Camshaft Position Sensor

This procedure covers the removal and installation of the camshaft position sensor on a 2005 Dodge Viper 8.3L V10 engine, requiring access through the passenger side of the engine compartment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Camshaft position sensor × 1 — Mopar 56028138AD or equivalent
• Sensor O-ring seal × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes
3. Position vehicle on level ground with parking brake engaged
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the camshaft position sensor
   The camshaft position sensor is located near the rear of the engine, associated with the camshaft drive/timing area. Consult the Viper factory service manual for the exact sensor location on this engine before proceeding, and trace the wiring harness from the main engine harness bundle to confirm. Identify the sensor by tracing the wiring harness from the main engine harness bundle.
2. 2

   Disconnect sensor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the camshaft position sensor. Press the locking tab on the connector and pull firmly to disconnect. If the connector is stubborn due to age, gently work it side-to-side while pulling. Do not pull on the wiring itself.
3. 3

   Remove sensor mounting bolt
   Using an appropriate metric socket, remove the single mounting bolt securing the camshaft position sensor to the timing cover. The bolt threads directly into the timing cover housing. Keep the bolt and any washers together for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Extract sensor from timing cover
   Carefully pull the camshaft position sensor straight out from the timing cover bore. The sensor may require gentle twisting while pulling due to the O-ring seal. If resistance is felt, do not force it—use a slight rocking motion to break the seal. Once removed, inspect the sensor tip for damage or debris.
5. 5

   Inspect sensor bore and timing components
   With the sensor removed, visually inspect the bore in the timing cover for debris, metal shavings, or oil contamination. With the sensor removed, visually inspect the bore for debris and, if the reluctor/target ring is visible through the opening, verify it is undamaged. Refer to the service manual for the specific trigger arrangement on this engine. Clean any debris from the bore using a clean shop towel. Do not introduce any foreign material into the opening.
6. 6

   Prepare new sensor for installation
   Inspect the new camshaft position sensor O-ring seal for damage. If the O-ring is not pre-installed, carefully slide it into the groove on the sensor body. Apply a light coating of clean engine oil to the O-ring to ease installation and prevent tearing. Verify the sensor tip is clean and free of protective caps or debris.
7. 7

   Install new camshaft position sensor
   Carefully insert the new sensor straight into the timing cover bore, ensuring proper alignment with the mounting hole. Push the sensor in until it is fully seated against the timing cover face. The sensor should slide in smoothly with only slight resistance from the O-ring seal. Do not force or cock the sensor at an angle.
8. 8

   Install and torque sensor mounting bolt
   Install the mounting bolt with any washers through the sensor mounting tab and thread it into the timing cover by hand. Once hand-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt to specification. Ensure the sensor remains fully seated while tightening and does not rotate or pull out.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Reconnect the electrical connector to the camshaft position sensor. Push the connector on firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector body (not the wiring). Ensure no wiring is pinched or contacting hot exhaust components.
10. 10

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. If available, use a scan tool to clear any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the camshaft position sensor (for example P0340, P0341, P0342, or P0344 depending on the fault). If no scan tool is available, the codes will clear after several successful drive cycles.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly locked
2. Verify the sensor mounting bolt is torqued to specification and the sensor is not loose
3. Check that no tools or parts have been left in the engine compartment

Verification

• Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without rough idle or hesitation
• Check that the check engine light does not illuminate after starting
• Use a scan tool to verify the camshaft position sensor is reporting data and the engine control module recognizes it
• Test drive the vehicle to confirm normal acceleration and no performance issues
• Re-scan for codes after test drive to ensure no new camshaft position faults are present

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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