I’m about to replace the camshaft position sensor in my 98 Ram 1500 with the 5.9 magnum. In my research I’ve found conflicting information about the need to set cylinder 1 to TDC. I understand to replace the distributor this is required. On page 8D-21 of the service manual it does not mention the need to do this for the camshaft sensor. Am I missing something or is it as simple as popping the distributor cap off to plug n play the new sensor? Thanks in advance!

 

If you're not replacing the distributor and the sensor was working or recently failed, you should be able to just replace it in-place in the existing distributor without moving it. Give it a try and let us know how it works out.

 

It threw P0340 and the connections were fine so I’m hoping it’s just the sensor. Thanks for responding and I’ll keep y’all posted!

 

I've only done it once -- also on a '98 -- and I did not pull the dist but I did bring my topside creeper! It was well worth the small amount of extra time to set it up, even in a dirt lot (truck was not starting)

 

All is well! I’m tall and lanky enough that I just used a stool on the driver side and didn’t have to lay on top of the engine. Took a little under an hour and was plug and play. The most time consuming part was access. Put about 60 miles on it and it’s spinning like a top. Preciate y’all!