Which Sensors Commonly Break After 60k Miles?

[thunderX]

This site is so helpful. I've been lurking for quite some time and have learned a lot about the X5. I do all my own maintenance and will be changing all coolant parts now that I'm at 65k- radiator, expansion tank, water pump, T-stat, all hoses, valley pan gasket, OSV, and all belts.

I would also like to replace the Sensors that typically break. I saw that there is a cam sensor to replace and a double-switch in the coolant system. What other sensors should I replace so I don't get stranded somewhere?

Thanks a bunch for any input.

2001 4.4 Sport
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[m5james]

Not necessarily break, but wear out...cam position sensor, MAF and maybe the pre-cat 02's. That's about all I can think of.

[thunderX]

Thanks, James, much appreciated. Do you know what happens if the cam sensor breaks, like will it leave you stranded?

[Weasel]

If/when they go out they lose signal and the engine loses cam timing for ignition timing... and it causes the engine to stall. It will restart immediately after but may stall again and/or feel weaker as you drive as the DME (engine computer) has to go off of default settings read just off of the crank sensor, and the cam timing advance would be deactivated as well.

[m5james]

What Weasel said

I've had both cam sensors and a MAF fail on my 7. The MAF is fairly easy to test by simply unplugging it and seeing if the car runs better or not...crude, but it works. The CPS will usually throw a code. Both parts can be found for under $100 each, so it's not too expensive to replace as preventative maintenance.

[killcrap]

theres a sensor in the trans that could fail, you should probably replace that too.

[thunderX]

Just to sum this up for future searches, these are the sensors to replace or buy as spares or for preventative maintenance:

1. Cam Position
2. MAF - ~$300; find one used as a spare to carry around
3. O2s - Front / pre-cat only
4. Tranny
5. Temperature switch

[m5james]

Originally Posted by thunderX

Just to sum this up for future searches, these are the sensors to replace or buy as spares or for preventative maintenance:

1. Cam Position
2. MAF
3. O2s
4. Tranny
5. Temperature switch

Just a note that the front/precat 02 sensors are the only ones that need to be replaced. The front ones feed the ECU air/fuel ratios, while the back ones are just there to confirm that the cats are actually in existance and will do nothing for performance.

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by thunderX

Just to sum this up for future searches, these are the sensors to replace or buy as spares or for preventative maintenance:

1. Cam Position
2. MAF
3. O2s
4. Tranny
5. Temperature switch

MAF is a fairly pricey part (about $300 for an OEM) to buy and have sitting around. Given a failure of the MAF is easy to work around (unplug it) I don't see any reason to buy one as a spare. I don't know about the other sensors as I've never had to replace them.

[thunderX]

Good clarification for the archives!