Will not start with new CAM sensor?

Tiny
DUSTIN PUZEY
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
I have the car listed above LT model. Twice now while going down the road it had stalled on me out of nowhere. The first time I trailered it home thinking maybe it was fuel pump. It would start and shut off, so I sprayed some starting fluid in the breather, and it fired up and stayed running. Two weeks later after running fine since the last time it stalls again. Get the car home and I can hear the fuel pump, and same thing start and shut off. I unplugged the front cam sensor, and it starts right up and seems to run fine although eventually it did throw a code for the sensor. Bought a new sensor and once again something. It will start with the sensor unplugged and I can even plug sensor in once it’s started but it won’t start with the cam sensor plugged in. Other than checking timing, although it doesn’t sound like it’s skipped timing what else can I check? I'm really stumped here.
Tuesday, December 13th, 2022 AT 3:46 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

When you disconnect the sensor, it forces the ECM to run at a predetermined setting. Do you remember the code that was found? Was it for the intake or exhaust cam sensor?

Also, will the vehicle start now if you use starting fluid with the sensor connected? If not, do me a favor and check if there is spark to the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, December 13th, 2022 AT 9:45 PM

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