How do I Replace the Camshaft Sensor on a V6 4.2L Ford F150?
by Cayden Conor
The camshaft sensor on a Ford F150 with the 4.2-liter V6 engine has a single hall-effect magnetic switch. A camshaft-driven vane triggers the switch. The sensor sends a signal to the engine's computer (the PCM), telling the computer what position the camshaft is in relative to top dead center. The PCM controls engine timing, and the sensor serves as its "eyes." You can test the camshaft sensor using a scanner, and you can also test it by checking the voltage between the power and ground terminals. The voltage should be more than 0.1 volt. It varies with engine speed.
Step 1
Disconnect the battery ground cable and lay it aside. Place the drain pan under the radiator petcock. Loosen the petcock and drain the radiator. Remove the air cleaner assembly using the appropriate sockets.
Step 2
Unplug the electrical connector from the heater water outlet tube. Using a socket, remove the retaining bolt for the tube, then move the tube out of the way. Unplug the camshaft sensor's wiring harness connector by pressing in on the plastic tabs and pulling the plug off the sensor.
Step 3
Remove the camshaft sensor-retaining bolt and pull the sensor off the engine.
Step 4
Bolt the new sensor to the engine. Plug its wiring harness connector in. Push the heater water outlet tube back into place and tighten the retaining bolt. Plug the electrical connector in.
Step 5
Tighten the radiator petcock. Refill the radiator. Reconnect the battery ground cable. Using a scanner, erase the camshaft sensor code.
Tips
- Code scanners can be purchased at any auto parts store.
Things You'll Need
- Set of wrenches
- Clean drain pan
- Set of sockets
- Scanner
Writer Bio
Cayden Conor has been writing since 1996. She has been published on several websites and in the winter 1996 issue of "QECE." Conor specializes in home and garden, dogs, legal, automotive and business subjects, with years of hands-on experience in these areas. She has an Associate of Science (paralegal) from Manchester Community College and studied computer science, criminology and education at University of Tampa.
