TEST 2: Making Sure The Cam Sensor Is Getting Power
If you've reached this point, you've confirmed the camshaft position sensor is not generating an ON/OFF voltage signal in TEST 1.
So in this test section, we'll check that the white (WHT) wire of the camshaft position sensor connector is supplying 12 Volts DC to the sensor.
In the photo above, the white wire (of the connector) is marked with the number 3.
IMPORTANT: Do not probe the front of the connector with your multimeter test leads or you'll damage the connector and the female terminal inside. To test for power or Ground, you must use a back probe or a wire piercing probe.
Let's get started:
- 1
Place the multimeter in Volts DC mode.
- 2
Disconnect the CMP sensor from its connector.
- 3
Connect red multimeter test lead to the white wire of the CMP sensor connector.
The white wire connects to the terminal marked number 3. - 4
Connect the black multimeter test lead directly on the battery negative (-) terminal.
- 5
When everything is set up, have an assistant turn the key to the ON position but not crank or start the engine.
- 6
The multimeter should display 10-12 Volts DC.
Let's take a look at what your test results mean
CASE 1: The multimeter read 10-12 Volts when the ignition was turned on. This test result confirms that the camshaft position sensor is receiving power.
The next test is to verify that the cam sensor is receiving Ground. For this test go to: TEST 3: Making Sure The Cam Sensor Is Getting Ground.
CASE 2: The multimeter DID NOT show 10-12 Volts when the ignition was turned On. This result tells you that the CMP sensor is not receiving power.
This result exonerates the camshaft position sensor as the cause of the engine no-start problem you're trying to solve since the CMP sensor cannot generate a signal without 12 Volts.
TEST 3: Making Sure The Cam Sensor Is Getting Ground
In this test section, we'll check that the camshaft position sensor is receiving Ground.
This Ground is a chassis Ground and is therefore always provided (in other words, whether the key is on or not, the Ground is available).
The wire that feeds this Ground is the black (BLK) wire of the connector and is marked number 1 in the photo above.
IMPORTANT: Do not probe the front of the connector with your multimeter test leads or you'll damage the connector and the female terminal inside. To test for power or Ground, you must use a back probe or a wire piercing probe.
These are the test steps:
- 1
Place the multimeter in Volts DC mode.
- 2
Disconnect the CMP sensor from its connector.
- 3
Connect black multimeter test lead to the black wire of the CMP sensor connector.
The black wire connects to the terminal marked number 1. - 4
Connect the red multimeter test lead directly on the battery positive (+) terminal.
- 5
The multimeter should display 10-12 Volts DC.
Let's take a look at what your test results mean
CASE 1: The multimeter showed 10-12 Volts when the ignition was turned on. This test result confirms that the camshaft position sensor is getting Ground.
You can correctly conclude that the CMP sensor is defective and needs replacement, if you have:
- Confirmed the CMP sensor is not generating an ON/OFF voltage signal (TEST 1).
- Confirmed the CMP sensor is receiving 10 to 12 Volts (TEST 2).
- Confirmed the CMP sensor is receiving Ground (this test section).
CASE 2: The multimeter DID NOT show 10-12 Volts when the ignition was turned on. This result tells you that the CMP sensor is not receiving Ground.
This result exonerates the camshaft position sensor as the cause of the engine no-start problem you're trying to solve since the CMP sensor cannot generate a signal without Ground.
More 1.8L Nissan Sentra Tutorials
You can find a complete list of tutorials for you Nissan 1.8L equipped car here:
Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:
- How To Test The Ignition Coils (2000-2006 1.8L Nissan Sentra).
- How To Test The Starter Motor (2000-2002 1.8L Nissan Sentra).
- How To Test Engine Compression (2000-2006 1.8L Nissan Sentra).
- How To Test The 2000-2002 Nissan Sentra 1.8L MAF Sensor (at: easyautodiagnostics.com).
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
