My code reader keeps telling me I have a bad crank / camshaft sensor, cuz the engine light keeps coming on all the time. I clear it it comes back etc..
My question is that it has been doing this for 6 months, but the tuck seems to run just fine. No differences at all, at least that I can tell.
I have found the R/R guide for the sensor, but what I want to know is:
What is it's actual function? If it's bad, bbut the truck runs fine, then why change it?

thanks

 

the camshaft position sensor tells the engine when #1 TDC compression comes around. all engine timeing is based on that information. If the sensor goes out the engine will not run. I'm fairly sure there is no crank shaft postion sensor on our engines, only cam position.

 

think you got it backwards.

 

Hmmm I don't think so. I know my '98.5 24v has a Cam position sensor. I'm fairly sure there is no Crank PS, or at least I don't recall seeing one while I've been under there.

 

Its right above the starter. The earlier 24v's had both, but the later trucks only cam sensor. I believe the early trucks just used the two to compare signals, so if one goes bad, the truck will still function.

 

oh ok, I'll look back there next time. I was thinking about on the front hub like my '94.


but I'm pretty sure you can't run electronic timing off the crank. only the cam. You know the 4 cycle engine 720* of crank rotation per 4 events. the ecm wouldn't know if #1 is on compression or exhaust from a crank sensor. the cam runs 1/2 engine rpm and signifies #1 TDC compression stroke with every pass of the mark.

 

what the heck??!! Mine is a 2000, do I have both??

 

I think the 2000MY was when they switched from two sensors to just the cam sensor. It could be either.

I think there's better info at dodgeram.org, but I can't get there from my current location.

JH

 

you have both 98.5 to 2000 have crank and cam sensors.. they take an avarage to give the pump more accurate time..cam sensor is behind the vp44 pump and the crank is behind the starter.. my advice is to replace the crank sensor and get back lost performance..