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[MAX]

I have just done a paper clip test and got the following code 10 then 3 then 4 then 10 again can anyone tell me what this means before i done the test the chap at the garage reckons i need a new crank shaft sensor do you think this is right. Thanks

[rickyboy]

You need a new camshaft sensor not crank sensor.  You could try cleaning it and its mating surfaces first.  If not replace.  Has your timing belt been changed recently?

[MAX]

yes about 2 months ago

[rickyboy]

Has the engine management light been on since the cambelt change?

[MAX]

no but it did come on for a few mins so the guy at the garage cleaned out the throttle body cause i was losing a bit of power and that seemed to sort it out and i have just been down to somerset with no probs

[rickyboy]

It could be that the sensor has failed or it may be that the sensor has just not been torqued up properly or could be a problem with the timing.  The fact that the belt has been changed so recently kind of points towards the timing.  Did he change the tensioners as well (very important in these cars) and that the indicator is pointing at the right part for old or new belts?

[MAX]

would the tensioners come with the cam belt kit?

[rickyboy]

Just to add...

...when the EML (Engine Management Light) was on after he changed the belt it probably was the camshaft sensor at fault.  You lose power when the EML is lit because it sends the car into LOS (Limited Operation Strategy) mode.  

Cleaning the throttle body is a good idea anyway - you probably would have needed it done at some point.  Can't help thinking though that the timing may need checked.

[rickyboy]

Tensioners would come with a full cambelt kit, so they should have been changed at the same time.  

[MAX]

i did get the full kit fitted, do you think it is worth getting the camshaft sensor done anyway as i have booked it in for tomorrow

[rickyboy]

Depends on how much it is going to cost really.  I'd hate to say yes when there is a possibility there is nothing wrong with the sensor itself.  The camshaft sensor is prone to failure on the 2 litre but the sensors do serve a purpose so when the ecu logs a fault it's not always just a case of a faulty sensor.  

When you had the cambelt changed, was it changed due to the EML being on or just changed at its interval?

[MAX]

it is gonna cost about 80 quid, just changed at an interval

[rickyboy]

If you do get the sensor changed make sure it is a genuine vauxhall sensor as the generic ones can often fail from new.  I'm still a little suspicious that the camshaft sensor code has only appeared after the recent timing belt change.

[MAX]

maybe i should have said this earlier but i booted it to work this morning in sport mode and it was after this that it happened

[rickyboy]

Did the EML come on at about 4500rpm?  If so it does sound like the cam sensor.  If you have the cam sensor replaced tomorrow and the light goes out and stays out you'll know it's the sensor.  It is worth getting the sensor changed as it is a common failure on the 2 litre.  If the light comes back on though you'll need to get the timing checked.