DIY: Volvo 850 T5 Camshaft Sensor Replacement

Difficulty Level

Tools/Supplies Needed:

• new camshaft sensor
• T40 torx socket
• ratchet set

Procedure:

• open the hood of your vehicle
• disconnect the harness which is located directly under the distributor caps, depress steel clip and pull plug straight apart
• the camshaft sensor is located on the distributor side of the motor, to the rear of the valve cover under the top motor mount
• remove the vacuum lines in the bracket which comes off when the lower bolt is removed for the camshaft position sensor
• remove the two torx bolts which are a T40
• the sensor should pull straight out
• assembly in reverse of disassembly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is the reason for the replacement?

The part was faulty on the car. If your vehicle's engine will turn over, but not start, then this can be the possible issue.

Should I disconnect the battery when replacing the sensor?

Technically the circuit is off when the key is off, but it is good practice to disconnect the battery when working with electrical components.

Video tutorial on how to replace the camshaft sensor of a Volvo 850 equipped with a 5 cylinder. If your vehicle has no spark, hard starts, or is running rough, this could possible be the culprit of the problem. This particular tutorial was done on a 1996 Volvo 850 turbo.