I have a 2010 Malibu LT 2.4 and the other day I was driving and the car just cut off on me. I thought it was strange because all of the lights were still on. I already replaced the battery so I figured it wouldn’t be that and I had the alternator tester prior to this happening as well. Anyway, I spent the night in my vehicle since I was 2 hours from home reading forums and watching videos on how I could possibly get it started without needing a tow. I came across this video talking about the MAF sensor and the CAM sensor. I ended up unplugging the Cam shaft sensor and trying to start the car up as the video stated and BINGO!; It started.
I drove the vehicle to the nearest Autozone and purchased a new CAM shaft sensor and installed it however, when I installed the new one and plugged it back in, it wouldn’t start again. The weird part if with both CAM shaft sensors, when its plugged into the harness but removed from the in, IT WORKS. Whenever I keep the sensor in the ignition, it wont work! I thought at first that it wasn’t the sensor and took it back continuing to drive the vehicle with it unplugged. I went through a forum and read something in regards to the reluctor wheel ??? Or maybe the harness wiring is bad? Can anyone give me some tips or advice in what might be going on here?
Thank you! I do have another question in regards to that if you dont mind. As far as the reluctor wheel, when i search it on Autozone it says “distributor reluctor”, is that the same part or will i have to search elsewhere? Also, why wouldn’t my CEL light be on? I have no codes or anything.