How to Test the Camshaft Position Sensor on a 1997 Ford F150
The camshaft sensor in your 1997 Ford F-150 supplies a signal to the on-board computer that is used to calculate and trigger the fuel injection system. The models equipped with the V-6 engine use a hall-effect sensor that supplies an a/c signal that varies between 0 and 5 volts, depending on the position of the camshaft as it rotates. The models equipped with the V-8 engine use a variable-reluctance sensor that provides a digital "on/off" signal as the camshaft rotates. Each type of sensor requires a different test procedure.
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Instructions
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V-6 Sensor Test
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1
Set the digital volt/ohm meter to read a/c volts. Push the meter leads into the back of the electrical connector to make contact with the wires inside. Probe the dark green wire on the connector with the red meter lead (positive), and the black wire with the black (negative) meter lead.
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2
Turn the ignition key on, but do not start start the engine. Turn the engine crankshaft clockwise, using a breaker bar and socket on the crankshaft bolt in the center of the crankshaft pulley.
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3
Observe the voltage displayed on the meter. The voltage should vary between 0 volts and 5 volts as the engine is turned over. Replace the sensor if voltage is a steady 5 volts. Have the on-board computer checked if no voltage is found at the sensor.
V-8 Sensor Test
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4
Unplug the wiring harness electrical connector from the sensor. Test for battery voltage at the electrical connector. With the ignition key on and the engine off, the voltage at the connector should be around 12.5 volts (battery voltage). Check for a burned fuse in the under-hood fuse block if no voltage is supplied to the connector.
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5
Remove the sensor retaining bolt from the front of the driver-side cylinder head, using a 10-mm wrench. Twist the sensor back and forth as you pull it out of the cylinder head. Touch meter leads to the terminals in the sensor.
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6
Pass a screwdriver close to the end of the sensor and observe the voltage. Replace if there is no pulsing voltage displayed on the meter, as the screwdriver passes the end of the sensor.
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References
- Photo Credit Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images
