saturn throwing codes...

[sasilverbullet]

Wife's 96 Saturn SL2 - dual cam engine. Engine seems to run fine, starts fine but the engine check light comes on occasionally. Here's the print out from Auto Zone:

Cam sensor condition
Explanation:
The camshaft position sensor signal is monitored for errors.
Probable cause:
1. Cam sensor defective (there's not one on the car according to AZ)
2. Check connector and wiring to sensor
3. Engine mechanical condition-timing belt/chain out of time.
4. Cylinder misfire - Check ignition system for faults-plugs, wires, coils.

I replaced the plugs about a year ago. Car only has 45K on it.

Any ideas where to start?

 

[The_Jeff]

ignition module ground bolts, ignition wires, corroded coil terminals, coils corroded where the skinny thru bolt heads touch.

This car infers cam position from an inductive ignition kickback and the stuff needs to be in great shape; better than to fire the plug. 1996 was a tough year for this code.

 

[sasilverbullet]

I cleaned the ground bolts, they were nasty! The coil terminals looked pretty corroded. I cleaned them up and it runs okay and the check engine light is not on.

I ordered a coil, wires, plugs and will put those in just in case.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[MONKEYMAN]

I have only had to clean the ignition module base and coil terminals. More or less something that is automatically done when I change wires. Threw a code at 74,000 miles and the Service Advisor instructed me on how to clean the module base to resolve the problem. I have put on 120,000 miles and coils are original. My understanding coils do not usually need to be changed.

 

[Maritime Storm]

I'm going to suggest the same, these cars do not have a cam pos. sensor, they use a waste spark signal for this code(don't ask the logic, they just do). Pull the ICM off the transaxle and clean the back of it and it's mounting pad, apply dielectric grease to both and re-install. You mentioned corrosion on the coil terminals, now would be a good time to replace the coils while your at it.