I have the symptoms of a bad cam or crank sensor...VDU and Slip dash lights come on periodically. I only have a short amount of time to do my wrenching, so I decided to order both cam sensors and a crank sensor online. My take is that even though I may have purchased a sensor that wasn't really necessary, it's still way cheaper than taking the car to a mechanic.

My question is....once I get the old sensors out, is there a way to test them to see which one(s) are still good, and which ones might be flakey?

 

no tests that anyone knows about, eh? okay...I'll replace and toss the old, then. One of the camshaft sensor posts mentioned cam sensor on intake and exhaust AND on both driver and passenger banks. Four cam sensors? Is this right? This is the first time that I had seen this mentioned. Mine is a 2003 sedan.

 

You only have 2 cam sensors and 1 crank sensor. Our cars have 4 oxygen sensors, that's what you might be thinking of.

 

Grab the "ec" service manual here for more info:
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/G35/Sedan/2003/

 

Ok...got it! thanks

 

Switched out both cam sensors plus the crank sensor yesterday. FWIW, I purchased the AirTex branded sensors from RockAuto. These have a slightly premium price relative to some brands, and are marked 'Made in USA'. I will report back on experience of sensor life. I know others are looking for an alternative to dealerships.