I had to replace my inlet camshaft sensor, again, last weekend and if you find yours needs replacing and aren't sure how to do it, here's how.
Firstly, to change it you have to be able to see it.
1. Remove the key from the ignition and put it away from the car.
2. Slacken off the oil filter housing cap by a couple of turns and allow the filter bowl to drain for a few minutes and then completely remove the cap and filter.
3. Ball up some paper towel and fill the filter bowl with it to prevent anything going into the engine, this includes the centre part which I had already unplugged to rebuild.
4. Unplug the wiring connector from the Vanos solenoid and unscrew the solenoid and remove it. Wrap this in a sheet of paper towel to keep it spotlessly clean. Also disconnect the vacuum/breather pipe from the rocker cover and ease it out of the way.
5. You can now see the camshaft sensor which is held in place by a 5mm allen screw. Remove the screw and the sensor simply pulls out of the cylinder head. All you need to do now is trace the cable down to the connection down under the inlet manifold. The cable is 18" - 20" long.
6. Compare the new and old sensors and make sure they are the same, including the cable connectors as these can differ.
7. The fitting is just a reversal of the removal procedure.
8. Once you have the engine running again and have checked for oil leaks you may need to clear any stored codes relating to the camshaft position sensor.
9. These are the only tools needed to do this relatively simple job.
A 36mm socket to remove the oil filter, a small pair of grips to remove the Vanos solenoid. Some 1/4" drive socketry , a 7mm socket for the hose clips to remove my cone air filter to access the cable plug and a 5mm allen socket for the sensor securing screw and a couple of extensions.
Hope this is of help to someone out there. If you need any help please send me a PM.
Tony.
Firstly, to change it you have to be able to see it.
1. Remove the key from the ignition and put it away from the car.
2. Slacken off the oil filter housing cap by a couple of turns and allow the filter bowl to drain for a few minutes and then completely remove the cap and filter.
3. Ball up some paper towel and fill the filter bowl with it to prevent anything going into the engine, this includes the centre part which I had already unplugged to rebuild.
4. Unplug the wiring connector from the Vanos solenoid and unscrew the solenoid and remove it. Wrap this in a sheet of paper towel to keep it spotlessly clean. Also disconnect the vacuum/breather pipe from the rocker cover and ease it out of the way.
5. You can now see the camshaft sensor which is held in place by a 5mm allen screw. Remove the screw and the sensor simply pulls out of the cylinder head. All you need to do now is trace the cable down to the connection down under the inlet manifold. The cable is 18" - 20" long.
6. Compare the new and old sensors and make sure they are the same, including the cable connectors as these can differ.
7. The fitting is just a reversal of the removal procedure.
8. Once you have the engine running again and have checked for oil leaks you may need to clear any stored codes relating to the camshaft position sensor.
9. These are the only tools needed to do this relatively simple job.
A 36mm socket to remove the oil filter, a small pair of grips to remove the Vanos solenoid. Some 1/4" drive socketry , a 7mm socket for the hose clips to remove my cone air filter to access the cable plug and a 5mm allen socket for the sensor securing screw and a couple of extensions.
Hope this is of help to someone out there. If you need any help please send me a PM.
Tony.
