Crankshaft sensor it broke off?

Tiny
MELISSA BALE
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 210,000 MILES
When trying to remove the crankshaft sensor it broke off. We ended up drilling it which caused it to fall into the oil pan. Do we have to take off the oil pan completely? Can we just change the oil and leave the sensor in the oil pan without it causing more harm to the vehicle?
Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 AT 12:41 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
MELISSA BALE
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I can’t see any reply to my question but I received an email stating there is one. How do I fix this so I can see it?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 AT 5:10 AM
Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 862 POSTS
Hello,

My apologies, I did send a reply however apparently it did not go through. After this message I will include a follow-up with instructions on how to remove and replace the oil pan. It is not a good idea to allow the sensor to jump around inside the pan, as it could potentially cause damage. However, I would drain the oil first and see if it works its way out.

William
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 862 POSTS
It seems as though the website interface does not like to upload such long explanations. So instead, I will attach screenshots of the repair, I hope this helps.

William
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 AT 8:30 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Crankshaft Sensor Replace/Remove Content

Crankshaft Sensor Symptoms
GUIDE
Crankshaft Sensor Symptoms
This guide is designed for automotive professionals and enthusiasts who want to understand, diagnose, and troubleshoot the symptoms of a failing engine crankshaft position ...
VIEW MORE