CAM and crank position sensors?

Tiny
JMGR33N3
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  • 2007 KIA OPTIMA
  • 2.7L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 163,000 MILES
I have changed my VVT sensors as well as the crankshaft position sensor and both camshaft position sensors. Now when I try to start the engine it turns over and over won't run. I've checked fuel pump check fuel at the fuel rail checked all fuses and even swapped relays double checked all my plugs to make sure they were connected and still nothing but turns over.
Saturday, April 19th, 2025 AT 8:47 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
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From the description I want to ask why you changed the sensors? Are the new parts all OEM pieces? What was the initial complaint?
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Saturday, April 19th, 2025 AT 8:55 PM
Tiny
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It ran horribly so I ran the code scanner, and it was the codes for multiple sensors that I named plus the plugs and coils.
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Saturday, April 19th, 2025 AT 8:58 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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Do you still have the old ones? I suspect at least one of the new parts is faulty. Swap out the new parts with an old one and see if it suddenly runs. Look at each connector as you go through the system.
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Saturday, April 19th, 2025 AT 10:53 PM
Tiny
JMGR33N3
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I've got the old cam and crank sensors but the cam sensor closest to the firewall broke when I was taking it out. The inside came out of the housing, but I can slide it back in.
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Saturday, April 19th, 2025 AT 10:56 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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You say you have a scanner, is it a tool that can show you live OBD data from the sensors? Or is it more just a code reader type tool? The other thing you could try is just unplug the crank sensor(s) and see if anything changes, most engine controls have default strategies to deal with the loss of signals from cam or crank sensors (but not both). It might take 2-3 revolutions to start but they will generally run. The thing that bothers me is that it was running really bad with all those codes. I likely would have scoped the sensors to see what they were seeing as a bad cam phaser or timing chain wear can cause a lot of codes and poor running.
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Sunday, April 20th, 2025 AT 12:58 PM
Tiny
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It's just a code reader. One of the Harbor freight was the cheapest that I've had.
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Sunday, April 20th, 2025 AT 1:04 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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Okay, that will limit what you can do. Does it show any codes now? Do you recall the codes it had? Post what you have, it might help point at a simpler solution.
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Sunday, April 20th, 2025 AT 1:43 PM
Tiny
JMGR33N3
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I'll have to find the paper I wrote them down on. After I swapped the cam and crank sensors before trying to crank it, I cleared them all out and now it's not cranking to throw a code.
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Sunday, April 20th, 2025 AT 1:50 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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That is the issue with just a code reader. A full function scan tool could actually watch the signals from the sensors.
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Sunday, April 20th, 2025 AT 5:01 PM
Tiny
JMGR33N3
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This is what it does with the sensors hooked up. When I unplug the crank sensor, it turns and turns and turns but no crank up and run.
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Sunday, April 20th, 2025 AT 5:10 PM
Tiny
JMGR33N3
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The codes it's throwing now are.
P1295
P0222
P0123
P2106
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Sunday, April 20th, 2025 AT 7:28 PM
Tiny
JMGR33N3
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When I unplug the sensors one by one and turn it over, only the crankshaft sensor makes it sound and turn over differently.
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Sunday, April 20th, 2025 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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Well looking at the codes in this case all of them point to the throttle position sensor on the throttle body. I would unplug it and check the condition of the pins and connector. With the key on does the throttle work?
P0123 - TPS 1 output high (over 4.75v) for more than.1 sec
P0222 - TPS 2 output low (below.25v) for more than.1 sec
P1295 - Power Throttle Actuator Control System - Power Management Mode (Turn on the MIL if the ECU activates limp mode)
P2106 - Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Limited Power (Turn on the MIL and activate limp mode)
This is from the service info as well - If P1295 and P2106 occur at the same time, first check ETC items (TPS or ETC motor).
There is also a TSB ( ENG 044 ) about the TPS sensor failing, it's replacement and a software update for it.
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Monday, April 21st, 2025 AT 8:52 AM
Tiny
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How can I tell if the throttle works or not? Take the intake pipe off and see if the flap moves when the pedal is pressed.
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Monday, April 21st, 2025 AT 10:51 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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That's about the only way, however that won't tell you if the TPS is bad. Again, that is where a live data tool would help as you could step on the pedal and watch the voltage and percentage on the opening. Or inspect that connection and if it's okay just replace the TPS and see if the faults go away.
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Monday, April 21st, 2025 AT 1:27 PM
Tiny
JMGR33N3
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Should I clear the codes and try to crank it then see if the codes come back?
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Monday, April 21st, 2025 AT 1:29 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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You can but they are a continuous code test. IE- as soon as the relay turns on and sends voltage to the ETC it starts running the code tests. I would check the connection to see if there is any corrosion and that it is seated. While you have it unplugged you could check for powers and grounds. The first image is the wires in the connector. Pins 1, 2 and 4 are TPS 1 Pins 3.6 and 7 are TPS 2 With the key on there should be 5 volts at pins 4 and 7. Then you should have a ground at pins 1 and 6.
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Monday, April 21st, 2025 AT 1:47 PM

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