Camshaft Angle Sensor / Signal Problem

[crizby]

1995 GPX auto
Long story short, the car wont start. It has fuel and cranks fine Cambelt/Timing is OK.

The engine splutters when cranking so I checked the spark today, and only 1 [cyl 2&5 closest to cam belt]] of the 3 coilpacks is producing spark! I pulled the plug of this coil and If I attach it to the other coils they spark well so I am guessing its a signal problem to the other coils.

Did a diagnostic check and got a Code 23 Camshaft position sensor no other codes.

My questions are>
1/ Could this [the cam sensor] be the problem, if one of the packs is still obviously getting a signal?
2/ I have now removed the camshaft sensor, it does look like it has been lightly damaged before, but has worked fine in the time I have owned it, is there a way/procedure to test it [didnt find anything with a quick search]?
3/ If this is not the problem, any other ideas on what it could be?

Thanks, any leads will be appreciated.

[Bennoz]

No harm in trying another sensor. Im suer one of the kids will be along shortly that have spares.

[crizby]

Thanks for the help, have posted WTB

[crizby]

The Cam sensor was not the problem, Its been replaced with a new one, however the car has the same issue. If anyone has any ideas [even a stab in the dark] Im willing to try it as this is a pretty frustrating problem for what is otherwise a very good car.

[Bennoz]

Just checking you read long flashes then short to get the code? Aka code 23 could actually be 32, Vac sensor? I've made that mistake before!

The cam angle sensor pickup plate on the front cam gear is ok? All 4 tabs present & not bent?

Bit odd that you're only getting signal to one coilpack.... if you hook a multimetre into the wires that fire other 2 packs do you get anything reading at all when cranking? If you do, you may actually have 2 dead coilpacks? Long shot I know..

Dunno, just trying to throw a few things out there. I'll have a scratch round on the UK forum for similar symptoms.

[Dras]

Suppose it could also be the wiring between the sensor and the ECU.

[crizby]

Its a 23 for sure, I had to check for the long V short flashes a few times as well!
The cam angle plate looks to be in good condition. I tried to start the car with the sensor off and it has the same amount of spark if the sensor is or is not connected.. so im not sure if it is actually doing anything?!

No signals to the other 2 coilpacks. I tested the non firing packs and they both operate fine with the wire that gets signal.

Could it be a dead / failing ECU? I will go and check the wiring now.

Thanks for the help as well! This one little problem has been eating me for the last 48 hrs!