Inlet Camshaft Sensor - Faulty

[DannyStringhamMarquis]

For probably about eighteen months, my "Check Engine" light has come on intermittently and with no perceptible relationship to performance.
When I plug in VIDA, I get an ECM Inlet Camshaft Sensor - Faulty message.
I have many times cleared the code and continued driving without the annoying light yelling at me from the dash panel.

But it just keeps coming back. For a while, it seemed like it would take about a week. Maybe 10 days of daily driving.

But I cleared it on Thursday afternoon, then on Sunday, I really opened up the engine to accelerate onto the highway, nearly red-lining the tachometer.
Not long after that demand on the engine, the "Check Engine" clicked back on ahead of my experienced 'normal' schedule. Still no performance issues that I can detect, but I feel less good about continuing to ignore the problem.

A local mechanic had replaced this sensor back a year or so ago, saying something along the lines of "replacing the sensor usually fixes this problem" It certainly earned the mechanic shop about $200 without fixing the problem

It obviously has not fixed the problem, but I'm not entirely sure what the corrective action ought to be. I put it to you experienced forum experts to take a stab at what you think may be the issue.

Happy to provide further important info that I have unintentionally omitted.

Cheers

[hoonk]

ECM Inlet Camshaft Sensor - Faulty message.

I'm not entirely sure what the corrective action ought to be.

What exact code are you getting? (I don't see one that matches "Inlet Camshaft Sensor - Faulty message", for a 2005 in VIDA 2014d).


Either way cam sensor or position codes can be caused by the cam timing being very slightly off, a bad VVT unit, problems with the cam reset valve, oil pressure problems ....

If you have VIDA - use the diagnostic info and testing procedures built into the program to diagnose the issue. Simply double click the code to bring up diagnostic info or choose the code from the "general diagnostic codes" menu under "fault tracing".

[DannyStringhamMarquis]

I did not have an opportunity to do more intensive VIDA diagnostic this morning. Thanks for the quick reply Hoonk.
And for the instructive tips on VIDA usage. I have many times followed that double-click technique, but have often been dissatisfied with the screen that loads after. It doesn't necessarily provide me definitive answers.

But, I'll try again and get back with you. Thanks again

[Xfingers]

I was "lucky" with my Camshaft position sensor error code. Fault tracing said to check the wiring and sure enough, the connector to the sensor was not clicked in all the way. So far, the code hasn't returned.

[DannyStringhamMarquis]

So I've attached the result of double-clicking the fault code.

Unfortunately, I'm not with the car right now, so I can't run more interactive diagnostics, but this is what I have typically seen.

I'm using Mobil 1 0W-40 per the recommendations of many on this forum. I suppose I should get a reading on the dipstick of oil level.

Anyone have any recommendations on the reset valve?

[Astro14]

Not uncommon to have the solenoid oil screen get clogged with debris, and the resultant low flow at the solenoid cause timing issues.

As part of the troubleshooting, after checking the electrical connection, I would remove the solenoid and clean that screen...

[DannyStringhamMarquis]

As part of the troubleshooting, after checking the electrical connection, I would remove the solenoid and clean that screen...

Sounds like a good idea. I simply don't know what solenoid you are talking about. If you could help me with a little more direction I'd certainly appreciate it.

[Astro14]

The intake cam solenoid.

That’s the code you’re getting, so...

[8pack]

I have had P0016 intermittently for 2 years now and can’t get it figured out. I use 0w-40. I have replaced the screens and solenoids to no avail. I am interested to see what you come up with. It seems like cool and cold weather is when it happens most frequently.

[DannyStringhamMarquis]

Suffice it to say, I'm feeling sort of embarrassed about this whole thread at this point.
I'll update later when I have a little more time to compose the post, but, I think it boils down to me being dumb and not checking the obvious first -- oil level.