How to Repair a 1998 Dodge Stratus Cam Sensor

The 1998 Dodge Stratus came with a choice of three engines, the SOHC 2.0, the DOHC 2.4 and the 2.5-liter V-6. The 2.0- and 2.4-liter engines have the camshaft sensor on the rear of their cylinder head. The 2.5-liter V-6, however, has the camshaft sensor in its distributor, which is non-serviceable and must be replaced wholesale. The camshaft sensor plays an important part in the Stratus' ignition and fuel injector timing.

Instructions

Removal

1

Remove the air duct from the air cleaner using a flat-head screwdriver to loosen the clamps. Pull the oil separator hose from the inlet on the air duct.

2

Unplug the camshaft sensor on the rear of the cylinder head on the 2.4-liter engine. On the 2.0-liter engine, unplug the coolant temperature sensor, then the camshaft position sensor.

3

Remove the camshaft sensor's retaining bolts in the sensor's bracket using a socket and ratchet. Notate the positioning of the camshaft sensor, then pull it out of the cylinder head. Remove the bolt in the center of the target magnet using a socket and ratchet. Pull the magnet out of the cylinder head.

Installation

4

Install the new target magnet by aligning the dowel pins with the corresponding holes in the cylinder head used to keep it from turning. Install the center bolt and torque it to 30 inch-pounds with an inch-pound torque wrench. Install the new cam sensor and align the bolt holes. Install the bolts and torque them to 80 inch-pounds with an inch-pound torque wrench.

5

Plug in the sensor carefully so that none of the pins become bent. Install the brake booster vacuum hose and wire harness to the rear of the cylinder head support brackets, if removed.

6

Install the air duct to the air cleaner and tighten the clamps with a flat-head screwdriver. Install the oil separator hose to the air duct.