I have a 98 T5 that decided not to start today and after doing a quick diagnosis seems that there is no spark to the plugs. Wires, cap, rotor are all nearly new, so that is not the problem. So its probably the cam or crank sensor but I dont want to just throw money at it and hope for the best. Is there any symptom difference between the two when diagnossing this no spark problem? I think both can cause the no spark condition, but it seems from the archives that the cam sensor is the likely culprit here but it's almost triple the cost of the crank sensor. Any thoughts?

1998 S70 T5 5 speed

 

Someone recently posted a thread about how to test the cam sensor. Maybe you can look at a few of those threads.

 

Either of those sensors failing usually sets a code; have any?

And why did you rule out the ignition coil?

 

Replaced the cam sensor and all is well again. But could they have buried it in there any further behind all the hoses and wires?

 

A note about crankshaft sensors: These sensors control fuel delivery when or if it senses crank rotation.I have experienced "temporary" failure of these on below 40 degree days. After it warms the car would start. many people have replaced the sensor at the thermostat hsg. to correct what they viewed a cold start problem. Symptoms were vehicle would start then die (ran for 2 seconds) with no further indications of it starting. If i sprayed fuel into the injection it would run for a few seconds. Checking for spark was positive. SO, if you experience hard start, have spark..you can suspect the crank sensor. Additional test info>> Ohm reading could in area of >200 ohms, <50 ohms

 

To add a little excitement to mine, one of the screws was stripped. I was in a dorm parking lot and 150 miles from home. Had to drill out the head of the screw with a speed handle with a drill bit tapped to the end of a socket. Took me about 45 minutes just to get that screw out alone.