1998 camshaft sensor wiring issue!!!!

[kendog]

1998 4.0 ohv ranger motor replaced with 1999 explorer motor. I'm hoping someone can answer a wiring issue. Original 1998 ranger motor has a 3 wire connector to the camshaft position sensor while the 1999 explorer has a 2 wire. I used the original ranger wire harness as the original explorer harness was torched. What can I do to rectify the wire issue? I can't be only person to have run into this issue but the more I research it I just might be. Please help!!

 

[RonD]

'98 Ranger had a 4.0l OHV motor
'99 Explorer had a 4.0l SOHC motor
These motors are not related, they are 4.0l displacement and have close match on trans bolts, but other than that they don't share alot of parts.

4.0l OHV to 4.0l SOHC is not a common swap without computer and wiring swapped with it.
The Explorer V8 swap is common but requires wiring and computer swap.

The 4.0l OHV computer can manage the SOHC engine because MAF systems are adaptable, and with PATS on the '98 it is best to leave it alone unless you can get the full wiring with computer and PATS module plus keys from donor vehicle.

Yes, Ford changed the type of CPS used, you need to use the sensor that the '98 computer can understand, so you can't just splice a different connector on.
2 wire is Variable Reluctance sensor, this is the newer type
3 wire is Hall Effect sensor

I am not sure if you can just change the sensor, from quick look I would say no.

I did come across this thread discussing converting Variable Reluctance signals to Hall Effect signals, but not sure of the outcome??
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2960084

 

[kendog]

Thanks for the reply and yes I did fail to mention that the 99 explore motor is a ohv also. I'm lost.

 

[RonD]

If the '99 motor is an OHV then you can just swap CPS sensors/housing + shaft, use the 3 wire from the '98 engine or get a new one for '98 Ranger engine.
As far as I know the gear and oil pump shaft(housing) didn't change on the 1990-2000 4.0l OHV
Just the type of sensor changed in the late 90's

Although the explorer should have had the 4.0l SOHC

 

[kendog]

Thanks again Ron.