Installed a crankshaft position sensor on my car because it would not start

Tiny
PEDALMONKEY120343
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 142,000 MILES
I just installed a crankshaft position sensor on my car because it wouldn't start and there was no spark going to the coil pack so I thought it had to be the crank sensor. That's what sends the spark to the coil. Well I installed it and it worked for a couple days but there was like a slight ticking noise when I accelerated. It finally broke down. I think maybe I installed it incorrectly or something. Please help. Is there a specific way to install these? I'm only 17 so I haven't really learned everything about the cars yet. I just started working on my own car.
Thursday, January 28th, 2010 AT 2:42 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
Hello pedalmonkey120343

Yes, there is a specific way to install it, but is not complicated.
The crankshaft position sensor should be adjustable, which is identifiable by the presence of an elongated mounting hole on the sensor itself. A new spacer must be mounted on the face before installation. However, if a new crankshaft position sensor is being installed, confirm that a paper spacer is already present.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/46384_0900c15280089883_1.jpg



install the sensor into the transaxle and push down until it contacts the flexplate. Hold the sensor in position and install the mounting screw. Tighten the sensor mounting screw to 105 inch lbs. (12 Nm).
Attach the crankshaft position sensor's electrical connector.

Attach the electrical connector to the heater tube bracket.
If removed, install the speed control servo unit back into position and tighten the mounting nuts to 80 inch lbs. (9 Nm).
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Monday, May 10th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM
Tiny
PEDALMONKEY120343
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It was the crank sensor, but it wasnt that I installed it incorrectly. But when I installed it the wires must have had too much slack and it wraped around the driveshaft and ripped the sensor and all the wires right out. So now I need to find a wiring diagram to solder the wires back into place
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Monday, May 10th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
Hello pedalmonkey120343

Here is the diagram you requested.
I'm sending it to your email so you can identify the wires colors properly
hope this help


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/46384_0900c1528003a151_3.jpg

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Monday, May 10th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM
Tiny
PEDALMONKEY120343
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you for the diagram. I couldnt really make out what it meant but I called up my dad and he explained it. But anyways, I found where the wires go and the are all puut back into place. Now I just gotta get a new crank sensor. Will a 97 crank sensor fit on a 96 stratus? I think the only difference is the flat and round pins but I got the clip for a flat pin one.
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Monday, May 10th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
Hello pedalmonkey120343

The answer to your question is"yes" A sensor for a
4 cylinders 1996 or 1997 will fit, but not 6 cylinders 97
Here is the difference

4 cylinders 96-97


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/46384_0900c1528003c59a_2.jpg



6cylinders 96-97


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/46384_81_1.jpg



Feel free to ask if you have further questions, let me know your car runs after you install the crank sensor.
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Monday, May 10th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM
Tiny
PEDALMONKEY120343
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I put in the new crank sensor. I put new heat protectin covering on all the wires. And I think when the crank sensor got ripped out a while ago it must have messed up something else. The car boggs out at like 2000 rpms. I can only go 20 mph in it. Otherwise it shakes real bad like its about to die. Please help. What could this be from?
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Monday, May 10th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
Hello pedalmonkey120343

The computer determines what cylinder to fire from the crankshaft position sensor input.
Visually check the connector, making sure it is attached properly and that all of the terminals are straight, tight and free of corrosion. Also inspect the notches in the crankshaft (4-cylinder) for damage, and replace if necessary


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/46384_0900c15280089880_1.jpg

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Monday, May 10th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

On this vehicle the new crank position sensor needs to be programmed to perform properly. The programing / learning of the new sensor will require a scan tool.

I have attached the complete crank sensor replacement guide as well as few other helpful information.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor
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Friday, November 12th, 2021 AT 7:27 AM

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