Need to fix a camshaft position sensor on an 01 ford ranger 3.0

In the link

https://www.google.com/search?q=1990+ford+ranger+2.3+camshaft+position+sensor+location

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Ford offered 3 different engines on the Ranger in 97. Which one do you have?

Hi Rusty, There's two links below showing the position of 2005 Ford Explorer Crankshaft Position Sensor and the 2008 ford edge camshaft sensor location. It seems like they're all in the same position, I hope this helps.....CHEERS
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2005 Ford Explorer Crankshaft Position Sensor Location

2008 ford edge camshaft sensor location

It is behind the intake manifold in the center of the block, on the rear of the engine.

The camshaft position sensor and syncro are located on the back of the engine and will sqeek. The syncronizer sits in the engine and is run by the camshaft. the camshaft position sensor sits on top of the syncro and is held down by 2 7/32" screws. If you remove the camshaft position sensor from the top of the syncro and put about 3-5 drops of motor oil in the syncro you may fix your squeek. The syncronizer shaft that goes into the engine will dry out and loose its lubrication causing a squeek/chirp.
I have done this to a few vehicles and had great success.
Hope this helps

It does not have an ignition control module. The PCM (powertrain control module) fires the coil pack based on signal it recieves from the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor.

do you have 3.L 2v or 4 valve?

3.0L (2V) Engine
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL(S) REQUIRED Description Tool Number Syncro Positioning Tool T95T-12200-A
CAUTION: Prior to removal of the camshaft position sensor (CMP sensor) (12126), set cylinder No.1 to zero degrees top dead center (TDC) of compression stroke. Note the position of the camshaft position sensor electrical connector. The installation procedure requires that the connector be located in the same position.
Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable. Refer to Section 14-01 .
   

1. Disconnect engine control sensor wiring connector from camshaft position sensor.
   

1. Remove camshaft position sensor retaining screws and camshaft position sensor from camshaft position sensor housing.
   

1. If removing camshaft position sensor housing from the cylinder blocks (6010), proceed with Removal Step 5. If not removing camshaft position sensor housing, proceed to installation Step 6.
   

1. Remove hold-down clamp (12270) (bolt and washer assembly).
   

1. Remove camshaft position sensor housing from cylinder blocks.
   

Installation

1. CAUTION: A special service tool such as Syncro Positioning Tool T95T-12200-A must be used to position the synchronizer assembly prior to installation of the camshaft position sensor. Failure to follow this procedure will result in improper camshaft position sensor alignment. This will result in the fuel system being out of time with the engine, possibly causing engine damage.
   Attach Syncro Positioning Tool T95T-12200-A as follows:
   
   1. Engage camshaft position sensor housing vane into the radial slot of the tool.
   1. Rotate tool on camshaft position sensor housing until tool boss engages notch in camshaft position sensor housing.

1. Pre-lubricate synchronizer gear with engine oil meeting Ford specification ESE-M2C123-A prior to assembly.
   

1. Install camshaft position sensor housing so that drive gear engagement occurs. Locate camshaft position sensor electrical connector in the pre-removal position.
   

1. Install hold-down clamp (washer and bolt) and tighten bolt to 19-30 Nm (14-22 lb-ft).
   

1. Remove Syncro Positioning Tool T95T-12200-A.
   

1. CAUTION: If camshaft position sensor electrical connector is not positioned properly, DO NOT reposition the connector by rotating the camshaft position sensor housing. This will result in the fuel system being out of time with the engine, possibly causing engine damage. Remove the camshaft position sensor housing and repeat installation procedure, beginning with Step 1.
   Install camshaft position sensor and retaining screws. Tighten screws to 1.5-4.0 Nm (14-35 lb-in).
   

1. Connect engine control sensor wiring connector to camshaft position sensor.
   

1. Connect battery ground cable.
   

The Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor detects the position of the camshaft in order to identifiy when piston No. 1 is on its compression stroke. The CMP sensor is used for ignition timing in the Ford DIS igntion system, but not in the EDIS igntion system. Both DIS/EDIS use the CMP signal for synchronizing the firing of sequential fuel injectors.

On the 3.0L vulcan engine, the CMP signal is generated by a single Hall-Effect magnetic switch, activated by a single "vane" spinning around by virture of a synchronized shaft which is driven by the camshaft. 

The CMP sensor & synchronizer/shaft are located behind the intake manifold (i.e., back near the firewall on a Ranger) on the top of the cylinder block. If you just need to replace the sensor, it is a simple job of unplugging the electrical connector and removing the screws holding the sensor in place. Here is a sketch of the sensor to give you an idea what to look for:

it is called a synchronizer if it is damaged it should be replaced approx $120 can use a salvage part as long as it is the correct application