Cam position sensor '97 Olds van

[GreeCguy]

So I get home from parents place to find the check engine light is on in my daughter's 97 Olds Van. I take to to the local "Advanced Auto" where they run a check, and tell me it's the "cam position sensor." I order one for 35 dollars, (it will be here Saturday which is fine as I can't get to it till Saturday).

My problem is this, where in the world does the cam position sensor live in a 1997 Oldsmobile Silouette? It has the 3.4 V-6 with an automatic transmission? What do I have to remove to get to it and how hard is this job going to be? Any and all advice and wisdom will be most helpful.

 

[scurvy]

AutoZone actually has some useful information on this repair but claims it is both a 3.4 & 3.8 liter engine: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/repairi...900c152801dba3e

Note: "Although different in appearance, the camshaft sensor, on both the 3.8L and the 3.4L engines, is located on the timing cover behind the water pump near the camshaft sprocket."

And provides this picture of the CMP sensor location.

To remove:
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the serpentine belt.
Remove the water pump pulley, if necessary.
Remove the power steering pump assembly, if necessary.
Detach the electrical connector.
Remove the retaining bolt, and extract the sensor.

To install:
Install the sensor and bolt and tighten to 8 ft. lbs. (10Nm).
The remainder of the installation is the reverse of the removal procedure

 

[GreeCguy]

Thanks for the link and pics - can this be installed without removing the water pump?

 

[GreeCguy]

Now that I read what it does, that might explain the "rumbley" feeling it has when it starts.

 

[The_Eric]

You should only have to remove the power steering pump assy. Should be able to wiggle it out without having to remove the pulley. rarely can you hit it the first time- it usually takes a few tries and some wiggling. Once you've done that, the CMP is yours for the plucking.