How to Replace a Camshaft Position Sensor on a 2004 Nissan Maxima

Having trouble getting your car to turn over as quickly as it should? Maybe you think it's the alternator or battery? Maybe it's your camshaft position sensor!^[1] This particular problem isn't just a Nissan issue. While the location may be different, the process will be much the same.

Steps

1. Verify that your car (if it isn't a Nissan Maxima 2004) even has one (or more). The Maxima has 2 of them; the right and the left one. Both are on the right side of the engine.^[2] Locate them before you start working on them.


2. Remove any parts that you need to. If you are replacing the Bank 1 sensor, you will need to take off a couple of hoses to access it.
   
   
   
   


3. Using your wrench (socket wrench for the bank 1 sensor) remove the 10mm screw that holds the sensor to the engine.
   
   
   
   


4. Pull out the sensor. Pull out the sensor and wiring harness from the area that it is fastened to.
   
   
   
   


5. Take the channel locks and carefully, but firmly, press down the mechanism to release the sensor. While the image doesn't show the sensor attached, this was the method used to remove it.
   
   
   
   


6. Pull out the sensor. It will be a bit dirty, but you should know that, as an aspiring backyard mechanic.


7. Perform any maintenance that you need to do. Clean the area up (always a good idea) and use any lubricants that you deem necessary.


8. Plug in the sensor.
   
   
   
   


9. Replace the sensor and the screw.


10. Replace any hoses that you removed.
    
    
    
    


11. Start your car. It should start up fine now.

Video

Tips

• Find out what the error means.
  
  
  
  • P0335 - replace both sensors^[3]
  
  
  • P0340 - camshaft position sensor bank 1^[4]
  
  
  • P0345 - camshaft position sensor bank 2^[5]
  
  
  
  


• When this happens, it may end up happening to all of the sensors. If you can, replace them both. If not, be prepared for when/if it does happen.

Things You'll Need

• 10mm wrench


• 10mm socket wrench


• Channel locks


• Shop light


• Camshaft position sensor (Bank 1 or Bank 2)
  
  
  
  • Bank 1 is closer to the driver and the firewall
  
  
  • Bank 2 is nearer the front of the engine compartment
  
  
  
  


• Magnetic retriever (for if you drop anything)

Sources and Citations

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from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1qBJ3WS

via Peter