If I install a distributor while the engine is at Bottom Dead Center, will it throw out voltage codes on the Throttle Position Sensor and Air Intake sensors? I also have code 54, "No camshaft position sensor signal. Problem with the camshaft sensor synchronization circuit." I lined up the timing marks before installing, but it may have been BDC instead of top. Any suggestions?

 

You obviously must install the distributor properly if you expect it to work. If you install it when the engine is not at TDC, then it must be pointed in the correct direction. Keep in mind that the distributor rotates exactly half the engine speed, and goes around once for each two revolutions of the engine. Could you have been at TDC on the exhaust stroke rather than the compression stroke?

If you installed it far enough out of position, it is likely that the camshft sensor won't work at all, as the computer expects to pick up a signal at a certain point in the cycle, and if it's way off, it will assume it's not there at all.

I can't think of any reason this would throw off the other sensors unless you mixed up the plugs when you hooked it back up.

 

Hello dcotter! I guess my best bet would be to remove the distributor and reset TDC? Do you have a good method that doesn't include removing the lower timing cover? The first time, I tried it by lining up to the top timing mark. I probably did get it on the exhaust stroke. Thanks!

 

There's a method spelled out in Chapter 2 of the Haynes manual for finding TDC on the compression stroke without removing the timing cover. You'll need a socket that fits on the crankshaft damper hub nut, a breaker bar and a compression gauge. For your task, you should get a manual anyway, and Haynes is pretty handy.

 

Okay. It was definately top dead center, but my rotor was off a little. I lined up the rotor and all the codes went away EXCEPT code 54, "No camshaft position sensor signal. Problem with the camshaft sensor synchronization circuit." Any suggestions? Is there a way to test the camshaft sensor?

 

You can test the wiring leading to the distributor for continuity, but if that doesn't turn up a problem, you're probably going to have to replace the dristibutor, which houses the camshaft position sensor. It ain't cheap but if you browse the forum here you'll see that it's a fairly common problem that is solved with a new distributor.

 

Already replaced the distributor. Certain of top dead center. The only code left is "no signal from the camshaft sensor".

 

I will add that the battery is low; took it to Advance, and it tested good.

 

If you've already replaced the distributor then the fault has to be in the wiring. Assuming the replacement distributor was good, that is.