Using the DRB III to Calibrate a New Cam Sensor in the 4.0 Engine (2000-2006)

[rbronco21]

Got my ThinkDiag2 and hooked it up. Here are my results:

1. Installed an Echlin sensor since I heard good things about theirs, but got the same code so I swapped back to OEM a few days ago.
2. Today ThinkDiag2 showed a Cam Crank Difference of 5.5deg at idle that fluctuated up to 6.0deg while driving. Learned was 0.8deg.
3. Rotated OPDA to get a live reading around 0.1deg, set to relearn, and cleared my P0344 code.
4. Live data showed Difference going between 0.0 and 0.5deg and Learned set to 0deg. Hit the gas on a test drive and went into limp mode with P0344 again. Live data showed that Difference froze at 0.5deg and Cam Sync State changed from In Sync to Out Of Sync.

Is that 0.5deg of slop concerning? Is it causing a fault when it goes over some threshold? Any suggestions for next steps? My ideas are to follow the service manual and check ground and voltage at the camshaft and crankshaft sensors and PCM and try a replacement crankshaft sensor. I noticed the sensors look the same besides how they are mounted, so that makes me wonder if replacement crankshaft sensors have the same issues as the camshaft sensor.

 

[sab]

Three comments/questions:

1. How many miles on you engine? Don't overlook a mechanical problem. Have the cam drive chain and sprockets ever been changed? If those are worn, they can affect the sync. Not saying that's it, but it's one thing to investigate.
2. You don't say which sensor your replaced with the Echlin and then replaced back with the original sensor. Cam or crank position?
3. What made you decide to change that sensor?

 

[Bigfoot-NM]

0.5 degree difference is not a problem.

 

[MikeE024]

Got my ThinkDiag2 and hooked it up. Here are my results:

1. Installed an Echlin sensor since I heard good things about theirs, but got the same code so I swapped back to OEM a few days ago.
2. Today ThinkDiag2 showed a Cam Crank Difference of 5.5deg at idle that fluctuated up to 6.0deg while driving. Learned was 0.8deg.
3. Rotated OPDA to get a live reading around 0.1deg, set to relearn, and cleared my P0344 code.
4. Live data showed Difference going between 0.0 and 0.5deg and Learned set to 0deg. Hit the gas on a test drive and went into limp mode with P0344 again. Live data showed that Difference froze at 0.5deg and Cam Sync State changed from In Sync to Out Of Sync.

View attachment 520130

Is that 0.5deg of slop concerning? Is it causing a fault when it goes over some threshold? Any suggestions for next steps? My ideas are to follow the service manual and check ground and voltage at the camshaft and crankshaft sensors and PCM and try a replacement crankshaft sensor. I noticed the sensors look the same besides how they are mounted, so that makes me wonder if replacement crankshaft sensors have the same issues as the camshaft sensor.

Sounds like you dialed in the cam/crank difference after yanking the Napa part. So maybe the part would have worked if the difference was dialed in?

 

[rbronco21]

Three comments/questions:

1. How many miles on you engine? Don't overlook a mechanical problem. Have the cam drive chain and sprockets ever been changed? If those are worn, they can affect the sync. Not saying that's it, but it's one thing to investigate.
2. You don't say which sensor your replaced with the Echlin and then replaced back with the original sensor. Cam or crank position?
3. What made you decide to change that sensor?

It’s an ‘06 LJ with 66k. I hope it’s not mechanical so I’m trying to work through troubleshooting the camshaft sensor codes (P0344 and another has popped up in between the 4 or 5 code clears I’ve done, something like P0340, I remember it was just a few off the other and referenced the camshaft sensor).

I replaced the OEM camshaft position sensor (may have been replaced by the dealership under warranty when newish), but since that didn’t help I figured I should stick with the OEM sensor.

 

[MikeE024]

It’s an ‘06 LJ with 66k. I hope it’s not mechanical so I’m trying to work through troubleshooting the camshaft sensor codes (P0344 and another has popped up in between the 4 or 5 code clears I’ve done, something like P0340, I remember it was just a few off the other and referenced the camshaft sensor).

I replaced the OEM camshaft position sensor (may have been replaced by the dealership under warranty when newish), but since that didn’t help I figured I should stick with the OEM sensor.

I’d hold on to the dealer camshaft position sensor if it’s a Mopar…I thought those have been unavailable for years.

 

[HiHoSilver]

Wild! I won't be replacing the original cps. Lol. However, would I need to re-learn the old cps? The scanner I have is the XTOOL D6S which I am hopeful is capable.

 

[toddw706]

Can I use that tool to relearn my 05? I’m getting ready to install a new engine and will have to relearn the CPS. Is it difficult to do

Wild! I won't be replacing the original cps. Lol. However, would I need to re-learn the old cps? The scanner I have is the XTOOL D6S which I am hopeful is capable.

earn e

 

[HiHoSilver]

I'm not sure but your scanner probably would work. I would try it first before removing the cps. I used the Autel MK808BT to calibrate. Installation was easy except for reinstalling the hold down bolt.

 

[toddw706]

I'm not sure but your scanner probably would work. I would try it first before removing the cps. I used the Autel MK808BT to calibrate. Installation was easy except for reinstalling the hold down bolt.

This is going to be on a new engine. There won’t be an existing cps. I know installing the physical cps won’t be hard. What I’m about is the relearn process.

 

[HiHoSilver]

As long as you are TDC, there shouldn't be a problem. Hopefully, another member would share some info since it's a new engine.

 

[sab]

@toddw706, perhaps you could provide a bit more detail to get some assistance. Are you wondering if you need to perform a re-learn, or do you know you have to, and are just looking for a tool that can do so? Depending on your answer to that question, there could be additional questions that need answers to get you the information you seek.

 

[toddw706]

@toddw706, perhaps you could provide a bit more detail to get some assistance. Are you wondering if you need to perform a re-learn, or do you know you have to, and are just looking for a tool that can do so? Depending on your answer to that question, there could be additional questions that need answers to get you the information you seek.

It’s a brand new engine. That being said I know it’s going to need a relearn.

 

[sab]

It’s a brand new engine. That being said I know it’s going to need a relearn.

So you're simply looking for a tool to do that?

 

[toddw706]

So you're simply looking for a tool to do that?

To calibrate the cps. Yes

 

[sab]

Most code readers will be able to display the Cam/Crank Offset Learned value and the live Cam/Crank Offset value. The learned value is already in the PCM (whatever it remembered prior to your engine swap). If both are very close to zero, you don't need to do anything. If the current value is not close to zero, you'd benefit by rotating the OPDA to get it close to zero. You can do that while it's running. If learned is already close to zero, you don't need to perform a re-learn after you rotate the OPDA. If it's not, you'll need to perform a re-lean. Earlier in this thread, several people reported success disconnecting the battery after adjusting it, and the PCM will automatically re-learn the offset, along with all the other adaptive parameters. Otherwise, you need a bi-directional scanner to perform a forced re-learn while keeping all the other adaptive parameters. There were several mentioned earlier in this thread, but I don't recall the specifics. Perhaps others will add what they've used - I have a DRB III, so I don't use an aftermarket tool on my LJ.

 

[toddw706]

Thanks a bunch. Bet that’s nice have your own DRB. They are crazy expensive on eBay.

 

[All 4 Wheelin']

I used a thinkdiag2 from thinkcar. $125 at amazon. It has bi directional functionality.