Peugeot 406 Camshaft Sensor Issue

Greetings. The symptoms you describe suggest a potential issue with the camshaft position sensor. The poor starting, stalling at idle, and illumination of the check engine light are all consistent with such a fault. It is imperative to ascertain whether the encoder wheel on the camshaft exhibits any defects, as this can disrupt the signal received by the sensor. I recall a similar predicament I encountered several years ago with my Saab 9-5 Aero, where a faulty crankshaft sensor induced analogous operational anomalies. I would be inclined to examine the correlation between the camshaft and crankshaft sensor signals, as any discrepancy could indicate a misalignment or defect within the engine control system.

Thanks for the reply! Encoder wheel defects? Is that something I can check myself, or does it need special tools? Also, how do I check the camshaft and crankshaft sensor signals? I'm not really a mechanic, so I'm not sure what to look for.

Given your self-professed lack of mechanical expertise, attempting to inspect the encoder wheel or analyze sensor signals independently is inadvisable. Such endeavors may necessitate specialized diagnostic equipment and a comprehensive understanding of engine control systems. Furthermore, imprudent manipulation of these components could inadvertently exacerbate the existing issue or precipitate ancillary complications. I, therefore, advocate seeking the counsel of a qualified automotive technician for a thorough diagnostic evaluation. It is plausible that the camshaft sensor is indeed the source of the malfunction; however, a comprehensive assessment is necessary to preclude the presence of any latent mechanical or electrical aberrations.

Okay, thanks for the advice. I took it to a local mechanic, and you were right, it was a faulty camshaft sensor. Apparently, the encoder wheel was damaged as well. Had to replace the whole thing, cost me 695€, but at least it's running smoothly again!