Where is the Camshaft Position Sensor(s)?

[tomfooter]

Good morning everyone! This is my first post to this forum, and I'm looking for help. My "Check Engine" light came on yesterday, and now My '03 Maxima is hard to start. According to the guy at Advance Auto, it shows that the "Camshaft Position Sensor" needs replaced. I understand that there are two of these on the 3.5 engine. Advance has one for about $48.00, but I think the other one may have to be special ordered or come from the dealer. My question is, where are they located on the engine? I know what the $48.00 one looks like (according to the picture at the parts store), so I went looking last night. I think I may have found one of them (the$48.00 one), but I'm not quite sure. I don't have any type of service manual to go by. Can anybody help??? Thanks!

[sergey85]

welcome to the board. here is a link to a recall its for the crank position sensor 2003 Nissan Maxima Recalls, Defects, Recall Reports & Problems at InternetAutoGuide.com . what was the code u pulled if u still remmber?

[sergey85]

here is a pic of the camshaft sensor position if the recall was not much help the sensors are circled

[tomfooter]

Sergey, your the MAN! I appreciate all of your help. I called Nissan at the number shown on the link you posted, and they said there are no recalls on my VIN No. (but that recall sounds EXACTLY like what my Maxima is doing!). I guess I have no other recourse other than to replace the sensor(s) myself. That's where a great big THANKS is in order for the diagram you sent me! I think the one I'm picking up from Advance Auto this evening must go on the front (I hope - It's easier to get to). I have found the one on the back yet, and I think that is the one I might have to get from the dealer, or have them special order. Anyway, thanks again. You've been a great help!
(P.S. - Sorry, but I don't remember the Failure codes)

[sergey85]

hey no problem bro post with your results ill see if i can get a better pic of the sensors

[tomfooter]

Well, looks like I blew $50.00. Picked up my Sensor on the way home yesterday and installed it last night (by the way I had them check the code again, and it was "P0340 - Camshaft Position Sensor (phase) Circut (Bank 1)). Everything was good until about 30 miles into my trip to work this morning, and the engine choked up and the "service engine soon" light came back on. I replaced the sensor towards the front of the car. Do you think I replaced the wrong one? I haven't had the code checked again, yet to see what it might say, but I have a strange feeling it will be "P0340". If it is the rear one is that a "Dealer only" item? Your thoughts?

[tomfooter]

Just came back from spending lunch at Advance Auto. Come to find out, they can have the rear sensor by tomorrow (another $60.00), so it's on order. I'm just wondering how tough it will be getting to the back one?? I guess I'll know in a few days. Man, I hope this will fix my problem!

[sergey85]

(bank 1 )thats the top one

[sergey85]

make sure u check the all the wiring leading to it and from it too that might cause the code aswell here is a link OBD-II Trouble Code: P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction

[tomfooter]

Sergey, I don't know how or where you get all this info that you are passing along to me, but I sure do appreciate it!! As you can tell I'm not a mechanic, but I do try to fix what I can, and I just read the link you attached above about the P0340 Trouble code. Some of the symptons definately sounded like my Max, But I guess it could be more than one problem. I'm going to start with the (2nd) Camshaft sensor, since I already ordered it, and go from there. I'll keep you posed. Thanks again!!!

[sergey85]

hey no problem man glad to help out

[tomfooter]

Well, I finally got time this past weekend to install the rear camshaft sensor, and (knock on wood) everything is working O.K. and is back to normal. Starts are good and it hasn't died on me yet, after putting about 200 miles on it. I had to get the "check engine light" reset at Advance Auto. I tried disconnecting the battery cable for about 5 minutes hoping that would reset it, but it didn't. Other than that, everything went pretty smooth. Thanks again Sergey for all of your help. I couldn't have done it with out you, man! (Now, If I can only fix that noisy heater fan..........)

[sergey85]

hey no probllem. here ia procedure for reseting ecu
How to reset ECU in 5th and 6th Generation Maxima's
1. Turn ignition switch on and wait about 3 seconds.

Repeat the following steps (2a and 2b) procedures quickly five times within 5 seconds.

2a. Fully depress the accelerator pedal (HARD).
2b. Fully release the accelerator pedal.

3. Wait 7 seconds, fully depress the accelerator pedal and keep it for approx. 10 seconds until the CEL starts blinking. (here is where i think you can get a code from this.)
4. Fully release the accelerator pedal (while the CEL is still blinking)
5. Wait about 10 second.
6. Fully depress the accelerator pedal and keep it for more than 10 seconds.
7. Fully release the accelerator pedal (The CEL light will continue to blink).
8. Turn ignition switch to “OFF” position and now you can start the car. The CEL light should be gone.

disconnecting the battery only works for the 00-01 5th gen maximas.
as for your fan try your local junk yard or try car-parts.com good site for finding parts u may not find at a local yard

[tomfooter]

Your amazing! Thanks again!