Camshaft Sensor/PCM

TIMGEORG

MEMBER
2003 NISSAN MAXIMA
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
132,869 MILES

First as a bit of background within 6-7 months I've changed both camshaft sensors (with after market ones, ) they seemed fine. Changed my plugs and coils, changed my oil and that's about it. Recently I've had a problem with the car stalling while idling, it's completely random and sometimes won't happen for days and sometimes it's so bad I can't drive for more then 3 minutes without stalling. Sometimes it starts right back up sometimes it takes forever. So I took it in to the shop and they told me they couldn't find anything but they checked the codes twice and got a P0345 so they check it with a labscope and check the signal on both sensors and apparently it's fine they assume it has intermittent glitches and tell me to replace both. So now I'm at a loss I understand after market parts are unreliable but it's only been 6 months! And to top it off they said they couldn't find anything wrong with them aside from getting the same single code Every time. So I need help what do you think it could be and what's my next step? I usually just work on my own car.

Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 5:01 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

The code indicates a cam sensor issue. However, has anyone checked the crankshaft position sensor? The symptoms you described are very similar to when the crank position sensor goes bad. Take a look through these links. The first describes the sensor's purpose, the second discusses common symptoms, and the last shows in general how one is replaced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-crank-shaft-angle-sensor-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

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

If you feel this mirrors what your vehicle is doing, let me know. Also, if you noted that under certain conditions, the crankshaft position sensor may not set a trouble code and it works in conjunction with the cam sensors.

If you feel this is the problem, let me know and I'll provide directions specific to your vehicle for replacement.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 7:35 PM

TIMGEORG

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yes thank you Joe. This sounds almost exactly like what's going on I haven't noticed the difference with temperature and nobody checked the crankshaft sensor. I'm not sure why there was a code for the camshaft instead of the crankshaft but other then that everything in the article you sent sounds correct especially because I replaced the cam sensors recently.

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Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 AT 4:45 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Welcome back:

The sensor is located on the transmission bell housing, right where the engine and transmission connect. It is held in by one bolt and really isn't hard to replace.

If you want specific directions on testing it, I can provide them. Or, if you know someone that has a live data scanner, when it won't start, they can check for an RPM signal while cranking. If there is no signal, replace the sensor.

Here are the specifics on testing it. Also, pic 1 shows its location. I highlighted it.

Here are the directions if you want to give it a try. They aren't as difficult as you may think. All that is really needed is a multi meter. However, you really should check it with a scanner as I mentioned when it refuses to start. Otherwise, you may get a false positive result, especially if the sensor has had time to cool.

The remaining pics correlate with the directions and provide the readings to expect when checking.

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2003 Nissan-Datsun Maxima V6-3.5L (VQ35)
Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Vehicle Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Computers and Control Systems Crankshaft Position Sensor Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics
COMPONENT TESTS AND GENERAL DIAGNOSTICS
Component Inspection
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (POS)

pic 2

1. Loosen the fixing bolt of the sensor.
2. Disconnect crankshaft position sensor (POS) harness connector.
3. Remove the sensor.
4. Visually check the sensor for chipping.

Pic 3

pic 4

5. Check resistance as shown in the figure.

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Don't be intimidated by the test. I can help if you have questions.

Let me know what you find and if the sensor fixes the issue.

Take care,
Joe

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