The camshaft sensor is part of the computerized engine controls on many vehicles. The camshaft sensor determines engine speed. This data is sent to the vehicle's main computer where the information is used to determine the correct fuel mixture to keep the engine running efficiently. The Ford F-250 diesel is a heavy-duty 3/4-ton pickup. A faulty cam sensor may cause the diesel engine to be hard-starting. In worst-case scenarios a bad cam sensor may cause the engine to sputter and quit, leaving you stranded.
Shut off the engine and allow it to cool to lessen any chance of being burned by hot engine components. Open the hood. Find the battery at the front of the engine bay on the passenger side. Loosen the negative battery cable from the battery with an adjustable wrench. Lift the cable from the battery and push it to the side.
Find the cam sensor by checking on the front of the engine block below the crankshaft pulley. Push in on the release tabs on the sensor's wiring connector and pull both halves of the connector apart.
Remove the sensor retaining bolt with a 10mm wrench in a counterclockwise direction. Set the retaining bolt aside.
Pull the sensor straight out of the front of the engine block using a twisting motion.
Lubricate the "O" ring seal on the replacement cam sensor with a light coating of motor oil applied with your finger. Push the sensor into the engine block using a twisting motion. Make sure the bolt hole in the mounting tab on the sensor lines up with the bolt hole in the engine block.
Insert the sensor retaining bolt into the bolt hole and tighten it with a 10mm wrench. Push both halves of the wiring connector back together until they are fully seated.
Push the negative battery cable back onto the negative battery post. Tighten the clamp with an adjustable wrench. Close the hood. Start the engine and verify that it is idling smoothly. Be aware that a rough idle may indicate a faulty replacement sensor.
