Nissan Repair: Camshaft position sensor faulty 95 altima, fuel pressure gauge, camshaft sensor

Question
I did clean up some carbon in the distributor cap and rotor (not sure what the optical pickup is).I was able to see sparks from all of the 4 cylinders.
I don't have a fuel gauge, but I would assume that the reason is more likely misfiring because the trouble code 0101 indicates misfiring. Is the camshaft sensor inside the distributor?

Thanks,

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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I have a 95 Altima with 140K mails on it. I did not drive it at all from a couple months ago until yesterday. It failed to start while it was able to start two months ago. What I have done today was:
1) I first checked the battery in an autopart shop and it was good.
2) checked the spark plugs and wires. They were good because sparks were seen.
2) Checked ECM trouble code and found a new trouble code 0101 about camshaft position sensor (0304 was there for a long time, EGR valve issue).

My questions are:
a) from Hayne Repair Manual, this camshaft position sensor was used ONLY for diagnose, so if this sensor is not for firing, it should not cause the engine not to start, right?

b) assuming this sensor is also used for firing, how to replace it? Do I need to replace the distributor too?

Thanks,
Jim
-----Answer-----
Jim,

I would bet the distributor is defective.  You could tear it down and clean the optical pickup and shutter wheel to see if that will allow it to start.  But, we need to check out a couple of things here.  First, are you getting fuel and second are you getting spark.  Get a fuel pressure gauge and check for fuel pressure.  Second, remove a plug wire and hold it close to the engine to see if you get spark.  Even though it is electronically controlled and fuel injected things go back to basics to see what is going on with the engine.  Check these and email me back.

Answer
Jim,

If you take the cap and rotor off there is a phillips screw on the rotor post.  Remove it and remove the post and then remove the two phillips screws on the cover and then take the cover off and there you will find the shutter wheel and optical pickup and receiver.  Dry any oil off and reassemble the distributor.  If it runs you know that the pickup and receiver and shutter wheel were covered in oil and that was your problem.  If not be sure to get a fuel pressure gauge and check your fuel pressure.