Bad sensor cause engine to not start

2003 FORD RANGER
200,500 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TERESARH
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  • 2 POSTS
I changed my camshaft synchronizer a few weeks ago and the sensor that came with it was the wrong one, so I didn't replace it. Now I'm having problems with it starting. The old sensor has rust on the inside. Could this be my problem?
Feb 22, 2022 at 6:41 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
Yes. It could be the issue if it is rusty, but we need to start with checking to see if the engine has spark as this is what the result would be due to this sensor.

I am attaching the info on the synchronizer and sensor replacement just to be sure we didn't miss something. However, here is a guide that will help with checking for spark:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Please run through this and then I would suggest replacing the sensor and rechecking.

Let us know what you find. Thanks
Feb 23, 2022 at 9:57 AM
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TERESARH
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  • 2 POSTS
I changed the cam sensor and the crankshaft position sensor. Do I need to relearn them because it still doesn't start?
Feb 24, 2022 at 3:29 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. So now we need to start thinking this is not related to this cam repair.

So, let's start with this guide that will cover the basic issues on no start concerns:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-not-running-advanced

Let's use starter fluid in the intake to see if this is fuel related. Then we need to pull a plug and check for spark when the engine is cranking.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Once we know this info, we can move onto the next thing which would be compression and here is a guide that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Please run through all this and let us know what you find and then we can start tracking down what may be causing us to lose this.

Thanks
Feb 24, 2022 at 9:03 AM
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