2006 Aveo Camshaft Position Sensor code

[zrs6v4]

I just ran across the forums tonight browsing around and decided to tag along. I did a brief intro in the general section and thought I might as well tackle an issue I have left hanging for a month now. Anyway the car is an 06' with 55,000 miles and throwing a camshaft position sensor code. I plan on doing the job tomorrow and have had some places quote me $500 to fix it due to the 2.5 hour shop time. From what I have read online all I do is remove the timing cover and it is right there, is that true or will this be a 2 hour job? Any info or pictures on how I can quickly tackle this project and make the wife happy with our car again would be greatly appreciated.

[petrified.rabbit]

its actually behind the camshaft pulleys, I am not sure if you can "wiggle" it out of there or get the bolts off without removing the pulleys. One think is sure though, with 55k miles, I would just replace the timing belt if you have to pull the pulley off. (it would become an "included operation" and add the water pump. So basically, in another 5000 miles, you wont pay again to pull it all apart.

I think you can pull just the cover?



the red circle shows the bolt for the cam sensor.



pictures from : http://www.zubinchandran.com/timing_belt_change.html

[charlieb]

hello zrs6v4 do excactly what rabbit said while you have that open do timing belt,tensioners,water pump same time they sell in kits(130-250) instruction man says you need to pull camshaft pulley to get the sensor off.even if you decide to get you mechanic to do the job while he is in there the labour should only be an hour or 2 more labour to do the extras.

[petrified.rabbit]

it might not even be that much, pulling off the pulley is beyond the timing belt change (just put the new part on during reassembly). The only addition things is actually replacing the tensioner which is 1/2 overlap at least, and the doing the water pump which if you take and tension the timing belt per the water pump, should be 1/2 overlap as well. Aside from the parts, I would say an hour extra tops. But the prevention and not paying again in 5k miles is worth it.

[zrs6v4]

Ouch! I hope i can get the sensor swapped without doing the timing belt job. Has anyone on here done this job without pulling one of the cam pulleys and timing belt?

[charlieb]

im not sure your listening to rabbits advice you need to change your timing belt soon(5k)acording to maintenance manual.when you look at a timing belt it dosnt neccessarily show much wear.but if it breaks(cause you didnt heed warnings)it will definetly bend valves and damage piston heads.1.6 litre engine is an interferance engine.manual says you need to remove campulleys to access sensor.

[zrs6v4]

No I understand rabbits advice, I am used to hondas which require timing belt replacement at 80-100,000 miles. I didnt realize chevy recommended at 60,000 miles. I do appreciate the advice and all the help given.

I didn't do the timing belt job bc this job was really simple and ive never done a timing belt so I didnt want to enter that realm yet

For future reference to those who do this job here is how to do it:

1. Disconnect battery
2. Remove valve cover plastic cover 4x allen heads.
3. Remove airbox and move tub aside
4. Put support under engine (hydro jack and wood)
5. Remove engine mount
6. Remove timing cover
7. Place dry towell in lower timing cover to prevent dropping bolts from cam sensor.
8. Remove both came sensor bolts (its easier to remove bolts before unplugging sensor).
9. Reverse directs to put car back together

Tools used:
1/2 ratchet
1/2 extension
1/2 14mm
1/2 17mm
1/4 ratchet with extension
1/4 10mm
1/4 swivel extension
Hydraulic jack with support for engine
Flat head screw driver
Allen wrench set

Total time 2 hours but someone experienced would be 1-1.5 hours and you do not need to remove cam pulleys

[charlieb]

ok no problem didnt intend to offend in any way.my manual says cam pulleys are to be removed cause they in the way.but there are some diy timing belt threads here with pics if u decide to do timing belt while u have everything apart.

[zrs6v4]

Its cool no offense at all. Thanks for th help

[petrified.rabbit]

good to know you could get it out without tearing it all apart. did you happen to rethink it that maybe you didnt need t pull the mount as well or is it a needed thing? (just for future reference). Based on the pictures i have seen, i think the upper cover could come off without pulling the mount, do you agree?