How to Install a Cam Head Sensor in a 2004 PT Cruiser

There have been some interesting not quite vehicles in the automotive realm, such as the not-quite-car, not-quite truck El Camino and Brat; the not-quite-car, not-quite-van Caravan, Voyager and Town & Country; and the not-quite-SUV, not-quite-truck Avalanche and Explorer Sport Trac. Another vehicle that meets this qualification is the PT Cruiser, which is not quite a van, not quite a car, and not quite an SUV. The 2004 PT Cruiser came standard with a 2.4-liter non-turbo engine that uses a camshaft position sensor mounted in the cylinder head to help regulate fuel and ignition timing. Installing the cam sensor in the 2004 PT Cruiser is a straightforward task that nearly any DIY mechanic can complete.

Instructions

Removal

1

Unfasten the clasps securing the air filter box lid to the air filter box. Lift the front of the air filter box lid upward and slide the lid rearward to remove the lid from the locating tabs on the air filter box. Set the air filter box lid on top of the air filter box.

2

Trace the makeup hose -- the hose connecting the air filter box lid to the throttle body -- toward the engine until you reach the intake air control sensor. Unplug the wiring harness from the IAT sensor. Loosen the hose clamp securing the makeup hose to the throttle body, using a flat-head screwdriver, and pull the air filter box lid, makeup hose and IAT sensor from the engine as one assembly.

3

Find the camshaft position sensor on the cylinder head, just under the valve cover. Unplug the wiring harness from the camshaft position sensor.

4

Note the positioning of the camshaft position sensor and remove the screws securing the sensor, using a ratchet and socket. Pull the sensor from the cylinder head, exposing the circular magnet attached to the end of the camshaft.

5

Remove the screw securing the magnet, using a ratchet and Allen-bit socket. Pull the magnet from the end of the camshaft.

Installation

6

Line up the dowel pins on the rear of the new magnet, which comes with the replacement camshaft sensor, with the holes in the end of the camshaft. Guide the magnet onto the end of the camshaft and hand-thread its retaining screw. Tighten the screw to between 27 and 37 inch-pounds, using an Allen bit socket and inch-pound torque wrench.

7

Guide the new camshaft position sensor onto the cylinder head so that it is in the same position as the old one was. Thread the sensors retaining screws by hand, then tighten them to between 65 and 95 inch-pounds, using an inch-pound torque wrench and socket. Plug the wiring harness into the sensor.

8

Press the makeup hose back onto its inlet on the throttle body and tighten the hose clamp with a flat-head screwdriver.

9

Guide the tabs on the air filter box through the holes on the rearmost part of the air filter box lid. Lower the front of the air filter box lid onto the air filter box and lock the clasps around its perimeter to lock it into place.

10

Plug the wiring harness into the IAT sensor.