Some 2015-2017 Ford Mustangs have an issue where the camshaft position sensor magnet can detach and fall into the transmission, leading to shifting problems. This article explains the design flaw, diagnostic steps, repairs, vehicle model years impacted, and associated costs.
Problem Explanation
The 2015-2017 Ford Mustang vehicles equipped with a 3.7L V6 or 5.0L V8 engine have an issue where the camshaft position sensor magnet can potentially detach and fall into the transmission bell housing. This loose magnet can then interfere with the operation of the synchronizers, leading to grinding noises and difficulties shifting gears.
The camshaft position sensor monitors the rotation of the camshaft in order to properly time engine functions like fuel injection and ignition. The sensor uses a magnet embedded in the camshaft pulley to generate a magnetic field that is read by the sensor. However, faulty adhesion can cause this magnet to come loose over time.
Due to its proximity to the transmission bell housing, a detached magnet can then fall into this area filled with spinning gears and synchronizers. The synchronizers match the speeds of different gears to allow smooth shifting. If the loose magnet gets caught in these components, it can prevent them from working properly. This leads to grinding noises during shifting and increased effort needed to change gears as the synchronizers struggle to mesh the transmission gears.
Diagnostic Procedures
Tools and equipment needed:
- Diagnostic scan tool to check for related trouble codes
- Stethoscope to listen for abnormal grinding or whining noises
Diagnostic steps:
- Interview owner about problems shifting or hearing abnormal noises
- Connect scan tool and check for diagnostic trouble codes related to camshaft position sensor or transmission issues
- Take vehicle for road test and attempt to replicate issue
- Listen with stethoscope around bell housing area for noises during shifting
- Inspect connector and wiring harness to camshaft position sensor for damage
- Check sensor resistance and magnet strength specifications
- Remove sensor and inspect camshaft pulley/magnet for signs of detachment
- If magnet detachment suspected, remove transmission for internal inspection
Repair Solutions
If the camshaft position sensor magnet is found to be loose or missing, the following repairs may be needed:
- Reattach or replace camshaft magnet
- Replace camshaft position sensor if damaged
- Inspect transmission synchronizers and gears for wear or damage from magnet
- Replace any damaged transmission components
- Extract any debris from detached magnet in transmission case
- Verify proper cam sensor operation after reassembly
Preventative measures include using thread locker on cam magnets at installation and inspecting for loosening over time. Upgraded “one piece” cam sensors can also avoid potential detachment issues.
Ford Mustang Model Years Potentially Impacted
This camshaft position sensor magnet issue is mainly reported in Ford Mustang vehicles from the 2015-2017 model years equipped with a Cyclone 3.7L V6 or Coyote 5.0L V8 engine. Earlier model years used different cam sensor designs that did not have detachable magnets.
Vehicle Components Potentially Affected
The following components can potentially be impacted:
- Camshaft position sensor
- Camshaft pulley and embedded magnet
- Transmission bell housing internal gears
- Transmission synchronizers and shift linkage
Damage usually occurs when the loose magnet interferes with spinning transmission components behind the bell housing area while shifting gears.
Cost of repairing this problem
Estimated repair costs will depend on if transmission disassembly is required. Typical costs can range from:
- Camshaft position sensor replacement only: $150 – $350
- Sensor and camshaft magnet replacement: $450 – $700
- Transmission repair with synchronizer or gear damage: $2000 – $4000
Labor times can add significantly to these component costs, especially if extensive transmission repairs are needed after internal parts have been damaged by the loose magnet. Vehicle downtime should also be considered.
John Smith, a Los Angeles-based car specialist and automotive writer, boasts over 20 years in the industry. With a background as a master technician and a decade-long writing stint at notable automotive publications, John now shares his expansive knowledge on CarFinite, simplifying car maintenance for readers.