Engine trouble

I

itzik

Member
Hi All,

I cannot find any info on this issue anywhere on the web, and I hope someone here can help.

My car started throwing code P0021 about two weeks ago. Took it to my indy mechanic and he said its la camshaft sensor error code, cleared it and said to come back if it returned (the car was running fine).

A week later, the code returned and the car is idling extremely rough (feels like the engine is trying to jump out of the car).

Took it to the dealer this time. The dealer says that they checked the sensors and they are fine, and therefore it is most likely the "left sprocket assembly" that needs replacing, and that it will cost $1500 to repair. (I asked how they know the sensors are fine, the service rep stated something about sending them voltage and something about the OHM, but TBH I did not fully understand).

They cannot guarantee that replacing the sprocket assembly will fix the problem and said it could be more serious, and may be the long block itself that needs to be replaced.

Does this seem reasonable to anyone? Anyone have a similar experience or knowledge they can share before I throw money away? Any help wpuld be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

-Itzik
 
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I would that the cheaper route first. The camshalft sensor is no more than $50 if you replace it yourself.
 
I would also go the cheapest route first, the dealer will always try to milk you. People there are trained to sell you something even if you dont need it that includes scaring you out of your current car to get you into a new one.
 
Have you checked the oil? The p0021 means "A" system overadvanced or system performance bank 2. Wich is the drivers side. And will pop up if you have no oil,bad oil filter or the wrong oil viscosity. I would change the oil first. Then change the sensor. Also besides the sensor you also have the camshaft solenoid up top held on by two screws that could be dirty. For example if whoever had this car before you or if you were really careless about oil changes and let it go to very long intervals. That sensor has oil screens that get clogged up with oil sludge and cause p0021 combined with a rough idle. Theres also a lil camshaft sprocket cover on that same side wich has a lil oil channel that gets clogged up aswell, very easy to remove and clean with brake cleaner & by blowing air through it then seal it with silicone. (Sprockets are rare to go bad unless you see it scratched up on the inside once you remove that front little cover cover.
 
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I appreciate everyone's help, and thanks especially to Themechanic. I'll follow your recommendations and hopefully that will get the car running correctly again. I did have the oil changed less than two weeks ago, but perhaps the service station used the incorrect oil? I will ask the dealer to change the oil regardless, should I also request an engine oil flush?
 
Hi,

I'm having the same issue, I'm almost due for an oil change so I'll get that done first.

But did the code ever come up for you or is it now gone?


Thanks
 
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