How do you replace a crankshaft sensor?

I heard you can't do yourself. You need a scanner tool for crankshaft sensor I wondering will it be problem of the running of my Saturn. Thanks if give me help

Without using the tool will the car run like it should

Thank you very much that big relieve

My L300 died at an intersection. It restarted after 15 minutes, then stalled at low rpm/idle 3 additional times on the way back home after I turned around. Each time I was able to restart the engine after a 10-20 minute cool down period. I've had a parts store pull codes (control unit, crank sensor, no rpm reading, and one other not related to transmission).

I've been told it could be crank sensor, cam sensor, or the control unit, but that the crank sensor would be the most likely culprit and one of the least expensive places to start the repair process.

I'm an amateur mechanic who has more experience with older vehicles than those with computer controls.

I am looking for the crank sensor. I was told by the dealership it is near the starter and exhaust manifold. After 40 minutes with a drop light and mirror I still can't see where it is. I don't have the special tools required (star shaped bolt heads, when did those come out?) To remove components to get to the exhaust manifold to get it out of the way.

Could someone please help me locate the crank sensor and let me know what I may have to move/remove to gain access to it? I found the part at a good price at the dealership ($40!), I'm hoping it won't take hours of dealer labor to get to and replace the part.

Thank you,

mrchuck

I believe the notes I took which had all 4 codes was thrown away when the kitchen table was cleared. I've looked everywhere.

I remember 0700 (control unit?), And as stated in my original post that the crank sensor and a 'no signal from ( I think ) rpm sensor' were two of the others.

I've been told by two mechanics that it could be crank or cam sensor, or the control unit that caused the problem, and that the only way to diagnose is by replacing parts.

I own a multimeter. Are there resistance specs available to test sensors or is it true that part by part replacement is the only way to go?

I wish I could find a manual or at least an exploded view of my engine without having to pay out the nose for a book I can't preview. I stopped buying Haynes and other manuals when I purchased one only to find it didn't have near the detail I needed. They may be good for general information and maintenance, but the wiring diagram included was lacking as were the engine diagrams. It ended up on a shelf, unused.

Thank you for your quick response to my original question. Once I get this fixed so I have a car to find and get to a job I'll gladly 'donate' to the cause for the help I've received.

Found it! It was right where you said, by the oil filter.

I also found the 4 codes:
P0700 -Trans Control System
P0335 - Crank Position Sensor
P1810 - Trans Control Module
P0727 - Engine Speed Sensor

I pulled the sensor cold and found an open circuit. I'm hoping I placed the lead on the correct spot on the business end of the sensor (the 1/8" short protrusion at the end of the cylinder and I alternated between the 3 prongs not knowing if it was a particular one). IT WAS AN OPEN CIRCUIT. Should there be a reading when the sensor is cold?

When I reinstalled the sensor to warm up the engine so I could test it hot the car failed to start. So I wasn't able to test the sensor hot as directed in your previous post.

I'm convinced the crank sensor is the trouble, so long as the circuit can be tested cold. If it is supposed to be an open circuit cold then I'm back to square one. With an engine that won't start.

I did try to reset the codes by unhooking the battery then tried to start the engine. It didn't work.

I'm about to order the part I need online. I'll wait a few days to see what your response is first just in case you have additional thoughts.

Thank you for your continued assistance.

I definitely had the crank sensor. I went to the dealership to see one for myself and held it in my hand to help me locate it on the engine block. I purchased an E8 reverse torx socket today to pull it.

What I was trying to describe was how I measured resistance. There are three prongs in the coupler up top (definitely not two), and the sensor cylinder had a small protrusion (magnetic pickup?) At it's end.

Should I have tested the resistance between two of the three prongs instead of from the magnetic pickup to one of the prongs?

Hmmm
i wish i could zoom in on your diagram.
the sensor i pulled was located next to the oil filter, and the other end plugged in in the area between the battery and the intake manifold.
it looked exactly like the one i held in my hand at the dealership.
i thought the cam sensor plugged in above the pulleys on the 'passenger' side of the engine.?

here is a fuzzy picture of the three prongs. i hope it's visible

Purple, Yellow, and Black w/white

I am glad the info you found that confirms this sensor is a 3 prong. Thank you for telling me which wires to test. I had assumed to test the Blk/W wire to each of the other two and found an open circuit (thought the Blk/W was ground and had to be one of the tested prongs).

When I tested the Purple to Yellow I got a reading! 13.15 Milli Ohms. Seems high compared to the.8-1.2 Milli Ohms you suggested. Does this confirm the sensor is the likely cause of my issue?

Also, after pulling and reinstalling the sensor the engine refused to start. It had not done that previously. Instead it would start, then die after running for some time, only to restart after a period of cooling. Does the fact that 'tinkering' with the sensor leading to a no start condition indicate this is the problem?

I'm making this repair on a very limited budget so I'm trying to eliminate as much guess work as possible. Don't want to buy a crank sensor, then a cam sensor, only to find it's something else if I can help it.

Sir (or ma'am), thank you for all your assistance in locating and troubleshooting this issue. I hope we've narrowed it down as much as possible. Depending on your next response I plan on ordering a Crank Sensor right away.