CAM Sensor TEST 2: Power Supply
The camshaft position (CMP) sensor needs power to work. Without power, the cam sensor will not produce a cam signal.
This power is in the form of 8 Volts, which the PCM (Powertrain Control Module=Fuel Injection Computer) supplies.
IMPORTANT: Be very careful not to short this wire to Ground or you could damage the PCM. Also, do not use a test light to verify this voltage. Use a multimeter.
These are the test steps:
- 1
Place your multimeter in Volts DC mode.
- 2
Probe the wire that connects to the terminal identified by the number 1 (see photo above) with red multimeter test lead.
As in the CMP TEST 1, pierce the wire with an appropriate tool. Avoid probing the front of the connector. - 3
Connect the black multimeter test lead to the battery negative (-) terminal.
- 4
Have your helper turn the key to the On position but don't crank or start then engine.
- 5
Your multimeter should register 8 Volts.
OK, let's interpret the multimeter test results you just obtained:
CASE 1: Your multimeter registered 8 Volts DC when the key was turned On. This indicates that the camshaft position sensor on your Chrysler (or Dodge or Plymouth) is getting a good supply of juice. The next test is to test the sensor Ground circuit. Go to: CAM Sensor TEST 3: Verifying Ground.
CASE 2: Your multimeter DID NOT register 8 Volts DC when the key was turned On. Recheck your connections and try the test again.
If still no 8 Volts, then this test result eliminates the cam sensor as bad, since without this voltage, the cam sensor will not produce a cam signal.
CAM Sensor TEST 3: Verifying Ground
This is the last test to perform to be able to decisively say that the camshaft position sensor is bad.
So far, you have verified two very important things:
One: That the camshaft position sensor is not producing a cam signal (TEST 1).
Two: That the camshaft position sensor is getting power (TEST 2).
In this test step you're gonna' check its Ground circuit.
IMPORTANT: You got to be very careful not to short this wire to power (battery voltage) or you run the risk of damaging the PCM. Also, do not use a test light to verify this voltage -use a multimeter.
These are the test steps:
- 1
Place your multimeter in Volts DC mode.
- 2
Probe the wire that connects to the terminal identified by the number 2 (see photo above) with the black multimeter test lead.
Avoid probing the front of the cam sensor connector to check this Ground. Pierce the wire with an appropriate tool. - 3
Connect the red multimeter test lead to the battery positive (+) terminal.
- 4
Have your helper turn the key to the On position.
- 5
Your multimeter should register battery voltage (10 to 12 Volts DC).
Let's examine your test result:
CASE 1: The multimeter registered 12 Volts DC when the key was turned On. This indicates that the PCM is providing a Ground path for the CAM sensor.
You can conclude that the CMP sensor is bad if you have:
- Confirmed that the camshaft position sensor is not producing an ON/OFF voltage signal (TEST 1).
- Confirmed it's getting Ground (TEST 2).
- Confirmed it's getting power (this test section).
CASE 2: The multimeter DID NOT register 12 Volts DC when the key was turned On. Recheck your connections and try the test again.
If your multimeter still does not register the 12 Volts, then you have just eliminated the CAM sensor as bad. Without this Ground path the cam sensor will not work.
