Replacing Camshaft Sensor - P1140 Why you should always use OEM

[odie]

So I got the SES (Service Engine Soon) light the other day and took the car to get the code read at Autozone. It threw up a P1140. Bank 1 - Camshaft sensor (or known as IVT Control positioner sensor).
So I ask autozone if they have a replacement part, and they pull out part number SU5352 from Duralast. On the box it says "Camshaft Sensor". Jolly right?

I pay my $80 and then head home to start disassembling the airbox to gain access to Bank 1. For some reason, there is MASS confusion on where Bank 1 and Bank 2 is for each car. As per the FSM, Bank 1 is the drivers side, and Bank 2 is passenger side. Got it...

So I pop off the old sensor and reach for my new part only to discover, they aren't the same. The bolt connects the sensor to the engine on the right side while the 3 prong male neck sits at about a 7:30 tilt (down and towards the passenger side). The replacement part, on the other hand, is tilted at about 10:30. Why is this a problem you may ask... The dip stick line literally butts up right to the connector piece preventing you from securing the wiring harness back on the sensor.

What does this mean? I have to break down and go to the dealership to pay $160 (double the price) for the correct part. Perhaps this sensor will fit bank 2 (I didn't feel like investigating). That said, if you run into a bank 1 problem and are going to replace this sensor, go OEM, not Duralast or anything else or you might end up with my problemo.

Bank 1 vs 2


The Duralast part interfering with dip stick


Duralast Part

[odie]

A quick update... I went to look at the OEM part, and of course it's also at a 10:30 angle. The parts manager said they updated the part a while back and it will butt up against the dip stick line but it will in fact fit.

So I went home and tried the Autozone part and it fits; however, I'm actually now having trouble connecting the part to the Infiniti plug / harness. The green tab will not snap back into place so the struggle continues...

[Costee]

I changed mine not too long ago. In fact I changed both as well as the the two crank sensors. The part number for the camshaft sensor (VTC sensor) is 23731-2Y52A (old # was 23731-2Y524). It's the same for banks 1 & 2, so if you tried yours on bank 2 it'll still fit. For the M45 bank 1 is the driver's side, while it's the passenger side on M35. Again, the M35 uses 2 camshaft sensors and only one crankshaft sensor.
I don't know why you should have a problem fitting the sensor; it was smooth for me and I used the updated number. I agree, of course, that it is better to use oem.

[odie]

Costee - did the wiring harness fit right up against the dip stick line? No sure why I'm having issues with the replacement part; however, I did notice that the OEM part has a longer raised groove at the top of the opening which I think makes the green part of the connector "snap" back. I wish I could figure this out !

[Costee]

Could you take a clearer picture of this again? The harness sits somewhat between the sensor and the dip stick pipe.