Crankshaft sensor does not Fit?

PJM333

MEMBER
2007 JEEP LIBERTY
3.6L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

I tried replacing the crankshaft sensor I got from AutoZone. The sensor would not fit, figured it was wrong part, so I ordered from a different store. Same thing happened, the old one goes right back in. I am on my fourth sensor, but they do not fit. I compared old and new and they look identical. Any ideas what is wrong? Thanks

Friday, March 7th, 2025 AT 5:58 AM

8 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
50,192 POSTS

Can you upload an image of the old and new crankshaft sensors so I can see? To be clear this is the sensor you are replacing, correct? Check out the images (below).

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Friday, March 7th, 2025 AT 11:16 AM

PJM333

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17 POSTS

That is the correct sensor, and I will take a picture on my next attempt. Thanks!

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Friday, March 7th, 2025 AT 1:39 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
14,015 POSTS

What doesn't fit? Check the old one for the O ring, is it on it? Is it the O ring that blocks it from fitting? They tend to fit very tight as the ring has to compress, I generally apply a bit of silicone grease to the O-ring then rock it a bit to get it started.
Should take a Mopar 56044180AC or an NTK0395.

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Friday, March 7th, 2025 AT 3:17 PM

PJM333

MEMBER
17 POSTS

I am not sure why, first time changing this sensor. The old sensor has o ring and look identical to new sensor. Thank you for the grease suggestion, first time hearing this. Before I do any damage, I am asking, my first thought was to bang it in. Thanks again!

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Saturday, March 8th, 2025 AT 4:30 AM

PJM333

MEMBER
17 POSTS

Greasing the sensor worked, still took a while but I got it in. Better safe than sorry, ignorance on my part but I learned something new. Thanks for everyone's help.

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Saturday, March 8th, 2025 AT 8:12 AM

KEN L