Looking to replace the crank positioning sensor?

Tiny
CHIEF714
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
I'm looking to replace the crank positioning sensor as well as the Idle Air Control Valve on our Ford Explorer. For the most part, the Idle control looks fairly simple to replace. Is there anything technical I should know about replacing this other than plug and go?

Also. Where exactly is the Crank Sensor located. I haven't even looked for this, but I was told that this is one of the reasons for our idling issues.

Thanks
Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 AT 6:38 PM

18 Replies

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Crankshaft sensor is centered in lower front of engine compartment you may have to loosen Ac comp so you can pull it out. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 AT 7:32 PM
Tiny
CHIEF714
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Ok. So, I'm picking up those parts above today.
Anybody else got any other suggestions of what could possibly be wrong with the truck? I'm hoping this does the trick. I don't want wifey stranded on random days any more.
Please advise.
Over and out. And. Under and in? Lol
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Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 AT 3:29 PM
Tiny
DAVE180
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 1998 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 107,000 MILES
I was wondering how much it will cost to replace the crankshaft sensor and where is it?
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
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HI there,

Mitchell 1 advises that a sensor will be approx$61.00 and about 1 hr labour to replace.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MARK23061
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  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
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  • 106,000 MILES
My truck has been having an issue lately where it cranks but does not start. My fuel pressure is good to the shrader valve, my spark is good, my battery is good. Could it be that I need to replace the crank sensor?

When the problem occurs, which has been twicw in the last month, yet 3 times today, as long as I keep trying it eventually turns over. It seems as if something is going bad and getting worse. I believe I have isolated the problem to that sensor. Could I be right? If so, what are my odds?
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
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Hello,

It could be the Crank Sensor but it could also be the MAF Sensor.

Has the engine light been on? With that year vehicle if you have a sensor going bad a code reader will pick it up as a Pending Code. So, go by your local parts store and have them check the codes.

Also, when you say you have good fuel pressure at shrader valve, did you check with fuel pressure tester? If not you may want to. A weak pump or bad pressure regulator can cause you problem also.

.
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MARK23061
  • MEMBER
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First, thanks for such a quick response. What is the MAF sensor? I've not heard of that. The check engine light has not been coming on, but sometimes that light can act up on older vehicles, so I hope maybe that's it. No, I just pushed at the shrader to see if fuel was getting there from the tank to try and cancel out a fuel pump issue. I don't have any good test equipment. I've just been consulting my Haynes manual and tried to troubleshoot things one at a time with what I've got. I would go back and have them test the fuel pressure but I'm scared I'll get stuck out somewhere and have to pay for a tow. I really can't afford to take the chance.

I suppose I'll just replace the Crank Position Sensor and pray that it's fixed. I just spent 1,200 in June having maintainence performed and tests run at the dealership to make sure nothing was going bad any time soon. Now this. I really hope it's that little 15 dollar sensor I bought and nothing more.
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MARK23061
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I replaced the crank sensor with same results. No start. Turns over, but won't start. That was my only idea. Now I'm at a loss with no way to get anywhere. I'm doomed.
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
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Ok, you will need to see about getting the fuel pressure tested. Call your local rental store and see if they have a fuel pressure tester.

The MAF or Mass Air Flow Sensor is located in the duct work usually near the Air Filter Housing. Just look for an electrical connection in the duct work.
Also if it is dirty it can cause problem. Try cleaning it with some MAF Sensor Cleaner.

.
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MARK23061
  • MEMBER
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Got a code reader from Advance and had 0 codes. Replaced the fuel pump relay and it started 2 or 3 times but then died again. This is telling me the fuel pump needs replaced. If they are going bad they can cause too much voltage to go through the relay and fry it, right? Since I think that's what it is, I am trying to get it to the shop tomorrow and have the fuel pump replaced since that's all that's left. Especially since I have no way to get it up high enough in the air to get the fuel tank off to replace the pump and the pump sits inside the tank on my vehicle. Thanks for your help. If you have any other ideas, let me know.
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BUDGETBUY
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  • 1 POST
  • 1998 FORD EXPLORER
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Where is the crank shaft sensor located on 1998 ford explorer 5.0 motor
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
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The Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor is located on the front cover (near the crankshaft pulley).

Thanks for using 2CarPros. Com!
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SANDSTORM
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  • 1996 FORD EXPLORER
  • V8
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How to install crankshaft sensor?
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Here is a picture of the sensor and the directions for replacing it:


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/249084_1_2.jpg



Disconnect the negative battery cable.
To remove the CKP sensor, first disconnect the wire harness plug ...

Disengage the wiring harness connector from the
CKP sensor.

Loosen the CKP sensor mounting stud/bolts, then separate the sensor form the engine front cover.

Unbolt the sensor and pull it away from the engine-crankshaft damper removed for clarity

To install:

When installing a new sensor on the 4.0L (VIN X and E), position the sensor against the crankshaft damper. There are small rub tabs which wear off and allow the sensor to be perfectly spaced from the damper.

Position the sensor against the engine front cover, then install the mounting stud/bolts. Tighten them until snug.

Install the CKP sensor cover and retaining nuts; tighten the nuts until snug.

Reattach the wiring harness connector to the CKP sensor.

Connect the negative battery cable.
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROADRUNNERC
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  • 1994 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
I replaced the crank sensor a year ago, aftere the car lost spark to the ignition module upon starting after stopping in the heat of the day. Always started up again after cooling off

Problem was corrected for ten months, then it started again, and now it also cuts out when driving after stopping in the heat. Should Ireplace the crank sensor again, or check something else?
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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A bad crank sensor should set the check engine light. Has it come on?
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROADRUNNERC
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No. The "check engine" light has not come on.
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
When it dies, you need to check if it is getting spark. If it isn't chances are the sensor is bad again.
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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM (Merged)

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