Is Camshaft Position Sensor Necessary

fastpitchfan · Nov 20, 2007

I've taken my 94 4.0 Ranger to 2 mechanics, then the local dealer for check engine light. First mechanic said it was a temp sensor. He replaced it and said light stayed on, but no codes came up. Ford dealer said it needed a Camshaft Position Sensor but Ford no longer makes them and he can only install OEM parts. He found one at another dealer, but they wanted $600.00 for it, plus $300.00 to install. Service advisor told me to take it to a mechanic he knows and buy one online. Found one online and someone to install for $197.00. Question is...do I REALLY need to replace it? Truck runs fine, but dealer told me it will eventually cause serious problems. I disconnected the sensor and truck runs fine, too. So, what do you guys think?

AllanD · Nov 20, 2007

On a SEFI engine? yeah, it is.

If for nothing else to pass inspection because most states won't pass
a vehicle with the Check Engine Lamp on.

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Sevensecondsuv · Mar 4, 2009

You lose sequential firing of the fuel injectors without one. On a computer designed to fire the injectors sequentially, that's bad. You could swap to an earlier computer from like a 92 that's designed for bankfire and doesn't use a cps and replace the cps with a dummy oil pump drive from a 90-92 block if you're set on removing the sensor. But that will probably cost you more than just replacing it.

If you don't do anything it will eventually eat through the bushings and destroy the oil pump drive making you lose oil pressure. Engines don't run for long without oil pressure.

You don't need the ford part though. Autozone, napa, advance, etc should all have them for much cheaper. If you are somewhat mechanically inclined replacing it yourself is no big deal.

cc98ranger · Mar 4, 2009

Go to rockauto.com they have it for 35.79 for the sensor. I have to replace the one in my wife's 02 Taurus and the one it shows for the car is the same as the one for my 98 Ranger.

Dusty_Ranger · Mar 5, 2009

it was to my understanding that a cam position sensor runs the oil pump too dose it not???

AllanD · Mar 13, 2009

The Mechanical part does, but the cam position "sensor" part bolts to the top of the mechanical part.

You cannot switch to an earlier computer because the SEFI trucks have SEVEN wires for the injectors (12+ and individual switched ground wires for each injector)
a non-SEFI 1993 has only three.

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Wicked_Sludge · Mar 14, 2009

fastpitchfan said:
he can only install OEM parts.

you should find a new dealer. he can install any part he wants. ford only requires motorcraft parts on warranty jobs. we use aftermarket parts all the time if a part is unavailable.

fastpitchfan said:
they wanted $600.00 for it

you should REALLY find a new dealer. a CMP shouldnt be more than $150 from the dealer...under $100 aftermarket.

Is Camshaft Position Sensor Necessary

fastpitchfan

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