1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Voltage to camshaft position sensor?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Kristi with a K, Jul 29, 2022.

  1. Jul 29, 2022 at 6:15 PM
    #1
    Kristi with a K

    Kristi with a K [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2017
    Member:
    #236406
    Messages:
    2,465
    Gender:
    Female
    Western MA
    Vehicle:
    01' Black (was Maroon, then red) Tacoma 4x4 SR5 ACab 3.4L AT
    G-Men sticker, driver's side "backseat" window - cracked driver's side headlight cover complete with hazy look - DIY 30 footer paint lift in Bedliner Black
    I don’t see a specified number for battery voltage. Mine is .03 at 20v. Random online sources for instructions on 2 wire ones, have it at 1.5dcv.
    Is this correct?
     
    1997tacomav6 likes this.
  2. Jul 29, 2022 at 7:37 PM
    #2
    Dm93

    Dm93 Test Don't Guess

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Member:
    #150066
    Messages:
    8,994
    Gender:
    Male
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2014 DC OR 6spd 4x4
    Predator tube steps, Ranch Hand grill guard, Magnaflow CatBack exhaust, Toyota tool box & bed mat, 2LO Module by @Up2NoGood, Rearview Compass/Temp Mirror, Tune by @JustDSM.
    Based on what I can find in service info the cam sensor is a variable reluctance type and generates it's own signal so there will be no voltage on the cam sensor wires. The only proper way to check cam and crank sensor signals is with a lab scope.

    Here's a sample waveform.
    01 3.4 Cam-Carnk Sensor Waveform.jpg
     
  3. Jul 29, 2022 at 8:25 PM
    #3
    Kristi with a K

    Kristi with a K [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2017
    Member:
    #236406
    Messages:
    2,465
    Gender:
    Female
    Western MA
    Vehicle:
    01' Black (was Maroon, then red) Tacoma 4x4 SR5 ACab 3.4L AT
    G-Men sticker, driver's side "backseat" window - cracked driver's side headlight cover complete with hazy look - DIY 30 footer paint lift in Bedliner Black
    Thank you. I do find it very odd that there's no way to test the power lead.
    This is an example of what I've found....
    https://atlib.info/en/blog/236-cams...tal multimeter on the display should... More
     
  4. Jul 29, 2022 at 8:50 PM
    #4
    Dm93

    Dm93 Test Don't Guess

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Member:
    #150066
    Messages:
    8,994
    Gender:
    Male
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2014 DC OR 6spd 4x4
    Predator tube steps, Ranch Hand grill guard, Magnaflow CatBack exhaust, Toyota tool box & bed mat, 2LO Module by @Up2NoGood, Rearview Compass/Temp Mirror, Tune by @JustDSM.
    Yea there are ways to "test" the sensor somewhat with a meter but I've never found any of those tests (other than if the resistance is way out of spec) to be conclusive, the only sure way to verify signal integrity and timing is with a scope. I'm not the greatest with using a scope but there's been many instances that I've diagnosed faulty wiring or a failed sensor with a scope that would have been nearly impossible to find without one.

    Typically a fault in the cam or crank sensor signal will set a trouble code and/or cause a stumble, stall, long crank time and/or no start. What kind of issue are you having that's leading you to the cam sensor?
     
  5. Jul 29, 2022 at 9:29 PM
    #5
    Kristi with a K

    Kristi with a K [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2017
    Member:
    #236406
    Messages:
    2,465
    Gender:
    Female
    Western MA
    Vehicle:
    01' Black (was Maroon, then red) Tacoma 4x4 SR5 ACab 3.4L AT
    G-Men sticker, driver's side "backseat" window - cracked driver's side headlight cover complete with hazy look - DIY 30 footer paint lift in Bedliner Black
    Crank time is lengthening, rough, high idle. I have a number of threads on here dedicated to my, what started as, high idle pursuit. I have determined a fuel pressure regulator is needed, although I'm told that will not affect the idle. & I am going to attempt the throttle body butterfly fix. However, just for fun I decided to check the crankshaft sensor since it seemed to also have some of the symptoms (as can other things as well). So, I am curious in general & also thinking it'd be a shame to think that just because the sensor tests ok, that that must mean the power lead is ok as well.
    For fun I ran the truck without it connected, then plugged it in & the idle went up even more. Maybe that' what it was supposed to do. I don't know.
    Checklist -
    Vacuum hoses
    MAF
    IAC
    Both upstream & downstream sensors
    Exhaust manifold crossover gaskets (done)
    Might be other things....
     
  6. Jul 29, 2022 at 9:32 PM
    #6
    mlcc

    mlcc Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2015
    Member:
    #154429
    Messages:
    1,793
    Gender:
    Male
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2002 DC TRD/ 1990 4runner
    Lights, 3in lift, tires/ wheels, being awesome
    Coolant temp sensor will greatly affect idle drivability and starting.
     
  7. Jul 29, 2022 at 9:37 PM
    #7
    Kristi with a K

    Kristi with a K [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2017
    Member:
    #236406
    Messages:
    2,465
    Gender:
    Female
    Western MA
    Vehicle:
    01' Black (was Maroon, then red) Tacoma 4x4 SR5 ACab 3.4L AT
    G-Men sticker, driver's side "backseat" window - cracked driver's side headlight cover complete with hazy look - DIY 30 footer paint lift in Bedliner Black
    I'll doublecheck it. It was one of the things that was done when I did an engine cleaning last year. Maybe it was a dud....
     
  8. Jul 29, 2022 at 9:40 PM
    #8
    mlcc

    mlcc Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2015
    Member:
    #154429
    Messages:
    1,793
    Gender:
    Male
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2002 DC TRD/ 1990 4runner
    Lights, 3in lift, tires/ wheels, being awesome
    What ever you do dont go to a parts store and buy one for 20 bucks they suck and will cause more problems then your trying to solve ask me how I know. Buy a good quality one if you have to get one.
     
    Oldman808 likes this.
  9. Jul 29, 2022 at 9:49 PM
    #9
    Oldman808

    Oldman808 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2016
    Member:
    #204392
    Messages:
    784
    Gender:
    Male
    Planet Earth
    Vehicle:
    2023 Taco TRD Sport
    Did you replace the crush washer when you changed your coolant temp sensor?
     
  10. Jul 29, 2022 at 9:53 PM
    #10
    Kristi with a K

    Kristi with a K [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2017
    Member:
    #236406
    Messages:
    2,465
    Gender:
    Female
    Western MA
    Vehicle:
    01' Black (was Maroon, then red) Tacoma 4x4 SR5 ACab 3.4L AT
    G-Men sticker, driver's side "backseat" window - cracked driver's side headlight cover complete with hazy look - DIY 30 footer paint lift in Bedliner Black
    99.9999% sure it came with one....
     
  11. Jul 29, 2022 at 9:59 PM
    #11
    Oldman808

    Oldman808 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2016
    Member:
    #204392
    Messages:
    784
    Gender:
    Male
    Planet Earth
    Vehicle:
    2023 Taco TRD Sport
  12. Jul 29, 2022 at 10:05 PM
    #12
    Kristi with a K

    Kristi with a K [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2017
    Member:
    #236406
    Messages:
    2,465
    Gender:
    Female
    Western MA
    Vehicle:
    01' Black (was Maroon, then red) Tacoma 4x4 SR5 ACab 3.4L AT
    G-Men sticker, driver's side "backseat" window - cracked driver's side headlight cover complete with hazy look - DIY 30 footer paint lift in Bedliner Black
    & that would be a no. I can't afford all stock parts, however I will do my best when it's recommended or highly recommended for a reason other than "it's the stock way or no way". I don't recall the OEM thing coming up when it was suggested I do this since I'd have good access.... Kinda remember it being, "They're cheap enough. Might as well...." Not blaming it elsewhere. Just sayin'....
     
  13. Jul 29, 2022 at 10:21 PM
    #13
    Dm93

    Dm93 Test Don't Guess

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2015
    Member:
    #150066
    Messages:
    8,994
    Gender:
    Male
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2014 DC OR 6spd 4x4
    Predator tube steps, Ranch Hand grill guard, Magnaflow CatBack exhaust, Toyota tool box & bed mat, 2LO Module by @Up2NoGood, Rearview Compass/Temp Mirror, Tune by @JustDSM.
    Coolant temp is easy enough to look at on a scan tool and see if it's reading correctly.
     
    Kristi with a K[OP] likes this.
  14. Jul 29, 2022 at 10:26 PM
    #14
    Oldman808

    Oldman808 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2016
    Member:
    #204392
    Messages:
    784
    Gender:
    Male
    Planet Earth
    Vehicle:
    2023 Taco TRD Sport
    I hear ya on that.
    Read the reviews on people who have replaced there coolant temp sensor with oem , for 38$ plus a 3$ washer I would give it a try.
    Link for sensor:
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FYIRT20

    washer part number 90430-12005 fyi

    Hoping the best for your high idle fix .

    :cool:
     
  15. Jul 29, 2022 at 10:33 PM
    #15
    Kristi with a K

    Kristi with a K [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2017
    Member:
    #236406
    Messages:
    2,465
    Gender:
    Female
    Western MA
    Vehicle:
    01' Black (was Maroon, then red) Tacoma 4x4 SR5 ACab 3.4L AT
    G-Men sticker, driver's side "backseat" window - cracked driver's side headlight cover complete with hazy look - DIY 30 footer paint lift in Bedliner Black
    Ha-ha! Oh yeah, that's right.... & I just so happen to have me a practically brand newbie one. Coolant temp gets to 188-190 & stays put thereabouts. It's been pretty hot here too.
     
  16. Jul 29, 2022 at 10:36 PM
    #16
    Oldman808

    Oldman808 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2016
    Member:
    #204392
    Messages:
    784
    Gender:
    Male
    Planet Earth
    Vehicle:
    2023 Taco TRD Sport


    :D
     
    Kristi with a K[OP] likes this.
  17. Jul 30, 2022 at 6:15 AM
    #17
    mlcc

    mlcc Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2015
    Member:
    #154429
    Messages:
    1,793
    Gender:
    Male
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2002 DC TRD/ 1990 4runner
    Lights, 3in lift, tires/ wheels, being awesome
    Read the temp before you start the engine if its hotter or colder then it ambient temp it will cause a rough start.

    Edit: plus theres a temp and resistance range that are supposed to correlate with each other.
     
  18. Aug 31, 2022 at 7:56 PM
    #18
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger,Haltech,meth, 750k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,234
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 750,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger, 1.9” pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC TRD supercharger,(MUST DO) TRD supercharger ported, every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 2” pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks nerf bars, add a leaf for rear springs trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel,
    My camshaft sensor a month ago would not let me go over 5100rpms,
    Got a new one from dealership and was defective and could not go over 3500rpms.

    put my old sensor back in and replaced my 3 main ground wires with 2 gauge and now she hits redline again
     

Products Discussed in

To Top