Cam Sensor Screeching When Cold

Likely a dried out bushing on the distributor shaft and may require a new distributor to fix it - oops! Yours is individual coils on the plug rail, isn't it? Same diagnosis, but the part changes. Some where you will have a shaft that is geared to the camshaft. I haven't looked at the newer engines, but it's likely right where the old distributor was and the shaft is about the same deal as that was.

For a cold squeal, double check that it isn't the water pump. That's a real common cold noise source. Sure it isn't a belt?

- Will Honea

I am sure it is coming from the Cam Sensor (where the distributor was pre 2000), I used a stethoscope to trace it down after changing the serpentine belt to no avail. When I put the steth on the CPS, it almost deafened me we the squeal that I was hearing on the outside.

The plot thickens. After making the post yesterday, I started loosing power in surges, and my check engine light came on. It wasn't too bad until I started up a grade and the jeep started chugging up the hill like a choo choo.

Well, hopefully I can still go camping after a trip to the dealer.

Thanks, Chris

If it's the CPS pickup (formerly known as a distributor) the basic idea is still dead simple. Just less parts. But you still have to keep the proper orientation.