Anyone Replace Cam Position Sensor

[SoftTopTracker]

I have a 2000 Chevy Tracker 2.0 L which I believe is the same as the Vitara.

My car is stalling when it gets hot so after doing some research I have decided to replace the Cam Positioning Sensor.

I purchased the part and believe it or not, I cannot figure out how to remove the bolt holding the current sensor in place. The bolt is on the back side of the top of the engine so I cannot see what type of head it has, but with a mirror I can tell it is an odd shape like a hex or torx. I've tried every hex size I can find in metric and every torx size. T-40 is too big and T-30 is too loose--and there is no T-35 as far as I can tell.

Anyone actually take one of these things off recently?

Thanks!

[riceboy1701e]

SoftTop:

Yep! I can help! All it took was a mirror (actually a CD, since I could not find my wife's makeup mirror).

My wife has the 2000 Vitara (same as your 2K Tracker). The bolt head at the back of the cam sensor is a Torx (looks like an asterisk or a star: *). Not sure of the exact size, but if you have an assortment of Torx bits, you may be able to try them one at a time to see which one fits.

Coincidentally, my wife's 2K Vitara has the exact same problem (and that can be very irritating, especially here in HOT South Texas). WE have an inexpensive solution: water. We keep a 1 or 2 liter jug in the passenger compartment to pour on the CPS, and try to pull out of traffic at the first sign of hesitation/stalling. Does this happen to you? Let me know.

Hope this helps you.

Steven Gordon
Wife's 2K Vitara Carekeeper

[riceboy1701e]

ST:

If I had actually read your entire post, I would have seen your post near the end about a T35 Torx. Check Autozone or your favorite parts store to see if they have a size between T30 and T40. I will do so myself.

Steve Gordon
Wife's 2K Vitara Carekeeper

[SoftTopTracker]

Thanks for the post.

To follow-up on my earlier cry for help. I did eventually get the cam positioning sensor replaced. It did require a mirror and I did discover the bolt is a Torx 30 head.

I bought the sensor from AdvanceAutoParts and it did not work (now I believe the problem was with the person installing it--me). I took it back and bought the part from AutoZone for the web price (cheaper at $72--print out web page) and was able to get it working. Note that the part has a ridge (for lack of a better word) that must align with a slot inside the valve cover. Getting this to line up is a bit tricky and took me about 50 tries (no kidding). Use the mirror and keep trying until the part seats flushly. If you are off the car won't start. Once you get it right--it will crank up fine and will not sputter and stall any longer when it gets hot.

[riceboy1701e]

ST:

Thank YOU for the helpful information! I will go out and get that Torx 30 and order the part for my wife. Will let you know...

Steven Gordon
Wife's 2K Vitara Carekeeper

[Max]

This it? (Click on "More info" to see pic).
2000 CHEVROLET TRACKER Camshaft Synchronizer