Camshaft position sensor keeps going bad

Tiny
05ACURATL
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
Car listed above is an S model. Every camshaft position sensor I installed (were purchased from the junkyard) worked for less than a month then went bad. My question is, could there be a problem with the car (such as electrical problem, etc.) That's causing the sensors to go bad every time or is it most likely because the sensors from the junkyard?
Monday, March 22nd, 2021 AT 10:14 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning,

Used parts such as the cam sensor are never a good idea to use in your car. These sensors are very sensitive and I would get a new one from the dealer. I had many issues even with aftermarket sensors for these engines.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/camshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

I attached a picture of the location for you of the sensor.

Roy
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 AT 4:56 AM
Tiny
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  • 37 POSTS
Good morning Roy,

Thanks for responding. Two quick questions. First, is it necessary to disconnect the negative battery cable to replace the camshaft position sensor (the article you linked doesn't mention anything about disconnecting the battery)? And, second, which aftermarket brand that makes these sensors would you recommend (I can't pay for OEM Nissan)? Thanks
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 AT 11:23 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Okay. No, it is not necessary to remove the battery cable for the repair.

You can try an aftermarket. Check rockauto. Com for all the different brands and prices.

Roy
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 AT 11:28 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Did you respond? I got an email but nothing came through.

Roy
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 AT 1:41 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
Thanks. I found these two brands WVE and STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS. They have the best warranty (3 years). WVE Model# 5S1928 (https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=936059&cc=1432235) and STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS Model# PC464 (https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=663129&cc=1432235). Have you used any of these two brands? and if yes, which one would you recommend? thanks
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 AT 1:48 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
Thanks. I did respond but the site did not show my reply (maybe because I had links to rockauto?). I removed the links now so hopefully this one goes through. I said I found these two brands WVE (Model# 5S1928) and Standard motor products (Model# PC464). They have the best warranty (3 years). Have you used any of these two brands? And if yes, which one would you recommend? Thanks
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 AT 1:51 PM
Tiny
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Standard is a good brand to use. Most of all the parts stores carry this brand.

Roy
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 AT 4:23 PM
Tiny
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Very much appreciated.
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 AT 5:35 PM
Tiny
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Anytime.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 AT 5:40 PM

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