Genuine Nissan Maxima Camshaft Position Sensor

Nissan Maxima Camshaft Position Sensor Parts Questions & Answers

• CAMSHAFT Position Sensor
  23731-AL616
  Q: What are the diagnostic procedures for camshaft position sensors in Nissan Maxima?

  A: It is necessary to be ready for clearing the diagnostic trouble code after performing the test and required repairs because it will set a DTC and also turn on the Check Engine light. The CMP sensor (1993-1994 models) that is located in the distributor device can monitor both piston position and engine speed, transmitting their readings to the computer which calculates the fuel injection duration and sets ignition timing. Six slits within 360 have been drilled into every disk of the CMP sensor: one for determining camshaft position, other five serve as engine speed signals. The wave forming circuit has Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and photo diodes embedded in them that change slits in rotor plate into on-off pulses sent to ECM. First off, check for battery voltage at white/black wire terminal by disconnecting electrical connector leading to distributor, turning ignition key On and using a voltmeter. If lacking voltage, check from battery up to ECCS relay including fuses, take a look at ECCS relay itself as well as from relay up to distributor connector on this circuit. Check continuity to ground at black wire terminal with ohmmeter. Disconnect distributor connector before removing the distributor from engine with ignition OFF; then reconnect it again. Backprobe green/black wire terminal at distributor connector joining positive lead of voltmeter with probe and negative lead of voltmeter with good engine ground. Slowly rotate distributor shaft while having ignition ON observing voltage changing between 0 volts and 5.0 volts six times per revolution for 120-degree signal. Next turn OFF ignition; backprobe green/yellow wire terminals with voltmeter. Slightly rotate distributor shaft when ignition ON so that meter will fluctuate between zero volts and 5 volts about 360 times per revolution for 1-degree signal; then gradually decrease the speed of rotation until meter indicates no further changes in reading.. In case this does not happen then it is necessary to replace the entire distributor since the CMP sensor is an integral part of it. The CMP sensor (1995-2001 models), located at the front of the engine on a timing chain cover, consists of permanent magnet, core and coil that detect gap in camshaft sprocket changing magnetic field near them resulting in voltage signal variation supplied to PCM and giving information on cylinder TDC position. Unplug electrical connector from sensor and check resistance across both camshaft sensor terminals with ohmmeter, which should be 1440-1760 ohms (68°F or 20°C) for Hitachi-made or 2090-2550 ohms (68°F or 20°C ) for Mitsubishi-made sensors. In case there are wrong values of resistance, it is necessary to replace this sensor. If values are correct then visually inspect wiring harness for open circuit to PCM and damaged harness; also verify continuity to ground on black wire at harness connector. After confirming that both these units are fine then get assistance from dealer service department or some other competent repair shop in order to diagnose the PCM. For such vehicles as (2002 and newer) which have two camshaft position sensors situated at rear end of each cylinder head on left side of vehicle, complex nature of engine management system requires dealer service personnel or qualified automotive repair shops perform diagnostic services targeting these sensors.