crankshaft sensor it broke off?

2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN

210,000 MILES • 5.3L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

MELISSA BALE

MEMBER
9 POSTS
FOLLOW

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?

Feb 25, 2025 at 12:41 PM

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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?

Feb 26, 2025 at 5:10 AM

CANNON1349

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
861 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

Feb 26, 2025 at 8:07 PM

CANNON1349

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
861 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 enlarge)

Feb 26, 2025 at 8:30 PM