48 - Cam angle sensor (no signal)

[feezals]

The temp guage is saying the car is overheating but the engine doesn't appear to be that hot and has enough coolant, oil etc. Have researched the issue on here and did the error code test and we got error 48.

Can you please advise what we can try next.

[PRAVX II S]

Does the cooling fans come when the the gauge is over halfway or overheating?
If not then i think it would be your coolant temp sensor the one that has one wire coming out of it this travels to the dash temp gauge. The other coolant temp sensor is for the cooling fans the sensor will signal the PCM and the PCM will signal a relay to turn on the cooling fans.

I never come across code 48 cam angle sensor.

[feezals]

This does sound like it, cause the fans just dont turn on in time.. They do after a while. before it was only once or twice in a 45 min drive, now its all the time so we aren't driving it. Do you know how to check and or change the coolant temp sensors ??

Its possible I guess that the error 48 is from before and was never cleared. We didn't buy it new and we have also done work on it...

[jazza15]

Clear the codes then by d/c the battery for 10 seconds or minutes, whatever the guide says. After you take it for a drive again, then you can check to see if it has come back.

If the cam angle sensor has failed and therefore the car has gone back to VR specs (this is something like what my mechanic said), this fault code will be displayed yeah? There isn't any way that the cam angle sensor may not be functioning properly in a significant way and no fault code would be returned? Reason being is that I have a starting problem at the minute, am sure it is the fuel pump as per thread "VT hard start doing my head in", just want to completely rule out this possibility before going ahead and replacing the pump.

[feezals]

we just cleaned the old thermosat and took for a drive and no fix, going to take it out. I will then clear the codes : "To clear the stored codes once the problem is resolved, simply disconnect both battery terminals for at least 10 seconds." then see if the error comes up again..
Will check if anything is open on easter, otherwise might have to wait til tomorrow or tue to replace the thermostat.

[HARVZ-6]

My super6 vt came up with this code aswell, mechs said its irrelavant and is there from factory

[feezals]

Ok we just took out the thermostat and quick drive and goes straight to hot.. If I read properly, if you take the thermostat out and still goes straight to hot it might be something else ??? Or as the thermostat did look stuffed - to what we can tell, that we should replace it to see if it fixes it ??

What is the next step ??

[HARVZ-6]

Did you bleed the system properly to?

run the engine with radiator cap off and check for bubbles

[feezals]

no, forgot that bit.. did see that in other posts but wasnt 100% sure on it all. So do I just run the car with cap off - is that bleeding, or is that a 2nd step ?? I thought we have to loosen some screws, and replacing the coolant ?? But I have no idea on this stuff..

[codeunknown]

i think in a earlier post i mention in detail the bleed the system method...

and in checking the rad...and its themostate...

to check the themo..you take it out....place in in container and use a temp probe test the opening point of the thermo with boiling water..
to test the rad...
you first should make sure no leaks in any lines..
flush out the heater core..and make sure the switch is off...
make sure you have a new ..and the right pressure cap...a holden one
make sure that the overflow tank is clean and hoses dont have leaks to it...
fill the overflow tank full !

then start the car with the hose in the rad..dribbling in...
as it warms ..it will want to spit and bubble and boil...mainlky suck in water...for air pocket...
you increase the water from the hose pouring heaps down when that happenes..
and back off when it rises out of the rad..gently
when it does place the cap on...

take it for a drive up the raod and back some 10kms...
if the thing dont overheat prob solved...

if it does your got a blockage....ok

remeber 1/2 coolant and 1/2 water when filling up a rad...
once full top ups should be coolant only
unless more than 200mls then 1/2 and 1/2



keep the hose handy/....
leave the car running for 5 mins...

it should cycle on its own...meaning not overheat..and fans should cut in..
you watch the temp///
it should sit at a stable point
now gently open the rad with care...and have the hose handy...top if needed recap and drop the hose...
and take the beast for 5 mile run...
if it dont overheat....
and when you get home leave it..
next day start it up...
if everything is fine
Yee Haa

[PRAVX II S]

I dont think its the cooling system problem. If the motor is not hot and the gauge is going up then it would be the sensor for the gauge. check with a thermometer.
There is a sensor on the block with one wire coming out of it. I forgot were its location is just look around the block mate.