How to Change the Cam Shaft Sensor on a '98 Dodge Stratus

The Dodge Stratus debuted in the 1995 model year as a part of Chryslers top-to-bottom overhaul of all of its lineups. The 1998 Stratus came standard with a 132-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine that used a small sensor called the camshaft position sensor to monitor the rotation of the camshaft. The powertrain control module takes the data from the camshaft sensor, in the form of voltage spikes and valleys, and uses that information to synchronize the fuel injection system. Changing the 1998 Stratuss camshaft sensor requires removing the resonator and air filter outlet tube, but overall it is a straightforward task.

Instructions

Loosen the two bolts securing the air inlet resonator, the large plastic component that the air filter outlet tube connects to, using a ratchet and socket. Lift upward on the resonator and find the clamp securing the resonator to the throttle body. Loosen the clamp with a Phillips screwdriver.

Slacken the hose clamp securing the air filter outlet tube to the air filter hosing, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the air filter outlet tube from the air filter housing.

Pull the oil separator tube from the air filter outlet tube using a slight twisting motion. Remove the air filter outlet tube and resonator from the engine compartment, exposing the camshaft position sensor.

Unplug the wiring harness from the engine coolant temperature sensor -- the sensor directly in front of the camshaft position sensor. Unplug the camshaft position sensors wiring harness.

Remove the screws securing the camshaft position sensor using a ratchet and socket. Note the positioning of the sensor on the cylinder head and then remove the sensor, exposing the camshaft magnet underneath.

Remove the screw securing the camshaft magnet to the camshaft using a ratchet and Allen-bit socket. Pull the magnet from the end of the camshaft.

Line up the dowel pins on the new camshaft magnet, which comes with the new camshaft position sensor, with the locating holes on the end of the camshaft; then position the magnet on the camshaft. Tighten the magnets retaining bolt to 30 inch-pounds using an inch-pound torque wrench and Allen-bit socket.

Place the camshaft sensor back onto the cylinder head in the same position it was in prior to removal. Thread its retaining screws by hand, then torque the screws to 80 inch-pounds. Connect the camshaft position sensor wiring harness, then the engine temperature coolant sensor harness.

Press the air filter outlet tube onto the outlet on the air filter box, then tighten the hose clamp to between 20 and 30 inch-pounds.

Guide the resonators hose onto the inlet on the throttle body and tighten the hose clamp to between 20 and 30 inch-pounds.

Set the resonator in place on top of the engine, aligning its bolt holes with those on top of the engine. Snug the resonators retaining screws with a ratchet and socket. Press the oil separator tube into its inlet in the air filter outlet tube.