I noticed last week while in traffic that there was slight smoke coming from the engine. I didn't think much of it because I had not driven it for a few days and maybe there was a bit of oil leaked. I had the tensioners and the seals replaced about 6 months ago as well.
When I went to check it out I noticed a sensor that mounts right next to the oil dipstick. I've included a picture of it. This is leaking oil and needs to be resealed I think. If anyone can tell me what it is and how to get it fixed let me know. I think the shop that replaced the seals would still be responsible for sealing this right?

 

Variable camshaft timing oil control solenoid electrical connector.

There's a circular seal between it and the Camshaft Cover. Provided the sensor hasn't broken or come loose, it's likely to be the seal that's failed.

Graham

 

I'd get a low oil pressure light if the sensor was damaged right? Is there a guide on how to fix this somewhere?

 

Here's the seal (item 9) in the Parts Manual drawing:



Part Number AJ82856

Graham

 

Why do people think everything has/should have a sensor? Sorry, I just hear this question a lot. Not all oil in the engine is under pressure and most times the oil pump is capable of producing more than enough flow to 'cover' items that have worn past spec'. However, the cam phaser solenoid is most likely not the culprit but rather the seal, a portion of which the solenoid passes through, as Graham has indicated. That particular loss of oil would be internal splash oil, most likely from the timing chains whirring around. That would have no effect on oil pressure until such time as almost all of the engine's oil has leaked out, starving the oil pump. At that point it would be a toss-up as to whether you would notice a low oil pressure warning before you heard the audible result.

 

No - you'd get a low pressure light if the Oil Pressure Sensor (circled in red) next to the Oil Filter was faulty:



Is the Cam Cover sensor pouring oil out or is it a slight drip and perhaps some smoke if it drips onto the hot exhaust?

Graham

 

Hi.

Kind of hard to see from that angle, but looks like the part load breather hose connection. No. 2 in diagram.

 

It's seeping out and probably dripped, it's no gusher but I do want to get it fixed. Is there any sort of guide on how to do this?

For instance do I need to remove the cover to do this or can I just disengage the solenoid and twist it out and install the new seal?

 

Here is a pic I just took.

 

As Graham, said, it is the VVT solenoid seal. This is super easy to replace. Depress the connector tab and unplug the connector. Clean the sensor body. Then using a small flat blade screwdriver simply pry the seal up, working your way around a little at a time. Press the new one in evenly and reconnect the cable.

Thats it. AJ82856 is 20 bucks at Gaudin, probably around $27 at your local dealer.

 

To a layman, if it has a connector, thin wires, and screws into the engine ... it's a sensor.

 

See from your new pictures that I was wrong. GGG and whiteXKR are right.