Hi, Yesterday my minivan 97 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.8L died at grocery store parking lot. It cranks but wont start. I check the codes thru key dance and found 12 54 and 55.

Later I found out code 54 is for camshaft position sensor. I already got part from autozone and try to remove the old one out but so far no luck.

It looks like badly stuck there. Is there any special procedue or tools I need or just simply take the 10mm bolt out and wiggle it out. Because of very small space to work where it is located, it looks very hard to remove.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

you are corrrect, remove bolt and wiggle it out. here is the offical removal and installation proceedure.


CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

REMOVAL

1. Disconnect camshaft position sensor electrical connector from the wiring harness connector Camshaft Position Sensor
2. Remove bolt holding sensor Camshaft Sensor Bolt Removal/Installation There is a hole in the bracket for tool access to the sensor bolt.
3. Rotate sensor away from block Camshaft Sensor Removal/Installation
4. Pull sensor up out of the chain case cover. Do not pull on the sensor lead. There is an O-ring on the sensor case. The O-ring may make removal difficult. A light tap to top of sensor prior to removal may reduce force needed for removal.

INSTALLATION

If the removed sensor is reinstalled, clean off the old spacer on the sensor face. A NEW SPACER must be attached to the face before installation. Inspect O-ring for damage, replace if necessary. If the sensor is being replaced, confirm that the paper spacer is attached to the face and O- ring is positioned in groove of the new sensor Camshaft Position Sensor and Spacer

1. Apply a couple drops of clean engine oil to the O-ring prior to installation.
2. Install sensor in the chain case cover and rotate into position.
3. Push sensor down until contact is made with the camshaft gear. While holding the sensor in this position, install and tighten the retaining bolt 14 N·m (125 in. lbs.) torque.
4. Connect camshaft position sensor electrical connector to harness connector.

 

Soak it with a penetrant like PB Blaster.

 

Thank you Tizzy1 and Cougar41, eventually with you guys help I was able to replace sensor with one from Autozone. Now van starts after few cranks and wont die.
Only issue remains it need 3 times crank to start it, sometimes may be 2. Any clue.
Do I have to get Camshaft sensor from Dealer ?

 

fuel pump bleeding down?

 

If this hard starting started right after the sensor change then you may need another sensor. Make sure it's connected securely. Did you leave the paper spacer on the tip when you installed it? The spacer establishes the clearance needed between the senor tip and the cam gear ring it reads.

 

I'd say go get a new sensor from the dealer. The aftermarket units do not have strong enough magnets...from Borg Warner tech.