Volvo: two questions for 93 850, cam sensor, volvo 850

Question
Hey Ray,

'93 Volvo 850 automatic.

First .. you were correct on the Gear Position Sensor.  That was the code when the tranny was sticking in 4th and the flashing arrow appeared.  I'm an ex-mechanic (long time ago .. never a Volvo).  Frankly, it looks pretty easy to replace.  Pull battery .. there it is.  Yes?

Second.  The shop also said they pulled a cam/crank position sensor (can't remember which one).  We have not had a "check engine" light, so I ignored it.  Well, my daughter tells me the car just dies every now and then .. no warning or error lights.  She cranks it awhile and it starts right back up and goes.  Any chance this symptom sounds like either a cam or crank sensor?  If so, are they relatively easy to replace?  I have a chiltons ordered, and hope to get it this week.

Thanks,

Dave

Answer
Dave,
The gear position sensor is not too bad to relpace and the worse part is getting it lined up while in neutral and getting the wire harness out of the connector. Put the car in Neutral and see where the sensor sits along with sighting the arm, put it back in that same position and all should work. Use a bright light to see inside the electrical connector, using a flat pick tool release the locking tab that holds it in.
Most times I get a fault code that is for the crank or cam sensor, however those sensors do cause a vehicle to just stall. Cam sensor is on the back of the exhaust cam and the crank sensor is on the bell housing, trans to engine.