'06 Nissan Altima Camshaft and Crankshaft Sensor

Trouble Ticket


Type Auto Platform N/A OS N/A

Date 27-Aug-10 Application N/A Hardware Sensor

Category Failed Parts Level Medium Time Taken 1.5 hours



Description
06 Nissan Altima 2.5L 4 Cylinder would turn over normally but take an excessive amount of time to fire up. Altima would also feel AS IF it were shifting rough. Took to CarQuest and borrowed an OBD Scanner. OBD Scanner returned Error Code P0725 "Engine Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction". CarQuest stated Camshaft and Crankshaft Position Sensors. This coincides with a prerequisite ECM Reprogram per Recall http://www.autobuyguide.com/2006/12-aut/nissan/altima/recalls/index.html .






Cause
Poorly designed sensors allowed oil to leak onto the connector pins. Poorly programmed ECM did not know how to react to the shorting sensors and in some cases would cause the car to shut off. Recall 07V527000 from the above link offers a reprogram of ECM but not replacement of faulty sensors.





Solution
Take the vehicle in for Recall 07V527000. Then replace the Camshaft and Crankshaft Position Sensors. Autozone sells the sensors (Part Number SU6364) for 28.99 ea.


How To
Step 1 - Unplug the Negative Battery Terminal.
Step 2 - Remove the Plastic Engine Cover. (4 Bolts - Allen Wrench)
Step 3 - Remove the Air Hose that connects the Throttle Body and the Filter Box. (2 Hose Clamps - Flathead Screwdriver, 2 Pinch Clamps - Pliers, Pull the Breather hose out of its support clamp)


Step 4 - The Camshaft Position Sensor is located in a wire bundle on the drivers side of the block. It is at the top of the bell housing and the furthest down and towards the firewall in the bundle near the throttle body.


Step 5 - Unplug the Connector by pressing in on the flap and pulling.
Step 6 - Unbolt the Sensor using a 10mm 6 point Socket and Ratchet.
Step 7 - Lubricate the new sensor with some fresh oil on the O-Ring.
Step 8 - Install the new sensor and seat the o-ring snugly before bolting it in place.
Step 9 - Plug the cable connector in to the new sensor.
Step 10 - Locate the Crankshaft Position Sensor on the firewall side of the block on the edge closest to the bell housing. If you can't See it have someone spot it for you through the intake manifold with a flashlight, or follow each wire bundle on the firewall side until you find it. If you are on the bell housing you are not quite far enough.



Step 11 - Unplug the Sensor by pressing in (towards the block) on the green connector and pulling it off the sensor. (This was difficult, I used a screwdriver to push it down.)

Step 12 - Unbolt and remove the sensor.
Step 13 - Lube the new sensors O-Ring with Oil and connect the green cable connector to the sensor before Reinstalling the new sensor. (Way easier than trying to do it after.)


Step 14 - Install the new sensor and Seat the O-Ring snugly before bolting in place.
Step 15 - Bolt the new sensor in place.
Step 16 - Reconnect Negative Battery Terminal.

Total Cost 63.49