PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

Hi there guys haven't posted here in a while, just wondering if any gearheads would know if this could be fixed. I have a 92 bonneville that recently has been dieing out when it warms up. it was throwing a 41 code which is cam sensor i believe. I had a look at the cam sensor hole and the magnet seems to be missing other than a little piece left in the holder. Do i have to get a magnet from the junkyard or can i manufacture one??? It seems to be a pretty strong magnet though. If i get the right one will jb weld actually hold this in while it is rotating. Well i think that's it. Thanks for the interest guys...

You can order one for $9.00 from autozone. It may take a couple of days to get.
I do believe that some members use a small amount of JB Weld to hold them in place.

http://padgett.performanceresearch.us/cars/cammag.htm

That is the instructions for doing the LN3 engine which is known for throwing them. I have heard of no complaints with the JB weld solution. What is the alternative? Changing it properly? You basically have to pull the timing set to get it out, which you might as well do a timing chain job also.

Edit:

BTW, here is the offender:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalo ... Text=SU151
Autozone part# SU151

if it is truely the magnet that is missing then you will need to buy the part its 9 USD max i did this on my old 92 SE and spent just under 4 USD. this job requires that you remove the timing chain cover. this is definitely not a fun job usually the crank and cam bolts are on rather tight plus many use the wrong bolts with their harmonic balancer puller and then in turn ruin their crank pulley (the correct bolt size is M6 x 1 x 80). while inside there check the tension on the timing chain and wear on the gears including the oil pump (behind plate inside the back of timing chain cover). oh and a gasket kit with aluminum OE gaskets from NAPA is 25 this kit includes cover gasket water pump gasket and heat bypass o rings.

oh on a side note if your not 100% sure its that code then please check again usually when the cam sensor/magnet and/or crank sensor act up and throw codes the car tends to not start. so check the crank sensor to then aren't to pricey and will be off anyways once you take the cover off

tan96ssei wrote:oh on a side note if your not 100% sure its that code then please check again usually when the cam sensor/magnet and/or crank sensor act up and throw codes the car tends to not start. so check the crank sensor to then aren't to pricey and will be off anyways once you take the cover off

I am afraid I am concerned with the level of accuracy in the above statement. My understanding is that when the vehicle determines fault with the cam sensor, whether be issue with sensor or magnet, it sets the code. I also believe the car has a 1 in 6 chance of starting, and may not run perfect, or it will cause all plugs to fire at once, causing possibly a week spark and driveablility issues. I believe the latter is the case. Regarding the crank sensor, when those fail, they usually do not throw a code, the vehicle just simply shuts off, and usually doesn't like to restart after running for a while. However, if you have verified the magnet is missing, I would pursue that first.

r jolly i am speaking of personal experience. and when i rounded the turn into the parking lot at work my car suddenly died i tried cranking it and got nothing what so ever motor turns but no spark no ignition no run. i read the codes and got two the cam sensor and crank sensor i also know as a auto mechanic that the two are tied together and yes no one situation is the same as the next. so i started simple and cheap and saw the magnet missing. therefore i replaced the cam sensor interruptor and while i was in it i did all i mentioned including the cam sensor crank sensor and chain tensioner so please dont jump to conclusions and assume i am wrong with out know the whole situation please.

oh and P.S. ask any of the illinois crew that went to dan's place in sheboygan WI on april 11th they can tell you that i am rebuilding the motor in my 96 SSEi and again i had to remove the timing chain cover to complete this rebuild too (oil pump)

I didn't say you were wrong, I simply pointed out that I, based on my own experience, was concerned with the accuracy of the statement. Since then, it has come to my attention that you also have a '96, bearing the OBD II system, which tends to be a much more generous animal when it comes to codes. I don't believe we have the luxury of throwing a crankshaft position sensor code. The information you bring may simply apply to the 96+ crowd in this particular situation.

BTW, I provide the information I believe to be correct, and am the first to take a lesson if proved wrong.

The cam sensor magnet / cam sensor on the Series 1 engine is used for fuel injector timing for the sequential fuel injection.

Even without the magnet in place, the car will still run, but the injector timing may be off, making the injectors not fire at the same time the intake valves open up, causing the car to run poorly and have bad mileage.

Well thanks for the replies guys... I did replace the magnet and put some jb weld on it let it sit and took it for a drive. I also replaced the cam sensor and then the service engine light went out. I took it for a rip but it died on me again tried to start it but nothing. Like it wasn't getting spark,I let it sit and then tore home before it died again what the bloody hell!!!!!.