Being an important component in the engine, the Camshaft Position sensor is responsible for monitoring engine speed and piston position and transmitting this information to the computer. It includes a rotating plate that has slots that gives engine speed and positions signals. The slits, through light-emitting diodes (LED) and photo-diodes, are converted into off-on pulses which are then transmitted to the PCM. In four-cylinder models as well as 3.3L V6 models, the Camshaft Position sensor is part of the distributor. To test the sensor, disconnect power from terminal 5 on electrical connector at bottom of distributor, check for battery voltage on terminal no. 5, and measure continuity to ground on terminal no. 6 using a suitable ohmmeter between the terminals). Remove the distributor cap and reconnect its connector; probe terminal no. 3 with one hand while someone slowly turns distributor shaft in reverse direction with other hand; look for a voltage change as rotor passes by contacts inside distributor block; repeat steps for terminal no. 4 (voltage should be present at both terminals). If it doesn't operate correctly, replace the distributor only because you can not fix individual pieces of it separately. On models equipped with 3.5L V6 engines, this sensor is installed on timing chain cover: it uses magnetism to detect absence of camshaft sprocket teeth through coil and core arrangement located opposite to these teeth. On '03-later models there are two sensors located on each lobe of front timing chain cover on top of each camshaft which looks like a flat small metal stick having many grooves inside it-such parts fit into pre-cut deep slots made around outside circumference where these lobes rotate near their tops; so if they do not align perfectly during assembly process then all next actions will lead us nowhere except situation when engine fails starting up instantly after igniting spark plugs causing explosion at once which in turn cannot be prevented too unless it is solved before time comes through carefully replacing these things without missing any single step. To find out whether the sensor is functioning correctly, remove the electrical connector and check the resistance across the terminals. If there is incorrect resistance value found on it, make sure you replace it with new one and inspect its wiring harnesses for broken wires.
