CODE 31 Cam Sensor circuit fault.. Help

[Aurora40]

Since they are a Hall-effect sensor, the distance the sensor is from the reluctor can matter. I don't think the cam sensor used any kind of a spacer, but maybe make sure it seats properly?

The crank reluctor wheel has unevenly spaced gaps, to help the ECM determine if it missed one. Though that said, the ECM is pretty simplistic on these older cars. I do believe there is a difference in crank sensors, the earlier cars had some kind of shim or something, and the later ones didn't? Has the crank sensor been replaced at any point to your knowledge?

[tomtom72]

This is a shot in the dark.

I used to have 31's set all the time. I finally used contact cleaner to clean the plug and some dielectric. I had done the dielectric without contact cleaner first and no joy. It seemed to want both. I'm not saying it's your solution, but if you never used contact cleaner it could be worth a shot.


Tom

[ittlfly]

Darryl,
I can't add a lot here but if you have to change out the cam sensor you are going to learn some new words. As you may recall, I just did it on my 94 a few weeks ago. The screams coming out of me weren't from being on "Mr. Toads Wild Ride".

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by ittlfly

Darryl,
I can't add a lot here but if you have to change out the cam sensor you are going to learn some new words. As you may recall, I just did it on my 94 a few weeks ago. The screams coming out of me weren't from being on "Mr. Toads Wild Ride".

Yep I remember but you replaced yours due to a leak only correct?

[ittlfly]

Originally Posted by GOLDCYLON

Yep I remember but you replaced yours due to a leak only correct?

Yes to the leak...... and the fact that it had coded 31 once before. I felt that I wanted to do that job only once. It wasn't hard to do. Just a real pain in the a$$ to get to.

FWIW, I used some "Precision Electronics Cleaner'' from Radio Shack to clean up the plug contacts. It also worked well for some sticking buttons on the auto A/C controller in the dash.

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by ittlfly

Yes to the leak...... and the fact that it had coded 31 once before. I felt that I wanted to do that job only once. It wasn't hard to do. Just a real pain in the a$$ to get to.

FWIW, I used some "Precision Electronics Cleaner'' from Radio Shack to clean up the plug contacts. It also worked well for some sticking buttons on the auto A/C controller in the dash.

Aesome thanks. I will try the cleaner as well. I did buy another sensor just in case. It was $114 online which was not bad I guess. I swear I paid less for the lat one but that was one ebay.

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by tomtom72

This is a shot in the dark.

I used to have 31's set all the time. I finally used contact cleaner to clean the plug and some dielectric. I had done the dielectric without contact cleaner first and no joy. It seemed to want both. I'm not saying it's your solution, but if you never used contact cleaner it could be worth a shot.


Tom

Never did Tom I will give that a try where did you pickup the contact cleaner. Radio shack?

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by Aurora40

Since they are a Hall-effect sensor, the distance the sensor is from the reluctor can matter. I don't think the cam sensor used any kind of a spacer, but maybe make sure it seats properly?

The crank reluctor wheel has unevenly spaced gaps, to help the ECM determine if it missed one. Though that said, the ECM is pretty simplistic on these older cars. I do believe there is a difference in crank sensors, the earlier cars had some kind of shim or something, and the later ones didn't? Has the crank sensor been replaced at any point to your knowledge?

Bob if I was to venture to gues I dont believe the crank sensor has ever been replace. just the cam sensor. I dont understand how the cam sensor can move out of place unless the bolt was not in tight enough. All there is is a single bolt and an o ring. But I will look into that as well thanks