control_electronics

Searching this topic and it looks like a long time has passed, why no replies? i take it from lack of response that this is not so much of a d-i-y maint and repair forum as for some of the other car groups, e.g. bmw 5 and 7-series, porsche 911, etc... It seems funny that there is no discussion of actually just inspecting the timing belt by pulling off the plastic cover and looking for signs of wear or distress. If it looks bad, its time to do it. If not, then save up till it does. It also seems funny that (according to Haynes) you have to remove the windshield wipers, wiper motor assembly, and vent cowl, etc. in order to do the timing belt. i'd be willing to bet that the mechanics who do this job have some time-saving tricks to get this job done quickly and beat the book time.

Did you tackle the cam belt and pulley change yourself? How would you rate this task for level of difficulty and frustration level, special tools needed, etc.?

Due to lack of accessibilty, it is entirely possible, if not likely, that the bank 1 (firewall side) sensor wiring could get damaged during removal. One man trying to get this done in a big hurry is not a good combination. It is impossible to disconnect the sensor from the harness connector with one-hand, and it is impossible for one person to get their hands on both halves of the connector at the same time, unless their forearms are 2 inches in diameter and 3 feet long. Or unless you remove the intake manifold first... Seems like it was designed to take two people, one above and one under the vehicle, just to release the catch to undo the connector--very frustrating for one person to attempt, and its possible to damage a wire by pulling or forcing. And the sensor wire length is only exactly long enough to reach the harness connector and not a 1/4" inch over. During installation i cut the tab off the new sensor connector so it now can be d/c with one hand. The cush fit of the four pins and the weatherseal in the connector housing is really tight and i'm sure it will hold until the sensor wears out.