How To Test The Camshaft Position Sensor (1992-1995 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Van)

The camshaft position sensor is a 3-wire Hall-Effect sensor that can easily be tested with a multimeter.

You already know it sits inside the distributor, but you don't need to pull it out to test it. I'll walk you the test step-by-step.

With the help of this tutorial, you're gonna run three simple tests using just your multimeter. By the end, you'll know for sure if the sensor's good or if it's toast.

NOTE: This sensor's also called the distributor pickup coil. Same part, just a different name.

APPLIES TO: This tutorial applies to the following vehicles since they use the exact same camshaft position (CMP) sensor:

1992-1994:

• Dodge Ram B150 Van 5.2L V8: 1992, 1993, 1994.
• Dodge Ram B250 Van 5.2L V8: 1992, 1993, 1994.
• Dodge Ram B250 Van 5.9L V8: 1992, 1993, 1994.
• Dodge Ram B350 Van 5.9L V8: 1992, 1993, 1994.

1995:

• Dodge Ram B1500 Van 5.2L V8: 1995.
• Dodge Ram B2500 Van 5.2L V8: 1995.
• Dodge Ram B3500 Van 5.2L V8: 1995.
• Dodge Ram B2500 Van 5.9L V8: 1995.
• Dodge Ram B3500 Van 5.9L V8: 1995.

IGNITION SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS:

• Ignition System Wiring Diagram (1992 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Van).
• Ignition System Wiring Diagram (1993 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Van).
• Ignition System Wiring Diagram (1994 5.2L. 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Van).
• Ignition System Wiring Diagram (1995 5.2L. 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Van).

OTHER CMP SENSOR TESTS:

• How To Test The Distributor Pickup Coil (1989-1991 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Van).
• How To Test The Camshaft Position Sensor (1996-1997 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Van).
• How To Test The Camshaft Position Sensor (1998-2003 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Van).

Symptoms Of A Bad Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor

On your 5.2L or 5.9L Dodge Ram van, the fuel injection computer relies on the camshaft position sensor working together with the crankshaft position sensor to fire up the ignition coil and fuel injectors.

Most of the time, a bad CMP sensor will trigger one of these trouble codes in the computer's memory:

• Code 11: No Crankshaft Reference Signal Detected During Cranking.
• Code 54: No Cam (Fuel) Sync Signal Detected.

You might also notice one or more of these issues:

• Cranks but doesn't start: The engine turns over, but there's no spark or fuel. That's because the computer isn't sending power to the injectors or the ignition coil.
• Stalls out randomly: It might run fine, then just shut off out of nowhere —especially when idling or moving slow.
• Check Engine Light (CEL) comes on: If the PCM stores code 11 or 54, the CEL's gonna light up.
• Misfires or rough idle: When the signal from the sensor is weak or jumpy, fuel delivery gets thrown off. That leads to misfires, hesitation, or an uneven idle.
• Hard start (hot or cold): If the sensor's going bad but not totally dead, it might take several tries before the engine fires up.
• Slow acceleration or lazy throttle: You'll notice a delay when stepping on the gas. That sluggish response means the sensor is sending a weak signal, even if it hasn't failed completely.

What The CMP Sensor Actually Does

In case you're interested, here's a breakdown of what the CMP sensor (pickup coil) does:

• Works with the crankshaft sensor to manage timing:
  • The PCM needs signals from both the camshaft position sensor (CMP) and the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) to control spark and fuel injection.
  • The CKP sensor provides engine speed data, while the CMP identifies which cylinder is on the compression stroke.
• Sends a Fuel Sync signal to the PCM:
  • As the engine turns, the CMP sensor generates a digital ON/OFF signal known as the Fuel Sync signal.
  • This signal lets the PCM fire each injector at the right time.
• Helps trigger ignition and fuel systems:
  • Using the CMP signal, the PCM activates the ASD relay and fuel pump relay.
  • It also uses that same signal to control injector pulse and ignition coil timing.
• No CMP signal? The engine shuts down:
  • If the PCM loses the CMP signal, it cuts off both the ASD and fuel pump relays.
  • That shuts down the fuel pump, ignition coil, and injectors. The engine might crank, but it won’t fire up.

Circuit Descriptions Of The Camshaft Position Sensor

Because the camshaft position sensor is a Hall-Effect type, it needs both power and Ground to come alive and send out its signal.

The table below breaks down what each of the 3 wires does:

1992-1995 Camshaft Position Sensor Connector
Pin	Wire Color	Description
1	Orange (ORG)	8 Volts DC
2	Black with light blue stripe (BLK/LT BLU)	Sensor Ground
3	Tan with yellow stripe (TAN/YEL)	CMP Signal

Where To Buy The Camshaft Position Sensor

The following links will help you comparison shop for the camshaft position sensor (distributor pickup coil). I think you'll save a few bucks:

TEST 1: Testing The Camshaft Position Signal

The camshaft position sensor sends out an ON/OFF voltage signal while the engine's spinning. When the signal is ON, it's at 5 Volts DC. When it's OFF, it drops down to 0 Volts.

The great thing is, we can actually see that ON/OFF pattern using a multimeter —and that's exactly how we're gonna test it.

To get this done, we'll tap into the tan with yellow stripe (TAN/YEL) wire of the sensor's 3-wire connector.

IMPORTANT: For this test to work, the sensor has to stay plugged into its engine wiring harness connector. You'll need to back probe the wire or use a wire-piercing probe to read the CMP signal right inside the wire. You can see an example of a wire piercing probe here: Wire Piercing Probe Review (Power Probe PWPPPPP01).

NOTE: Don't have a multimeter or need to upgrade yours? Check out my recommendation: Tekpower TP8268 AC/DC Auto/Manual Range Digital Multimeter (at: amazon.com).

Here's how to run the test step-by-step:

1. 1

   Connect the black lead from your multimeter straight to the battery's negative (-) terminal.

2. 2

   Unplug the ignition coil from its electrical connector. This keeps things safe while you test.
   
   NOTE: Leave the distributor cap on. It has to stay in place to keep the camshaft position sensor locked down.

3. 3

   Set your multimeter to DC Volts mode.

4. 4

   Use the red multimeter lead to probe the tan wire with yellow stripe (TAN/YEL) coming out of the CMP sensor's connector.
   
   NOTE: The sensor must stay plugged into its engine wiring harness connector during this test. You'll need to back probe or pierce the wire to tap into the signal.

5. 5

   Have a helper crank the engine for a few seconds once your leads are set.

6. 6

   Your multimeter should catch the voltage switching between 5 Volts and 0 Volts DC as the engine turns over.

Now let's look at what your results mean:

CASE 1: You saw the ON/OFF voltage signal. That's exactly what you want. It means the camshaft position sensor is working like it should.

If your 5.2L or 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram van still won't start, you can rule out the CMP sensor as the cause.

CASE 2: The multimeter didn't show any ON/OFF signal. That usually means the sensor is bad and not sending out a proper signal.

But don't swap it out just yet. First, you gotta make sure it's getting power and Ground. Head over to the next step here: TEST 2: Making Sure The CMP Sensor Has 8 Volts.