How to Test Cam Sensors With a Volt Meter
A cam sensor is a device on your car that measures where your vehicle's engine cams are in their rotation. The cam sensor reports this information back to your car's power control module, which is essentially the computer brain for all electronic functions. If you ever suspect that your cam sensor has gone out, it can be removed from your vehicle and tested with a volt meter.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Remove the cam sensor from your vehicle. Placement and the procedures for removing your cam sensor will differ from vehicle to vehicle. Consult with your owner's manual or your auto dealer to determine where your cam sensor is located and how it should be removed.
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2
Determine what the working ranges are for your cam sensor. Again, these ranges will differ (sometimes dramatically) from vehicle to vehicle. Check with your dealer to determine what the range is.
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3
Turn your volt meter on. Set to the Ohms setting by turning its dial.
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4
Press the positive (red) test lead of your meter to the positive post of your cam sensor. Place the negative test lead to the negative cam lead.
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5
Observe your reading. If the reading falls between what the set ranges are for your specific vehicle, then the cam sensor is fine. If the reading falls below the set range, your cam sensor is bad and needs to be replaced.
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