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2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 2dr Conv 5-Spd Manual

2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Trim Info:
Rear Wheel Drive, 2 Door Convertible, Two Seater
23 mpg city / 28 mpg hwy
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December 11, 2012, 6:27 am

Kimberly M
 

Question: What does the camshaft sensor do for the car and if it is bad would this make the car not start.

car has been broke down for four months now. a friend hooked a machine up to it and obviously the car was not on because it will not start, it sounds like it wants to start but won't just keeps turning over and over, the machine says bad camshaft sensor. is this correct and is the machine actually work if the car is not on. The part cost $400.00 and I'd hate to pay that if it's not the real problem. So if the camshaft sensor is bad would this actually prevent the car from starting


December 12, 2012, 8:34 pm

Tyler O
Expert Mechanic

You can probably get one used for less than that. It will throw the code if the engine is turning and it doesn't detect the signal.

It could also be a problem with the wiring to the sensor, or the mechanical timing could be off. Make sure they are both okay before replacing the sensor.


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