Tachometer and Hard Starts

[StormMountain]

My 1995 SHO is having some issues recently. Very hard starts after repeated cranks (timing appears to be off and not sparking), tach is dead, but begins reading after 15-min of driving.

It was an intermittent problem that was quite temporary and fixed itself. However, now it is almost every time I start the car.

I replaced the cam sensor last year with an aftermarket. Maybe I will stick the original back in to check performance. Otherwise, I understand it may be the crank sensor or computer connection.

Any thoughts would be appreciated? Also, are there any tricks to replacing the crank sensor?

Tony

 

[OmMEGGA]

Bad CPS

 

[StormMountain]

Cam or Crank?

 

[OmMEGGA]

Cam or Crank?

crankshaft

 

[StormMountain]

Anybody have great instructions to help a guy replace the crankshaft position sensor??

 

[rubydist]

Lets start over with accurate and correct information here.....

The dead tach and hard to start, takes several tries is due to the CAM sensor, not the crank sensor.

The cam sensor is easy to replace, its the black disk-shaped thing on the front end of the engine, on the rear cam.

 

[sheenut]

For the cam sensor check out the shophoenixproject.com You can do it through the wheel well or if you have small enough hands from the top of the engine its pretty straight forward. The crank sensor is on the site to good luck

 

[93markVIII]

i use CKP for crankshaft position sensor and CMP for camshaft position sensor.
CPS is just too vague.

 

[SHOtimer]

I'd replace the cam sensor with a Ford unit.

Doug

 

[StormMountain]

Replaced the cam sensor with the original Ford sensor. Same results occur.

Pulled error codes from the car:
(212) loss of ignition diagnostic monitor signal IDM
(214) cylinder identification sensor CID
(332) insufficient EGR flow detected (not a big deal)
(543) fuel pump circuit open open connection - ECA to motor ground

I was able to pull good instructions for the crank sensor from SHOTimes.com

Any thoughts on the codes leading to the crank sensor?

-Tony

 

[FREAK_SHO]

Cam Sensor. Did you replace it with a "NEW" ford sensor?

Also, check to see if any of the pins in the connector pushed out a bit. I had this happen to me once. Then make sure it is fully seated.

 

[StormMountain]

Replaced with an old Ford sensor. I could not source a Ford sensor as it appears they are disconnued. I have a OEM on order for today.

Will report back.

 

[SHOdded]

No harm in checking grounds either. These are a constant source of irritation and ...fun...

 

[StormMountain]

I did find a loose ground between the firewall and passenger side fender at lunch today. Could that cause these issues?

-T

 

[SHOspazz92]

I did find a loose ground between the firewall and passenger side fender at lunch today. Could that cause these issues?

-T

Yes, if it is the ground to the ECU...

-Sam

 

[SHOdded]

The cam sensor is still my favorite suspect, though a loose/bad ground could contribute through misfires/hesitation/etc. The cam sensor is usually affected by a leak at the rear cam seal, and you will likely see that area contaminated with oil.

 

[StormMountain]

Reconnected the ground and the sweet machine seems to be starting consistently.

Morale of the story...
1 - Always check your grounds first.
2 - Don't be an idiot and not reconnect your ground cable after reinstalling the air intake manifold.

Thank you to all that responded and special thanks to SHOdded and Sam.

-Tony

 

[SHOdded]

The SHO was just craving some attention, iz all

 

[StormMountain]

Turns out it was the camshaft sensor. Reconnecting the ground fixed the starting issue for about a week and then the SHO quit starting again. Replaced the cam sensor and it has been starting good this week. Thanks SHOdded!

 

[SHOdded]

Cool. What brands of sensor and seal did you use?