Cleared OBD codes then my 96 Volvo wagon with 2.4 20 Valve will not start. Recheck codes and it informs me that the cam sensor needs to be replaced. I installed a new cam sensor and it starts. Is this just bad luck or could clearing codes effect the cam sensor?

 

Sorry to hear about your troubles, no clearing the codes will have nothing to do with a mechanical failure. The codes just tell you where the problem is or where to start looking. Stay positive you just saved yourself some money by doing the repair yourself and hopefully it will run without any problems for some time.

 

Per Jbuck, you can't do any damage clearing codes if you're doing it right. If you were using a scan tool to do the reset you can't really do it wrong. If you were following some on line directions and jumping connections manually then ..... maybe.

The question is, why were you clearing the codes and what codes did you have ??
Did you have a driveability issue to begin with ??

The other thing is the computer can "see" a problem in the making and can record it but not all manufacturers ECMs do. It's called different things by different people, soft fault, pending code, pending Diagnostic Trouble Code ... clearing the codes may have moved that soft problem to a hard fault that could be read. The chances are if you used a scan tool to do the erase, it was just bad timing and the cam sensor would have failed anyway.

 

I believe it was po410. I replaced the MAF sensor and did not clear the code. I used a OTC scan tool so I believe it was just time for the cam sensor to be replaced..