Non-Step Style - If you look inside the connector on the Camshaft Position Sensor; you are looking at the socket (female) side of a quick connect plug. For the non-step style plug socket, the hole is the same size in the front of the plug socket as it is at the back (bottomed out in the socket hole) end of the plug socket. This means the tip of the plug (male end of the quick connect) from the vehicle will be the same size as the back end of the quick connect plug, (no step down in size.)
Step Style - If you look inside the connector on the Camshaft Position Sensor; you are looking at the socket (female) side of a quick connect plug. For the step style plug socket, the hole is large at the front of the socket, then about .25 (1/4) inches into the socket, the size of the socket steps down about .0625 (1/16) inches. This means that .25 (1/4) inches into the socket, the socket hole steps down and is smaller than the socket hole at the front of the socket. The smaller socket dimension remains this size the rest of the way back (bottomed out in the socket hole) of the plug socket. Looking at the vehicle side of the quick connect plug, the tip of the plug (steps down in size.)
Non-Step Style - If you look inside the connector on the Camshaft Position Sensor; you are looking at the socket (female) side of a quick connect plug. For the non-step style plug socket, the hole is the same size in the front of the plug socket as it is at the back (bottomed out in the socket hole) end of the plug socket. This means the tip of the plug (male end of the quick connect) from the vehicle will be the same size as the back end of the quick connect plug, (no step down in size.)
Step Style - If you look inside the connector on the Camshaft Position Sensor; you are looking at the socket (female) side of a quick connect plug. For the step style plug socket, the hole is large at the front of the socket, then about .25 (1/4) inches into the socket, the size of the socket steps down about .0625 (1/16) inches. This means that .25 (1/4) inches into the socket, the socket hole steps down and is smaller than the socket hole at the front of the socket. The smaller socket dimension remains this size the rest of the way back (bottomed out in the socket hole) of the plug socket. Looking at the vehicle side of the quick connect plug, the tip of the plug (steps down in size.)
Yes!!! 20+ yrs experienced mechanic here. They are referring to the electrical harness connector and the design of the actual plastic cam sensor's female plug opening.
The actual synchronizer shafts are all the same for any given application. If you were to purchase the incorrect synchronizer assy due to this difference, you could swap your old cam sensor with the new one that is already installed on the new synchronizer and be good to go! This is assuming that the old cam sensor is good, which 99% of the time they are.
It's the synchronizer shaft assys that are typically the true failure component on these poorly designed POS Fords, not the electrical component that is mounted atop of them. The failures occur because the internal bushings of the synchronizer body and shaft do not get sufficient lubrication from the engine oil. The resulting wear and "slop" leads to undesirable ignition and fuel injection timing changes that cause mis-firing, catalytic converter efficiency codes and eventual converter failure. If let go long enough, engine oil pump drive/gear failure will often occur, leading to a loss of engine oil pressure and a total engine failure/seizure!
It has also been my personal experience to avoid cheap "new" synchronizer assys, often "Made in China". They have been proven to fail due to their tolerances being out of spec. Often, the vehicle will run, but you'll be plagued with a multitude of timing-related engine problems (re-read the above symptoms).
Although a little more costly, for this situation you want (and really need) to purchase a quality remanufactured camshaft synchronizer assy (such as A1 Cardone brand) or a brand new OEM Ford component. I promise you won't regret that choice.
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Ok. I had the same problem. My car is a 2002 Mustang V6. Two different plugs, That's what the Step on plug is. I went to Pep Boys and bought one with the Step on, It's a different sized opening. I unplugged my connector and tried to snap it onto the new part which is the Camshaft sensor screwed into the Camshaft Syncronizer. Didn't work. Went back inside and asked if I could try the one with out the Step on. I said I would leave my Drivers license with them. Went out and tried it. Worked. It's hard to describe the difference. All I can tell you is do the process of elimination. I didn't have to go to the dealership to ask. If an Auto parts store has the parts your all set.
+Sue Kay : Unfortunately, your idea is not a feasible solution if both styles of parts aren't readily available to put into your hands at that very moment. Especially, if you are ordering parts online, then your method is completely useless. See Dustin K and Andy's exceptional explanations and answers below.
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3.0L (VIN S) Engine
Front of the engine attached to the forward cylinder head.
3.0L (VIN U, 2) Engines
Ford Sable, Taurus 2000-05
Camshaft Position Sensor
Description & Operation
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) is a variable reluctance sensor that is triggered by a high point on the left-hand exhaust camshaft sprocket. The CMP sends a signal relating camshaft position back to the PCM which is used by the PCM to control engine timing.
The CMP sensor detects the position of the camshaft. The CMP sensor identifies when piston No. 1 is on its compression stroke. A signal is then sent to the PCM and used for synchronizing the sequential firing of the fuel injectors. Coil-on-plug (COP) ignition applications use the CMP signal to select the proper ignition coil to fire. The input circuit to the PCM is referred to as the CMP input or circuit. DTC P0340 is associated with this sensor.
Removal & Installation
3.0L (VIN S) Engine
Fig. Camshaft Position Sensor-3.0L (VIN S) Engine
Testing
Fig. Testing the CMP sensor for voltage as the engine is running
Fig. Testing the VPWR circuit of the CMP sensor
Fig. Camshaft Position Sensor Connector
CAUTION: Prior to removal of the camshaft position sensor (CMP sensor) (12126), set cylinder No.1 to zero degrees top dead center (TDC) of compression stroke. Then note the position of the camshaft position sensor electrical connector. The installation procedure requires that the connector be located in the same position. CAUTION: A special service tool such as Syncro Positioning Tool T95T-12200-A must be obtained prior to installation of the replacement camshaft position sensor. Failure to follow this procedure will result in improper camshaft position sensor alignment. This will result in the fuel system being out of time with the engine, possibly causing engine damage. CAUTION: If camshaft position sensor electrical connector is not positioned properly, DO NOT reposition the connector by rotating the camshaft position sensor housing. This will result in the fuel system being out of time with the engine, possibly causing engine damage. Remove the camshaft position sensor housing and repeat installation procedure, beginning with Step 1. 
CAUTION: Prior to removal of the camshaft position sensor (CMP sensor) (12126), set cylinder No.1 to zero degrees top dead center (TDC) of compression stroke. Note the position of the camshaft position sensor electrical connector. The installation procedure requires that the connector be located in the same position. CAUTION: A special service tool such as Syncro Positioning Tool T95T-12200-A must be used to position the synchronizer assembly prior to installation of the camshaft position sensor. Failure to follow this procedure will result in improper camshaft position sensor alignment. This will result in the fuel system being out of time with the engine, possibly causing engine damage. CAUTION: If camshaft position sensor electrical connector is not positioned properly, DO NOT reposition the connector by rotating the camshaft position sensor housing. This will result in the fuel system being out of time with the engine, possibly causing engine damage. Remove the camshaft position sensor housing and repeat installation procedure, beginning with Step 1. 2,049 views
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