Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement GM 3.8L Series 2

In this video I'll demonstrate how to replace a camshaft position sensor on a GM 3.8L series 2 V-6. The vehicle featured in this video is a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. Please verify in your repair manual if this procedure is the same for the GM 3.8L series 2 V-6 you are working on. There may be a few out there that the removal and replacement procedure may be different. Verify that the procedure shown in the video is the same for your vehicle.

Do note: If your vehicle has a diagnostic trouble code or codes pertaining to the camshaft position sensor it will be necessary to erase these codes after the repair. The codes can be erased by disconnecting the negative battery cable from the battery for 10 minutes. (Of coarse if you followed the directions given in the video you would have already disconnected the negative battery cable before beginning the replacement procedure and the codes should be erased by the time the sensor is replaced and the negative cable is reconnected.)

As mentioned in the video, it is recommended to disconnect the negative battery cable before replacing the sensor. ***BE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR RADIO CODE BEFORE DISCONNECTING YOUR BATTERY CABLE*** (the code should be in your glove compartment in your owners manual or information packet) The radio may not work if this code is not entered into the radio after the battery has been disconnected. Locate the code and be sure you have it before going forward with repairs.

Of course, you will need to reconnect the negative battery cable end after the sensor is replaced. (I'm sure you would have figured that out) :)


Also: Its not a bad idea to rotate the engine and verify the trigger or magnet is not missing from the cam sprocket. On some vehicles the trigger or magnet can fall out. You'll need a mirror and a flash light to verify this. Repair as needed. This video does not go into this as it is not the purpose of the video.

Discloser: As an Amazon affiliate I earn commissions of qualifying purchases.

DISCLAIMER
Barbour's Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer. Automotive repair is extremely dangerous. Repair your vehicle at your own risk. It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE. Owning and using a repair manual suited for the vehicle you are working on is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to said vehicle. Always wear safety glasses and heed all instructions for use applicable to any piece of equipment you may use. Due to circumstances out of the control of Barbours Auto Help, Barbours Auto Help makes no guaranty that by the use of the information given in this video a quality repair will be made. Barbour'sAutoHelp makes no guaranty that the information provided is totally complete, syncronized and accurate. Verify everything using an appropriate repair manual. Follow the repair manual over this video's content. You can do it. Do it right and do it safely.

Repair your vehicle at your own risk! Barbour's auto help does not guaranty a proper repair using these techniques.

[jonathonnorwood]

Thank you man I rely on videos like this to keep my car running. You didn't even need to do this, simply doing it just to show us how. Thank you man.

[mindtouchone]

Your videos are the only ones I have seen that are useful and I have watched a bunch. The main problem is a lack of light and yours have great light. Another problem is many people obscure what they are doing with their bodies and they many times skip essential steps. I spent 10 years teaching at an automotive tech college and know the importance of thorough instruction. Thanks!

[ferdinand]

4 years later and Still helping us out with this nice detailed video thank you 🙌🏼

[mariamadrid]

OMG! THANK YOU! My Park Ave has been parked for 4 months because no one knew how to fix it ! I found your video today and am going to fix it myself (grandma with tools). I was told the harmonic balancer had to be removed, blah blah blah. Thanks again.

[acoldguy]

Good video! I have found on a few 3.8L engines that the magnet pickup on the lower timing chain sprocket had eroded away.

[Cokie]

Great video! Troubleshooting a 94 Bonneville that cuts out when it warms up and Ive got a feeling it's either the camshaft position or crank position sensors. Now I know how to do both. 🥳

[geraldpurdie]

I have a 2003 bonneville after watching this video i was able to change the sensor without removing the reservoir it took about 20 minutes... Thanks for the video you are a big help keep making video's like this...

[Jimicruz]

Great info, awesome camera work, and specific details on the repair... Thank you!!

[sonny]

OMG, Thank You +; I have been saving expensive Shop repairs for decades DIY--the stuff I can't do goes there (and 2 credit cards) THIS VIDEO saved my weekend Mr B. Such a great video ( like Eric the car guy's) My block is so covered with heavy sludge bec. of an unreplaced PS Pressure line that I was planning on Saturday and removing the PS pp, and maybe even the water pump ( and knuckle skin & patience )

I can't believe the nerds that CAD designed the Series 2 ACTUALLY LEFT something that was a simple repair . I cuss those underground cave design monkeys each time I work on this no-space transverse alien designs ! THANKs SO Much !!!

[mindtouchone]

Yours are the best how to videos, by far, mainly because of the light you use. Most others are too dark to be useful and many times they obscure things with their bodies.

[Jimicruz]

2007 GP GT.. Crank No Start ... Will check the codes first. This is good instruction video. Thank you!!!

[ChubbieBehemoth]

My Reatta needs a new Cam sensor. Thanks for the video! I'm gonna order myself a new sensor and get to work!

[calebsutton]

Your videos on the Bonneville have really helped me save a lot of money, thank you.

[rcbrooks]

Just a kind note, and only to clarify, this is the removal of the "Cam(shaft) Sensor." The "Crankshaft Position Sensor" is on the forward side of the harmonic balancer. It is a considerably harder project.

[thomasward]

This is a very good video to watch if you've never done the procedure it is very helpful

[AirBear]

I’m grateful you’ve got a Bonneville. God bless brother.

[genewilliams]

AWESOME INFO & demo Keith, Perfectly explained.

[leh]

Kind thorough easy to follow narrative. Thanks

[bristolbeatz]

You're hand sounds like Ned Flanders. 😂 With that said, its helpful just like he is. Thank you for the info, bro.

[johnwagner]

I think you can just swing the res., forward out of the way without disconnecting the hose....Great vid as always keith!