M45 Went into Limp Mode on Highway - Cam Shaft Sensor

[ctowna]

Just wanted to share a scary experience I had yesterday with my 2006 M45.

I was going down the Toll Road and all of the sudden the dash lit up like a "Christmas Tree" and the car went into limp mode (slowly powering down the engine and limited to no throttle response). I was able to get from the far left lane all the way to the right in fast traffic (people do around 80+ on the toll). The problem was, no shoulders. I was able to get to the peak of a hill and drifted down to the bottom where a small shoulder existed where I was able to barely get the car up on, a mere inch or two from the road way. Cars started buzzing by and shaking the car as they were doing 90mph+. Scary stuff.... I just sat there with the seat belt on and said a quick prayer.

I tried to restart the car several times; however, the car refused to turn over and was making a rapid clicking noise (once heard before when my battery was bad). I thought I was screwed... had the tow truck called at this point.

I waited another 10 minutes, and was able to restart the car and she sounded perfect? The only thing was the Service Engine light was on. All the other lights were not lit. I was able to get off the highway and take the car to my dealer which was thankfully near by and was able to forgo the 2 hour wait for a tow truck.

The problem ended up being a Cam Shaft Sensor and my problem was fixed under warranty (Elite Warranty 5yr/60k). I assumed it had to be electrical with the way the car behaved. I just wanted to log this in the Nico forum database for any of those that may experience the same/similar problem.

Peace

[Costee]

Noted. Thanks.

[bejjutsu]

Glad to hear you were able to get over safely. That's pretty scary in aggressive traffic.

[Grantbo]

I had the EXACT same problem with my 06 M45 a few months ago. As with you, it was related to the Cam shaft position sensor.

[szh]

Glad to hear you were able to get over safely. That's pretty scary in aggressive traffic.

Indeed, yes!

I had a similar experience - albeit nowhere near those speeds - when my car ran out of gas. The Y34 faulty gas gauge problem was the cause.

Glad to see you were okay, ctowna.

Z

[ThirdCoastBadBoy]

I just bought a M45 and had the same issues. After I drove from Houston to Beaumont. I notice the check engine light on as well as vcd and slip. I cut the car off then tried to restart it. It would turn over but would not crank. After letting it sit for a few minutes it crank right up. I got about two blocks up the road the car killed. Then I crank up after a few seconds. I got intouch with the dealer to bring it back. It cracked up that morning as I was driving down the highway the car killed. I think you refer to this as limp mode. Well after the car killing a few time before getting it to the shop. I finally made it to the shop. They put it on the computer and said it was the crankshaft position sensor. They replace 3 sensors on my car. I pick it up and got about 10 mins from the shop. I was have that starting problem again. I read another article say the ecu may cause this prom lie and may need to be reset. Can someone please tell me what's going on or how to fix this problem.
Thanks in advance.

[BlackCat81]

Make sure it's full of oil. A symptom of a faulty cam position sensor, or low oil level, is extended crank times. Cam timing advancement and retarding is done via oil pressure. If it's low, it's the first system to be starved of oil.