2000 Taurus 3.0 Crank/Cam Sensor Noise - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

03-23-2003, 05:51

The Crank or Cam Position Sensor or shaft - I'm not sure what is the correct term - is making an ugly squeaking/squeeling sound. I have identified that this is indeed the source. If I push on the top of the sensor, the pitch of the sound changes so.....

(This is the sensor and/or shaft that is in place of the former ignition distributor - can you tell I'm not I Ford guy yet? :))

Some folks say I can't take this apart without special tools to reset the timing, etc - other folks say I don't need special tools.

I'm thinking I could set so that #1 is at TDC and then pretend from there that this is a distributor as far as removal and installation.

Comments anyone?
Thanks in advance for your help.

03-23-2003, 13:42

Some clarification - This is a chirping sound more than a squeal.
I pulled the sensor off and didn't see anything - didn't think I would.
It must be something in the shaft which is basically a distributor shaft/bottom part of a distributor with the top - ignition part cut-off.
This shaft is properly known as the "synchronizer shaft".

SHOZ123 · 03-23-2003, 17:31

are you talking about this?

03-23-2003, 18:04

Yes - that's it

SHOZ123 · 03-23-2003, 18:08

So did you replace it? The instructions just say pull it out and put in a new one. Nothing special needed.

03-23-2003, 18:12

No - It works fine - there's just athis obnoxious chirping noise coming from "it".
I think the noise is coming from the shaft, not the sensor. I checked the sensor and did not see where anything was rubbing, etc

Do your instructions say anything about replacing the "synchronizer shaft"?

SHOZ123 · 03-23-2003, 18:19

I can send you an email with the procedure for the shaft. It will be a zipped word doc. That OK?

07-25-2003, 20:12

I had this problem in my 2000 thousand Taurus as well. Tracked the problem down to the little round sensor that is where the distributor cap would normally be. Replacing this unit is not at all necessary to stop the noise. What I did was propped the wiring harness out of my way by wedging a screw driver holding it out of the way (as it is directly over top of it) You will notice two small bolts holding a black cover on the sensor. Simply remove this cover, start the motor so that you can get the sensor moving and don't be shy spraying some liquid wrench into this spinning magneto. It has been another 5 thousand miles and I have yet to here the noise come back. I used liquid wrench, but after thinking about it If I have to ever do it again I would add a squirt of spray lithium grease.

Trust me, this one works.

08-07-2003, 18:38

Hi guys,

I need to check the camsensor in my car (Taurus 1997GL), but I did not find where it is. Is it under the intake manifold? Or I can only see it in the bottom side of engine? I didn't see anything else that looks like the distributer around the upper side. Please help me to figure it out. Thanks a lot!

Mic97awd · 03-07-2004, 18:24

Cam/Sensor Noise! I also have the problem with my 97 Mercury Mountaineer. It has a 302 V8 and the Cam Sensor is making the loud chirping noise. I like to replace it but I need some help in regards to properly position it (Timing?) once I go to put it back in. My wife has been driving my Ford Explorer for the past two weeks because no one earlier could find where the noise was comimng from. It began with a loud howling sqeauling noise that lasted for seconds and now is the chirping noise from the Cam Sensor and drive assembly. Please help me end this nightmare without losing my shirt to the Ford dealer who wants about $600 to do this repair. Thanks in advance!