Car Won't Start After Changing Crankshaft Position Sensor

TCO2487

MEMBER
2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE
3.8L
V6
FWD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

I have a 2002 Buick Park Avenue that gets warm (doesn't overheat) and stalls when idling. It won't start again until it cools down. This started 10 months ago and now occurs after only 15 miles or so of driving. A good dose of water in the area of the coil pack/crankshaft helped and so I replaced the ignition module with no effect (it needed the new grease). Based on other's experiences, it seems the crank sensor is a likely culprit, so I bought AC Delco part 10456161 and replaced it. The car then would crank but not even start. That part was sent back and the same part was purchased elsewhere, with the same results. Both times, the original part was reinstalled and the car started. I know there's a system variation learn procedure that you're supposed to have done (some folks say they skip it), but it has to be done after the car is running and the temperature is up to 158 degrees. Why is the car not starting?

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Just to be clear, you are replacing the crank sensor and it will not start. Then you are installing the original part and the engine starts?

This means you are getting faulty CKP sensors or incorrect sensors.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

The original issue of shutting off sounds like a faulty crank sensor as well but after you are replacing it are you going through the learn procedure?

If not, then the fuel can be cut off until it learns it.

So, I am attaching the entire process including the part number to ensure you are getting the correct part.

Please run through this and let us know what questions you have.

Thanks

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