Exhaust side cam position sensor

[Meestahbig]

Hi,

any tips on how to get the plug off the exhaust side cam sensor. The damn thing is hard and the tabs are tight. it's hard to squeeze it and pull it off.

I don't want to break that plug. I already replace the intake side sensor, trying to trouble shoot very intermittent stalling with no check engine light or codes coming up... almost thinking maybe to just leave the exhaust side alone.

car has 188k miles. I'm proud of that!!! I always honk at other E53 drivers, but none seem to share my enthusiasm. I drive the car because I do love it, maybe most other drive it because this is what is available to them financially???

anyway... the low speed stalling is scary in the city, New York City. Driver behind doesn't expect me to slow and stop to restart.

[andrewwynn]

It's prob easier to remove the sensor then disconnect where you have room to get a proper tool on the clips.

The symptoms say for sure cam sensor. The intake usually fails first then the exhaust.

On both out m54: intake failed about 130,000 mi. Exhaust failed about 180,000 on wife's, was still working at 205,000 on mine.

I would definitely replace the exhaust side sensor but also; if you didn't use OEM sensor for intake CPS replace with a proper sensor or that is likely the cause of your symptoms. I read about it quite regularly.

[Meestahbig]

thanks for the response. I thought about removing it, like you said. I might try that.

[Meestahbig]

I took off the sensor with a 5mm Allen key... I still struggled to get the damn plug off, but eventually it came loose. The clearance of the tabs is very very small, so even a little bit of dirt prevented me from pushing the tabs in enough. I cleaned with carb cleaner and used some aerokroil. using a small screwdriver and headlight, I was able to get it off... Install took 2 minutes, easy. Car is driving good. Gas mileage seems to be improved and maybe in my head, but seems like less vibration at the steering wheel while in drive and at idle. The steering wheel vibration was very bad when my CCV system was totally ruptured.

Hopefully, I get another 188k miles out of my new Cam Sensors... : )

[andrewwynn]

I leaned with n52 and n62 to use the trick of leave the plug in and remove the sensor to swap.

Mog change is placebo :-) enjoy it though. The not stalling while pulling into an intersection to turn left is super wonderful

[Meestahbig]

So, the failing sensor wouldn't affect fuel consumption.

I used to get high 400 per tank. Distance to empty would always be near 500 when full. Let's see.