Although it never received the highly tunable -- and coveted -- 2.0-liter, 4G63T, turbocharged inline four-cylinder, or the all-wheel-drive system that Diamond Star Motors had in their performance arsenal, the 1995-through-2000 Dodge Avengers had respectable handling, styling and fuel economy. The camshaft position sensor for the base 2.0-liter 420a engine uses a hall-effect element that works in conjunction with the crank position sensor, and helps the powertrain control module make adjustments to the ignition and fuel injection system. Failure of the sensor may drastically affect performance, or cause a no-start condition.
Open the Avenger’s hood. If the engine is hot, allow it to cool down. Loosen the clamps that secure the air intake hose to the throttle body and air cleaner box, then remove the intake hose to gain access to the cam position sensor, mounted on the side of the cylinder head.
Disconnect the wiring connector from the cam position sensor. Remove the two bolts that secure the sensor, then pull the sensor from the cylinder head. Clean off any oil or sludge from the cam sensor’s target magnet – mounted on the end of the camshaft – with a clean shop rag. If the target magnet is cracked or otherwise damaged, remove the single bolt that secures it to the cam, using a Torx bit socket, then pull the magnet free.
Mount the replacement target magnet on the cam with the alignment tabs on the magnet inserted into the corresponding holes on the cam, then tighten the center bolt to 24 inch-pounds, using a torque wrench. Mount the replacement cam sensor and tighten the bolts to 7 foot-pounds. Connect the sensor’s wiring connector and replace the intake hose.
