I was in the process of doing a camshaft position sensor replacement and while trying to wiggle it out the ceramic/plastic broke. It would seem that the sensor would have came right out after getting the O-ring outside the engine cover. However, it's not the case in my attempt. What is remaining sticking out of the engine is a portion of the sensor. When this situation occurs, is it necessary to remove the water pump to get some channel locks on what remains to get it out? Or will an overnight soaking with Kroil Oil or another penetrating lubricant do the trick and allow for trying to pop it out with a long screwdriver? One other issue is that I am doing this work outside in temps below freezing. Would putting a heat lamp under the hood for a few hours prior to my next attempt possibly help in the removal of the sensor remains? If you have experienced such a situation, I would appreciate any information on what your remedy used to remove your cam sensor.

Thanks ahead of time for any info you can provide.


The cam sensor is in a 2008 Chevy Suburban with a 5.3 V-8 Flex Fuel engine.

 

I was finally able to remove the camshaft position sensor and replace it with a new one on my Suburban. I eventually was able to pull out what was left of it with some Channel Lock pliers. During the time of making the change, I unhooked the positive cable from the battery as a precaution to prevent turning the engine over while the cam sensor was being removed.

With the new sensor in place and everything buttoned back up, the dash light came back on after the engine ran for about 10 minutes. Had OnStar do a diagnostic check for codes and the result was a PA 0016. The engine still runs with a shutter while at a stop in drive. Hasn't stalled but feels like it will.

Is the code a part of the engine history that has to be removed with a diagnostic scanner so that it doesn't return. Or would there be another reason the code has returned after replacing the sensor? I have checked for bare wires and have not found any on the under carriage. Is it possible I have a spark plug misfiring that could cause the cam sensor code to come back? Hoping for some advise and any would be appreciated. I had thought the new cam sensor would do a reset on its' own. Sensor is made by Dorman and a replacement for the OE.

 

Did the light go off and then come back on or did it never go off? Most times after a repair you'll have to clear the fault with an odb2 scanner. It doesn't usually clear itself automatically.

 

Titann24, The light went off after the new cam sensor was installed and then came on after the engine ran for about 2 or 3 minutes. I know the on board computer keeps a history. But thought that the new sensor would do an automatic reset on the code. That doesn't seem to be the case. I tried hooking up my Actron scanner to erase the history but it won't link up with my system. So, I will be finding a friend with a newer scanner and have them clear the code. Just hope it takes care of the engine shutter when idling while in drive at a stop. Put new plugs in about 40,000 miles ago and wondering if one is fouling out already as the engine has just over 210,000 miles on it.

 

Hi I was curious as to how you eventually was able to remove the sensor I'm working on removing mine and the plastic part of the sensor on the outside is broke off and the rubber seal that is around it is removed but it still isn't trying to come out. Any tips on how to get it to remove ?