Totallyrad

Good afternoon guys and gals. It's been a while but I'm bringing a small bit of information your direction for those who like to get dirty. I had my driveline rebuilt last week, that'll be another article. A couple days after the rebuild the engine stumbled while driving about 50mph. No code but worrisome none the less. A couple hours later it happened again and I got a check engine light. The Camshaft Position Sensor (P0341) was acting up. Our 3rd gens are prone to have a chaffed signal wire where the harness goes over the a/c compressor so I checked that. Years ago I had placed a piece of plastic split loom over that wire so I feel pretty sure it's ok. I picked up a new sensor at Advance Auto for $65 plus tax.


While this is not a hard job it is a bit tedious. It takes only a few tools, mostly basic stuff, but a couple specific tools makes the job a bit easier. You will also need some good lighting. It's a dark hole this thing lives in. This is not a fast job, it takes what it takes. If you've got big hands you are not going to be happy.

As always, I have to give the obligatory safety warnings. These may not be all inclusive but they are meant to jog your memory or start you down the road to working safe every time. Let's start with chock you tires, use properly rated lifting and blocking gear or ramps rated for the weight you're going to place on them. Our trucks are heavy!! Safety glasses or a face shield are a good idea. You'll be working overhead and there will be a ton of junk falling in your face. Gloves are up to you but you need something that has good feel because you will be working with a small part.

The Cam Sensor is located behind the power steering pump and forward of the computer. It's in a bugger of a spot. You will be all up in there so working on a cold engine is a must. I did this job from underneath. It's the only way you can actually see what's going on. I started by unbolting the computer. There are five bolts, all the same. For this a flex head ratchet, 6 point socket and a stubby ratchet are useful. Once I removed the bolts I shifted the computer to the rear and reinserted one bolt to hold it in place because it's out of position.


Now you can work on the connector to the sensor.



It has a red safety latch you have to slide out before you can release the the connector from the sensor. I used a long straight screwdriver for the red latch. Once it's out of the way you can see the allen screw the retains the sensor. I believe it was a 3/16 allen. Again, it's in a bugger of a spot. Once you get it loose take it all the way out. Now you can reach into the hole and wiggle the sensor out. Put a drop of oil on the o-ring of the new sensor, wiggle it back into the hole and reverse the process.

A couple warnings. You want to get the retaining screw tight but not crazy tight. The 5 bolts on the computer are the same. Now, if you by chance drop that allen head machine screw, don't panic. I dropped mine and it went AWOL. I could not find it and neither could the magnet. All you have to do is locate the Crankshaft Sensor and take the screw out of it. You can then go to your local hardware store, Ace in my case, and pick up a couple more. Both screws are the same. Don't forget to reinstall the Crankshaft Sensor screw if you borrowed it.

That's all there is to it. It's not hard but it's a giant PITA to do only because of the limited access. If your truck cranks right up pick up your tools, put the truck back on the ground and pat yourself on the back. I would also reccomend a good scrubbing, I got nasty doing mine.

T'rad