I have a 2005 Expedition. The engine light went on. The book code said "emissions" . I took it into the dealership and they said the problem was the sensor near the camshaft. From my internet research I'm thinking it is the Cam Positioning Senor. Is my hunch likely correct? The engine seems to run fine. I believe the engine light was activated because I found that the oil level was down 2 qts. I can't figure why the level was down since I only had 4k and 3 mo since last oil change.

Here is my problem. The dealership said that the part is cheap but since the sensor is in a difficult place that the labor estimate to r & r was $1,300.

I do not want to pay the $1,300 right now. The car seems to be running okay. Is it possible to continue to drive the car with the light on?

 

Service Engine Soon light wont come on for low oil level. For $1300 it sounds like more than a cam position sensor (CMP). What code did they pull?

 

Just got off the phone with the Tech. He said they are not sure what the problem is but would have to access the timing belt area to see. The estimate just to get there (look for real problem) is $1,300. I asked to get the codes and he will get them to me later today. I will post the codes when I get them.

btw they did reset the alert but after a mile on the road the alert came back on.

It would seem that if there's been damage to the engine because of low oil, then the damage is already done and replacing the CPS would simple reset the sensor/computer. Correct? So if there is no apparent problem in the engine's performance then what is the problem with running the car with the alert on?

Call me cheap, but in the old days you wouldn't tear apart an engine because of a sensor.

 

Sounds like they're chasing a VCT problem. They want to pull the valve covers to check for cam bearing damage and oil pressure loss to the VCT solenoid and phaser. If the cam bearings are scored, you're out an engine. If they are OK, youre probably looking at VCT phasers. Chances are they have any of the following P0340/P0345, P0344/P0349, P0011,P0022, possibly rich or lean codes, maybe a misfire or two. Lets hear what they say.

 

The Ford tech said the codes are P0345 and P0349. The tech said that its possible the car could start stalling or it could run properly for years.

 

Could be bad phasers, or a bad engine.