QuestionHello,
on my 96 grd caravan 3.3 l a code came out that says, intermittent signal failiure of cam or crank shaft sensor.
Along whit the proper symptoms, periodical stalls and jerking while driving.
Now the van is stalled and won't start, I know that it's one of the 2 sensors, since they share some wires that goes to the computer, I wonder if there is a simple test that will indicate me witch of the 2 sensors I have to replace.
Thank you for your help.
AnswerHi Sylvain,
Try a code readout using the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then the check engine light stays "on" but begins to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat for an accurate count verification. Then group the counts in pairs in the order of appearance to form the two digit fault codes. The code 55 is always the last,it means end of readout. The crank fault code is 11 while the cam code is 54. The '96 model I believe can be readout this way, because it was at edge of the OBD-I and OBD-II eras.
Otherwise you can check the voltage pulsing of the sensors:
You turn the ignition on, use a ratchet to turn the crankshaft by hand using a socket on the crank pulley bolt.
Each sensor has the 3 wires which you can reach via a fine pin inserted thru the insulation or at the plug socket entry points. Each has a common ground (black/light blue) and a common voltage supply wire (orange). You measure between the common ground wire and the signal wire of each sensor, which is gray/violet for the crank and tan/yellow for the cam sensor. If the crank sensor is good it will pulse between 5V and 0.3V, 12 times per revolution of the crank or 4 or 5 pulses on the cam sensor, for each revolution of the crankshaft. If the van should start when you first intend to test the sensors, then run it until it dies and then do the tests. The sensors usually fail when heated, then may recover when cool.
So those are two ways to sort it out. Good luck on this repair.
Roland
