Hi,

I just bought a 2006 IS350 Matador Red with 60k miles 2 weeks ago.

I was changing the spark plugs, I didn't remove the intake manifold to access the driver side plugs. Tried to follow the DIY for the IS350 spark plug service. I had not finished moving the harness, and stuck in my wrench to undo the first bolt.

I smacked a Cam Timing sensor- Or so I believe it is. The part from the dealer inventory just says "VALVE ASSY CAM T". Part number 15340-0P020. on the diagram, it's 15340(No. 2).

So they won't have it until Tuesday.

The parts guy didn't know too much about the part.

My question is: Would it be safe to start up the engine and drive until Tuesday when the part comes in? I assume it will just throw a check engine light, but wanted to get any other input in terms of... would anything not function like VVT-i etc?

Update 5/12/12 - 6pm - Well, I figured it's the same as if someone were to drive with the sensor disconnected from the wiring. And yes, it threw engine a check engine light and the screen by the odometer reads 'Check VSC', and the traction control symbol is now lighted up. It sseems to drive pretty normal, although I havent taken it over 4k rpm yet.


By sagebum99 at 2012-05-12

 

So what exactly did you break? Is there a connector going to that sensor or what? Got it fixed yet?

 

Those sensors are very delicate, I remember when working on Hondas I've had to reuse the crank position sensor (basically the same principal as this sensor) basically worked great before being taken off but no longer worked once I installed it on the new oil pump. So if he smacked it with his ratchet I'm pretty sure the sensor told him F U I'm going on permanent vacation.

 

I broke the electrical connection to the sensor. If you see in the picture, the sensor that's on the left has a black clip that connects to the sensor. The black clip on the broken sensor(the right one) is broken off and you can see a little yellow/green(whatever that color is, I'm color blind)

Here's the new part and the picture of the broken one still on the car.

The car seems to have been running fine for the past week.


By sagebum99 at 2012-05-18


By sagebum99 at 2012-05-18


By sagebum99 at 2012-05-18

 

So I was right. Sucks that it happened...but I'll ensure when I do my plugs that I be very careful around it.

 

Sagebum,

Did you replace the sensor yourself? I have a bit of a problem. While twisting the sensor to remove it, I actually broke off part of it and now I do not have any idea how to proceed. Any help is much appreciated.

jaf

 

^Well, if it is broken you'll need to replace it. From this picture it appears that the component is just pressed in since there are no threads on it anywhere :

 

If my memory serves me correctly, it was a little difficult to push in the new sensor due to the length. If you are comfortable, you can do what I did and undo some of the brackets and cables around where the sensor goes and see if that gives you enough space.

For me, I ended up removing what I believe is called the intake manifold (the plastic on top of the engine where it splits the intake into the 6 cylinders).

Do so at your own risk.

Another note, the sensor is just a push in, then it has a bracket that you bolt down.

 

Quick question, you shouldnt need to twist it to remove it. Was it already broken before you were trying to remove it?

 

I did the exact same thing ! How much did I it cost to fix diy ?
Thanks

 

^Just the purchase price for the sensor, assuming you have a 10mm socket wrench or box-end wrench.