QuestionI went to start my 96 Nissan Altima last week and it died after I
drove about 100 yards and wouldn't start back up. It would turn over but
not start up, like it wasn't getting fuel. After it cooled off for a bit
it did the same thing. I took it to a "mechanic" who put it on a
diagnostic machine thingy and told me it needed a cam sensor, and that it
would be an "easy fix". But he's charging me $200, which seemed high..so
when trying to check the price on a cam sensor I could not find one
listed anywhere for my car. What could he have replaced? and should it have
cost that much? I just feel like he's overcharging me since I'm a
woman (bet'cha never heard that one before) Supposed to pick it up in the
morning..so help! Thanks =]"
AnswerRenee,
The car uses a crank angle sensor and a cam position sensor. The crank angle sensor is to fire the plugs and the cam position sensor sends the signal to pulse the injectors. The $200 price is about right with installation and resetting the codes. You could go to a parts store and purchase it yourself and install it yourself and save about half the cost. Then, go to Autozone or Checker and have them turn the check engine light off. If you have them check the code and purchase the part from them they will reset the light for free too. Or, after you replace the part you could just disconnect the battery for five minutes and that would reset the light too.
