How to Replace a Camshaft Position Sensor on a 2004 Nissan Maxima

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

Having trouble getting your car to turn over as quickly as it should? Maybe you think it's the alternator or battery? Maybe it's your camshaft position sensor!^{[1]
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Research source} This particular problem isn't just a Nissan issue. While the location may be different, the process will be much the same.

Steps

1
Verify that your car (if it isn't a Nissan Maxima 2004) even has one (or more). The Maxima has 2 of them; the right and the left one. Both are on the right side of the engine.^{[2]
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Research source} Locate them before you start working on them.
2
Remove any parts that you need to. If you are replacing the Bank 1 sensor, you will need to take off a couple of hoses to access it.

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3
Using your wrench (socket wrench for the bank 1 sensor) remove the 10mm screw that holds the sensor to the engine.
4
Pull out the sensor. Pull out the sensor and wiring harness from the area that it is fastened to.
5
Take the channel locks and carefully, but firmly, press down the mechanism to release the sensor. While the image doesn't show the sensor attached, this was the method used to remove it.
6
Pull out the sensor. It will be a bit dirty, but you should know that, as an aspiring backyard mechanic.
7
Perform any maintenance that you need to do. Clean the area up (always a good idea) and use any lubricants that you deem necessary.
8
Plug in the sensor.
9
Replace the sensor and the screw.
10
Replace any hoses that you removed.
11
Start your car. It should start up fine now.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I clean an MAF sensor?

Community Answer

There is a special spray product that is designed for use in cleaning mass air flow sensors. Remove the portion of the intake where the sensor is positioned, and spray onto the contacts with the spray. This spray can be purchased at auto parts retailers and other similar stores.
Question

How do I tell if my crank sensor went bad in my 2004 Nissan Maxima?

Community Answer

Your tachometer will probably bottom out from time to time, and your engine may rev unevenly when you're driving.

Things You'll Need

10mm wrench
10mm socket wrench
Channel locks
Shop light
Camshaft position sensor (Bank 1 or Bank 2)
- Bank 1 is closer to the driver and the firewall
- Bank 2 is nearer the front of the engine compartment
Magnetic retriever (for if you drop anything)