Chrysler Repair: Cam sensor replacement: 3.5L, camshaft position sensor, upper intake manifold

Question
Kevin,

My 300M has recently been stalling at highway speeds and throwing a P0340 code.  I was going to replace the camshaft position sensor myself but then saw that it involved removing the intake manifold.  That job looks a little too involved and I didn't want to mess something up in the process.  I saw a post from one of the other Chrysler experts that said you could just loosen the manifold cover enough to get to the sensor.  If that's the case I think I would like to attempt the replacement myself.  Please let me know in your opinion if you think I can access the sensor without removing the intake manifold.  Thanks in advance!

Chuck

Answer
Hi Chuck,
The 3.5L engine, according to the manual, only requires that you loosen the upper intake manifold plenum to gain access, not remove it to replace, the cam sensor. In the process of removing the manifold, the first loosening steps involve the left and right support brackets at the rear of the engine so you could loosen those, and then there are shown to be smaller support brackets at the front of the manifold at the corners on both sides and a more central front bracket at the MTV (whatever that is) which would be loosened for sure. Finally you could loosen the bolts on the top of the manifold as needed, slightly; then retorque to 105 inch-pounnds. Be sure to leave the spacer on the tip of the new sensor and hold the sensor with the tip in contact with the cam sprocket while you tighten the mounting screw to hold it in that place.
Roland
PS I saw your question in the 'pool' to which Kevin had referred it. I can't corroborate what the manual says, and I have typed in above, will for sure work without your having to remove the manifold. But you have to trust the manual if you haven't done it yourself...which is where I am on this matter. Please let me know how this works out for you.
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