'96 XJ-6 sputtering, dies at idle- OBD indicated cam sensor- replaced, ran well for exactly 5 hours- now back to sputtering as before- same code...what did I miss?? thanks to the list for all past help....

 

Did OBD REALLY say cam sensor? The engine will run fine without the cam sensor- it just makes it slower to start-
OR, do you mean the crank Sensor CKPS?

 

so frustrated that I wrote "cam" instead of "CRANK" my bad....thanks!

 

OK, then, I would say there is always the possibility of a bad sensor, but it would seem unlikely. I would have a good look at the CKPS connector for corrosion, clean it with some contact cleaner or alcohol, then get in the right front kickpanel, remove the ECU connectors and have a careful look there for corrosion.

The 5 hours good running is probably NOT a coincidence- or is it?

 

the connector for the CKPS is a two pronged plug- thoughts on how best to clean the receiving plug, given that the other one is new? Just spray in some contact cleaner??

 

Look carefully at it first (magnifying glass?). Then spray away. You are looking for corrosion or the spring connectors to be misshaped. You should measure the resistance of the CKPS. No meter?, Harbor freight has one for $6.00, or free on some promotion days.

The ecu connectors are a PITA to get to, but definitely worth having a look. Many folks are reporting corrosion there these days.