieC.99; Nov 1, 2011 at 04:43 PM.
That is definitely the coolant temp sensor, if your having timing issues you may check into a new cam shaft position sensor for the car. I know on most late model cars it is a fairly common issue, and need to be replaced as one point or another.
Hope this helps -David
Thanks for the help, all. Is this the only coolant temp sensor? I ask because I don't have any codes and I don't remember seeing any strange readings while driving. But if this is the only sensor feeding the PCM it would certainly be contributing to my timing issues. FWIW, My issues consist of a rough idle with intermittent popping and WOT misfires (rapid popping). The WOT misfires are what brought me to check the plugs as this has been the culprit before.
David - Thanks for the heads-up on the cam shaft position sensor.
That is without a doubt, the coolant temp sensor. I've had them be bad without throwing codes by just simply detecting an inaccurate temp which causes the car to either dump too much fuel in thinking things are cooler than they really are or not enough, resembles missing, rough idle, rich exhaust ect. seemingly disrupting the proper timing. Fo Sho change it!!! And an excellent suggestion about the cam sensor, too. They're cheap enough and easy to change. Don't drive it or run it too much with that bad sensor, it causes detonation and under hard throttle too many times, you'll be changing head gaskets. I speak from experience.
And an excellent suggestion about the cam sensor, too. They're cheap enough and easy to change.
The intake manifold has to be removed in order to change out a camshaft sensor ... wouldn't say it's that "easy" to change until the intake is off.
I had my intake manifold off last winter doing some work, and I noticed the electrical plug on my camshaft sensor was filled with oil. Apparently, oil was coming up the electrical pins from the inside out. It still was working, but I put a new one in just to be safe since I had the intake off already.
Yup, I've had the intake manifold off a few times myself. The camshaft sensor has been added to the to-do list.
I haven't as much as turned the car on since finding this little gem yesterday. Picked up a new ECT sensor this morning. I'll see how she runs tonight.