Q: How does the camshaft position sensor operate for Chevrolet C1500 and K1500?
A: The camshaft position sensor operates similarly to the Crankshaft Position Sensor, producing a signal pulse once every two crankshaft revolutions. It works alongside with the crankshaft position sensor to determine when fuel is injected in each cylinder. Only models made between 1996 and 2000 have a camshaft position sensor. The sensor is located within the distributor, so it is important to check at the connector terminals and wires going to the sensor for looseness or breaks in them. Before checking the operation of this device, it is important to test the voltage supply from the underhood electrical center. First, unplug the electrical connector, then connect your voltmeter's positive lead to pink wire terminal by connecting your negative lead to a good ground point on engine. When we turn on ignition key, reading must be approximately 12.0 volts. If this voltage is not right, wiring should be checked from sensor harness connector to underhood electrical center and repaired if necessary. To test if sensor is working properly reconnect the connector and back probe brown/white wire terminal of sensor connector using suitable probe. Attach positive lead of voltmeter to probe while negative lead will go to a good engine ground point. Set up meter for AC volts scale and start cranking engine over. The reading should indicate about 5.0 volts ac or slightly less than that figure indicated above in order for you get reliable data out of that setup. Replacing campshaft position sensors entails replacement of cap and rotor that holds battery cable together with disconnecting negative terminal cable from battery distributor case respectively as an initial step in the process; hence leading to removal of below parts- square notch which aligns reluctor (notched wheel) with respect to its relative position vis-à-vis oppositional plates inside its housing etc. Finally reinstalling everything just like before by applying thread locking compound around screw holes used during this operation.- But make sure that these screws are not over-tightened; only use enough force as required to secure them tightly in place.