Cam Synch Sensor - troubleshooting intermittent failure code

[Ken]

Okay, so it works like this:

As with the crankshaft sensor, the ignition module sends a reference signal to a Hall-effect switch in the camshaft sensor. A permanent magnet, attached to the camshaft sprocket, passes close to the sensor once each camshaft revolution (the camshaft rotates once for every two crankshaft revolutions). As the magnet passes beside the sensor, the Hall-effect switch is activated by the magnetic field, and its transistor turns on to ground the ignition reference signal line and pulls its voltage low (0-0.1 volts). The camshaft sensor "sync" pulse is received by the ignition module as piston number 1 (and 4) reaches approximately 25 degrees ATDC on the power stroke. The camshaft signal out is also sent from the ignition module to the ECM.

Now, my sensor is functioning, in that I can start the car and it runs, for the most part, just fine. But I do have a constant code indicating an "Intermittent Cam Synch Sensor Failure".

As I said, it runs fine most of the time, but every now and then it will run bad, sometimes really bad, with a "fluttering" kind of miss present. Of course, nothing shows up on my datalogs to indicate exactly what is causing this code to be set. I have even changed sensors yet I still have the code, as well as an intermittent fluttering miss. The miss is more bothersome in the engine's sound than in its effect on the engine's performance.

Anybody good at diagnosing or troubleshooting these sensors? ;help

 

[Ken]

C'mon people, I help you! Surely someone here must have a suggestion or two. ;help

Yeah, you'd probably suggest I take a hike, eh? :eyerole

 

[bill5674]

not that i have much expertise with this new electronics .but.....if that permanent magnet is malfunction or is not letting the sensorpick up the impulse .something stupid like too much oil in cover area? just a though .......

 

[Ken]

Thanks for the reply Bill, but that ain't it. I've already been through two sets of sensors and magnets.

 

[JohnZ]

The code is being set based on what's being read inside the PCM; it could just as well be an intermittent "open" in the wiring or connectors between the sensor and the PCM as it could be a problem with the sensor itself. That's about all I can offer - I haven't worked much on computer cars.

 

[Ken]

... an intermittent "open" in the wiring or connectors

That's what I'm guessing John, but it's a ***** when the problem is intermittent. Seems like the only way for me to find it is going to involve getting into the wiring harness again.