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Camshaft position sensor, engine will not stay running?

Tiny
FIGHTINGFATE
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
The car just shut off on me when I got to the gas station, and it would start but then shut off immediately. After researching on Google, I unplugged the camshaft position sensor located underneath the engine oil fill and the car started and ran but when I plugged the new sensor in the car started and then shut off immediately. So, I’m not sure where to check for the problem next?
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Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 AT 7:02 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

There are two camshaft sensors. It sounds like you replaced the exhaust cam sensor.

Normally, this sensor won't prevent the engine from running. Have you scanned the computer to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes? If not, I recommend doing that first.

Here is a link showing how to scan the can-bus:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

If you are unable to do it at home, see if a parts store will lend a scan tool to you and let me know what is found.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
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I didn’t scan because the check engine light never came on, but I will try to find a way to get it scanned and see if there are any codes. Would the 2nd sensor being bad have anything to do with the car starting when I unplug the 1st sensor and not starting when I plug the sensor back in?
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Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 AT 8:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

That's unlikely. Just for curiosity, disconnect the other one to see if it starts. My thoughts are the computer recognizes an open circuit and is running on a predetermined setting from the manufacturer.

The idea that a camshaft position sensor is shutting the engine down is interesting to me. Often, it will set a code indicating a timing issue, but they usually keep running.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, June 8th, 2023 AT 7:41 PM
Tiny
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Okay, no check engine light but ran it and came up with codes P0014 and P0340. I will disconnect the other sensor and let you know what happens. Thank you
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Friday, June 9th, 2023 AT 2:52 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Both of the codes are related to the intake camshaft sensor. I have a question, low or dirty engine oil can set these codes. Is the oil clean and full?

Also, the intake cam sensor is on the same side as the spark plugs. Is that the one you replaced?

Let me know.

Joe

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Friday, June 9th, 2023 AT 11:46 PM
Tiny
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Yes, I believe so it’s the sensor below the oil fill, and the oil was just changed, would the codes have anything to do with the car starting and running when the sensor is unplugged and not running when plugged in?
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Saturday, June 10th, 2023 AT 8:06 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

If the sensor is not connected, yes, it will cause a code when it is running. If the vehicle is off and the sensor is connected before starting the engine, it shouldn't cause a code. However, if it is disconnected and you turn the key to the run position, that can set a code.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, June 10th, 2023 AT 8:02 PM
Tiny
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The real question I have is if there is something else besides the camshaft position sensor that would allow the car to run when the camshaft position sensor is unplugged but not run when the sensor is plugged in? Because the car runs fine when the sensor is unplugged and won’t run when it’s plugged in.
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Sunday, June 11th, 2023 AT 1:06 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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It could be a timing issue. When it's disconnected, the vehicle will run in a predetermined setting. If the signal from the sensor is off, it could cause it. This can happen from a stretched timing chain.

Joe
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Sunday, June 11th, 2023 AT 4:35 PM

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