Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1996 Nissan-Datsun Sentra BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
- CMP sensor is located inside distributor. If a fault is present in CMP sensor, see P0340, CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR in the TESTS W/CODES article.
- To test CMP sensor, remove distributor. Leave wiring harness connected. Using a voltmeter, connect negative lead to ground and alternately connect positive lead to 1° signal terminal and 120°/180° signal terminal. See CMP SENSOR INPUT SIGNAL TERMINALS table. See appropriate CMP sensor self-diagnostic test in the TESTS W/CODES article.
- Measure voltages at both terminals while rotating distributor by hand. Voltage should fluctuate between 0-5 volts. If either voltage signal does not fluctuate between 0-5 volts, check harness for short or open circuit. If no problems are found, replace CMP sensor.
CMP SENSOR INPUT SIGNAL TERMINALS
| Application | 1° Signal | 120°/180° Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Sentra | 3 | 4 |
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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