Ford 3.0L Camshaft Position Sensor

i need to know how to check the Camshaft Position Sensor on my ranger if there is such a way, if not i am kinda curious as to the cost to have a garage do it. i'm not sure that it is the camshaft position sensor, but i hear a very slight squealing from the engine. you gotta be outside the truck to hear it. its got me a little worried and any info on the subject would help. i'm not to knowledgeable on motor and timing things, so simple terms please lmao. but i just wanna know if i should worry about the camshaft position sensor, or if there would be a check engine light or other indication that would narrow it down. all comments or info is greatly appreciated.

 

Well you have definately found the weak spot of these little engines the cam synchro is generally recomended to be replaced evry 60,000 miles. Neither the sensor or the shaft is a hard task and definately not worth paying a shop to do it my mechanic wanted about $250 for it last year but you can get the part at auto zone or advance anywhere from $55 to $65. There is actually a how to on this site the hardest part is getting the engine to top dead center but the crankshaft pulley is marked with hashes to get it there or on the shaft itself if you pull the sensor off the top and you can remember or mark the position of the sensor probe on the top you can do it with out getting it to TDC. You wont get a check engine light its not something thats monitored by the system but it does drive your oil pump (very important). Which brings be to your second question if its squeking then its the shaft that needs to be replaced if it was the sensor your truck wouldnt even run. I did mine in about 30 mins so if you need help or pics let me know and ill tear mine apart and get some pics. also to make it last a little longer id suggest a little heavy duty gear grease on that cheap plastic gear that connects to the camshaft. Also if it is the cam synchro the squeal will change with engine speed. Also if its got more than 60,000 miles id definately change it just to be safe seeing as it runs the oil pump.