Pelican Technical Article: Engine Sensor Replacement Wayne R. Dempsey
Time: 1-3 hrs
Tab: $3-$900
Talent:
Tools:
-
Applicable Models:
986 Boxster (1997-04) 987 Boxster (2005-08)
Parts Required:
Engine sensors
Hot Tip:
Check the codes first prior to replacing sensors
Performance Gain:
Optimal running engine
Complementary Modification:
Replace oxygen sensors
This article is one in a series that have been released in conjunction with Wayne's new book, 101 Performance Projects for Your Porsche Boxster. The book contains 312 pages of full color projects detailing everything from performance mods to changing your brake pads. With more than 950+ full-color glossy photos accompanying extensive step-by-step procedures, this book is required reading in any Boxster owner's collection. The book is currently available and in stock now. See The Official Book Website for more details.
Check out some other sample projects from the book:
I've split this article up into various photos of the sensors and their locations on the engines so that you can easily find them when you need to replace them. The ambient air temperature sensor measures the air temperature in the engine compartment. This tells the DME computer how hot it is inside the engine compartment, so that the engine compartment fan can be turned on or off. This sensor is simply held in place by a rubber grommet that is attached to the intake manifold on the right side of the engine near the air pump.
The coolant temperature sensor is located on the pulley side of the engine off to the left side of the car near the cylinder head. This sensor measures the temperature of the coolant and is used to adjust mixture levels as the engine begins to heat up to optimum operating temperature.
Shown by the blue arrow is the oil level sensor / oil temperature sensor. This is a somewhat unique sensor in that it contains both level and temperature sensing functions within a single unit. Next to it is the knock sensor (purple arrow). There is one installed on both the left and right side of the engine block. Located under the intake manifold, both of these sensors are relatively difficult to get to (you need to remove the intake tubes to access them: see Pelican Technical Article: Starter Replacement).
This photo shows the group of sensors located on the right rear of the engine. The purple arrow shows the crank angle sensor or flywheel sensor, which reads the toothed flywheel as it rotates past the sensor (harness plug shown by yellow arrow). The orange arrow shows the camshaft timing advance solenoid (red arrow is the connector). You can access the sensor / solenoid from underneath the car, and the electrical connections from the engine compartment.
Shown here is the camshaft position sensor. There is one located on the top of the left cylinder head towards the front, and one on the right cylinder head towards the rear for the 5-chain motors used up to about 2001. For 2002 and later 3-chain motors, the sensor is located on the top of the left cylinder head towards the rear, and on the right cylinder head towards the front.
This photo shows the oil pressure sender / switch. Located on the right side cylinder head, the oil pressure sender is installed if your are upgrading your instrument cluster to the 996 Carrera one (see Pelican Technical Article: 996 Gauge Cluster Upgrade). Normally, a simple emergency switch is installed in this location (inset photo, upper right). Use a new sealing ring if you replace this part.
Comments: Aloha Wayne & Pelican Parts-
I have an '01 Boxster. My problem started when it wouldn't start up. The battery seemed to have enough power & cranked the engine but, it just wouldn't start.
A half hour it started.
I thought maybe it was a weak battery so I replaced the battery.
Upon starting the car I noticed my idle was irregular, i.e. the tach/rpm would surge up & down. When I depress the accelerator it seems to run smooth.
Could it be the oxygen sensor or idle air control?
Thanks so much for always sharing!
take care- leigh
October 3, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Yup, unfortunately it could be one of a hundred things. I would check the fuel injection trouble codes - the computer is bound to be putting out some errors that will assist you in figuring out the problem. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
willie
Comments: Hi I,m looking for a camshaft timing advanced solenoide which is pictured in your photes, i cant seem too find one, as mine has wires broken off.
September 5, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: This camshaft solenoid is used to advance the timing of the camshafts, and there is a different one for the left or right banks:
996-605-901-00 Solenoid Valve for cylinder 1-2-3
996-605-902-00 Solenoid Valve for cylinder 4-5-6
Both of these can be ordered from our catalog, at the bottom or this page: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/986M/POR_986M_ENGcam_pg2.htm
- Wayne at Pelican Parts
agogo
Comments: Hi,
My 987.1 S show Failure oil level indicator when I started my car and after the 6 seconds oil level checking. Should I replace the oil level sender. This problem is exist on last week after my engind overheat at 120 degree for one minunite because of my car don't have enough coolant. What should I do, hope anyone can teach me!
July 23, 2011
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Hmm, this sender can sometimes fail or give bad readings when coolant mixes with the oil. I would pull the sender and replace it, or at least try removing it to clean it. Then see if the error message is still there. Also check your oil and coolant for signs of them mixing together (which is bad). - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Check out some other sample projects from the book:
