HELP PLEASE! CAM Sensor

[996er]

Could some one help please... I have just changed the plugs on my 1998 996 which to be honest wasn't as bad as i thought it would be took about 2-3 hours... As i finished the plugs on the right hand side (view from Rear) i noticed something hanging down looking like a sensor.. After much searching about i found that it fitted in what looks like the camshft housing, right next to where it says Vario Camshft. Its round and white and has a cable attached that goes up to a coupling at the rear. Its body would be held in with two bolts on a rounded fitting... I would imagine that due to it being right above the Exhaust just where all three pipes join (maximum Heat) this is why its become brittle and cracked and fallen out.. There is another one on the oppsite side in the same place..

so my question is, is this a cam sensor, does any one have a picture of one removed, do you think it would have been like this for sometime (no engine fault lights)... And are they a common problem on the 996 and approx cost... Many thanks to any one who can help

[wvicary]

That sounds like the variocam solenoid. It's easy to replace but if the wiring is open circuit is open it should have triggered a check engine light. Verify that the check engine light actually comes on with ignition key one,engine off. Search the forum as it's been covered before.

[996er]

Guys looking around this briliant site i think i know what it is.. Could it be the Vario cam actuator.. could someone confirm with me. What are they like to change.. Can i just change the electrical part or do i have to change the lot... Many thanks

That sounds like the variocam solenoid. It's easy to replace but if the wiring is open circuit is open it should have triggered a check engine light. Verify that the check engine light actually comes on with ignition key one,engine off. Search the forum as it's been covered before.

Wow many thanks for the info... as you can see from the thread i'd come to the same conclusion as you.. It must of just crumble off when i cange the plugs the because the car has been running beutiful. i won't switch on the ignition the as i dont want the dreaded light up...what are they like to change do i have to take off the cam case..thanks again

[txhokie4life]

Guys looking around this briliant site i think i know what it is.. Could it be the Vario cam actuator.. could someone confirm with me. What are they like to change.. Can i just change the electrical part or do i have to change the lot... Many thanks

That sounds like the variocam solenoid. It's easy to replace but if the wiring is open circuit is open it should have triggered a check engine light. Verify that the check engine light actually comes on with ignition key one,engine off. Search the forum as it's been covered before.

Wow many thanks for the info... as you can see from the thread i'd come to the same conclusion as you.. It must of just crumble off when i cange the plugs the because the car has been running beutiful. i won't switch on the ignition the as i dont want the dreaded light up...what are they like to change do i have to take off the cam case..thanks again

Oddly -- this wire connects straight to the cam tensioner solonoid -- you would think something internal like this would have a connector from inside to case, than case to outside.

What this means is you will need to replace the tensioner solenoid. Not am impossible task with the engine in -- but not the easiest either.

Here is some pics to give you an idea what you are up against.

pix of cam tensioner solenoid

you might even consider trying to splice the connection if there is still some wire left going into the solenoid.

kind of a kluge -- but maybe a reasonable trade-off....

I think someone posted a specific DYI on here for this.

good luck,

Mike