Camshaft position sensor

1999 FORD ESCORT
200,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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KENNETH KIRKLAND
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  • 1 POST
Recently i had to replace my timing belt. The car would not start because the teeth on the belt were gone. I am now having trouble with random misfires and according to my electronic diagnoses i just have to replace my camshaft sensor. I am curious if my cam shaft could be out of position do to the trouble with the timing belt instead of or just being a faulty sensor. My question is do i just need to replace the sensor or is it more likely that i need to adjust the camshaft?
Feb 2, 2017 at 3:29 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 34,321 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Neither. The engine runs, so the camshaft position sensor is working.

There are two engines for this model. You need to list which one you have when we are working on engine running problems. There is a dual cam and a single camshaft engine. Both are listed as "interference" engines, so it is likely it has bent valves. I would start with a cylinder leakage test. A compression test will be of little value because the engine still has enough compression to run.
Feb 2, 2017 at 3:42 PM
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