Cam sensor Code help needed

[Rob T]

Hi,
I have a 2006 QX56 that just kicked the CEL on for a cam position problem. I figured I would install a new sensor and see what happens. I put a new Dorman sensor in and it wouldn't even start. I had to put the old one back in to get it to start to get to work today. Does anyone know if a sensor will cause a code, or just not run at all and that's not my problem? I see that the cam chains are considered a lifetime change, but I have 208,000 miles on it. Anyone know what their lifetime is considered? Thanks for any help.

 

[primov8]

Check the Dorman sensor and cross reference the part #. The camshaft AND crankshaft position sensors look identical and if given the wrong sensor, it explains why your truck wouldn't start with a new sensor.

 

[Rob T]

The box has the right number on it and says cam sensor. Nothing on the part itself. Got it off Amazon, so who knows. I just wonder if it runs with old sensor, if it’s s the sensor even. I’m thinking maybe the chains are worn and causing things to be of enough to throw a code.

 

[pjdavep]

The box has the right number on it and says cam sensor. Nothing on the part itself. Got it off Amazon, so who knows. I just wonder if it runs with old sensor, if it’s s the sensor even. I’m thinking maybe the chains are worn and causing things to be of enough to throw a code.

Was the box sealed? I've gotten a Hitachi coil pack from Amazon was that was the wrong part in the right box. It's probably the sensor and it's just working spotty. At some point it'll fail completely and your car won't start. I'd recommend changing both camshaft sensors and the crankshaft sensor as well. Never had this issue with my QX, but my FX had some weird start issues and eventually threw the sensor code. replaced all three and it's run fine since.

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[Rob T]

No, the sensor wasn't sealed. Just in a bag, and in the box. I guess I will try doing both sensors before I dive into cam chains. Thanks for the info.

 

[primov8]

Likely got a returned, incorrect sensor from Amazon. The majority of sensors all come sealed, at least those I've ordered from OE or Rock Auto.

 

[Rob T]

Finally had time to install new sensors. I got the crank sensor too. Both from part’s geek and both Berkeley akney.
I swapped out the cam first and it still didn’t start. I figured I’d swap the crank before I do anything else. I thought that was going to be the easy one until the bolt broke then the old sensor cracked. An hour and a half later I managed to get the new one in. A little drilling, taping, and plastic melting took care of old one.
I started turning it over, and no go. I tried it again, this time for a longer period of time, and it fired. Turned it off and tried it again and it does run, but takes more than twice the cranking to fire. Seems odd. I reset code and will take it for a ride to see what happens.
Rob

Update
Just went to take it for a drive and it won’t start. Cranks but no fire. I’ll have to put the old sensor back on it tomorrow and see if it will run.

I put the old cam sensor back in and it fired right up. I wish I would have tried to take a picture of the new one installed. Looking at the o ring, it looks like it might not have been all the way in. The o ring seems to protrude out more causing it to not have been seated. Hard to know, can’t see back there. Because I was doing this in my driveway at 30 degrees I put the old one back in so I could get it back in my shop.
I have driven it for about 60 miles and the check engine light has not come on. Not sure if maybe the crank sensor was the problem. I’ll keep you posted for future people with similar issues

About a hundred s miles on it. I checked for pending codes. I had one pending code for a crank sensor.?? I put a new crank sensor in because of a cam code, now I have a crank code. Are we sure these companies have a computer that really works?

Kicked a cel the next morning, and now off I reset it I get it within a 25 miles drive when I start it back up at work. Also getting a VDC off light and slip. Thinking it might be the angle sensor in steering column messing with all of it. I haven’t had working cruise or stereo controls in my steering wheel in a while. When I first bought it I had that happening and changed the sensor and it quit. I guess I replace it again, and see.