FiveHundred Camshaft Encoder Wheel Issue

I'm pulling my hair out! I've got a 2005 Ford FiveHundred with a gasoline engine, with about 80492 km on it. The check engine light is on, and it's starting really rough, like it's struggling to turn over. Then, sometimes, especially when it's cold, it just stalls at idle. I've been reading online, and it seems like a possible camshaft sensor issue? Could it be the encoder wheel?

4 comment(s)

A defective camshaft sensor can certainly cause those symptoms. Hard starts, stalling, and the check engine light are common indicators. Has the sensor itself been tested?

No, I haven't tested the sensor directly. I'm not entirely sure how to do that, to be honest. Where exactly is the camshaft position sensor on this engine? Is it easy enough to get to, or am I going to need some special tools? I'd hate to start tearing things apart and make it worse.

Without proper diagnostic tools, testing the sensor can be difficult. Given the symptoms and your description, a defective encoder wheel on the camshafts is a likely cause. Replacement of the camshafts, and therefore the encoder wheel, requires specialist tools. I would recommend having this checked by a workshop.

Okay, I appreciate the advice. I took it to a local shop, and they confirmed it was indeed the camshaft encoder wheel. The repair ended up costing me about 695€, but at least it's running smoothly again. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

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