1996 Pontiac Sunfire Crankshaft Position Sensor won't fit

1996 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
187,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
B2THAKING13
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I have a 96 sunfire 2.2 L engine. I recently bought it and the engine wase'nt put together so I had a personal mechanic do it for me and I bought a crankshaft position sensor with 3 prongs inside of it, but my wire connector has 4 holes and doesnt fit. GM says they never made a 4 prong sensor The guy I bought it from doesnt know what car the engine originally came out of. My question is can I just have the crankshaft position sensor wire changed to match up with my sensor or will I need an entirely new wiring harness? Or am I reaching for the wrong wire?
Mar 15, 2010 at 7:46 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Have you contacted a dealer? I know I've seen them with 4 pins. Also, is the engine the original one?
Mar 15, 2010 at 11:01 PM
Avatar
B2THAKING13
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I talked to a parts dealer who looked for one for my year, the year before and up to 2000 and did'nt find one. And no it isn't the original engine and the original owner I bought it from doesn't know where it came from he just bought it used and never had it put together and sold it to me, but I have a 1997 Sunfire and the engines are nearly identical.

Thank you
Mar 16, 2010 at 5:40 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
See if you can make it work with the 3 pin. However, something tells me there is going to be a problem.
Mar 16, 2010 at 11:01 AM
Avatar
B2THAKING13
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The wire doesn't fit at all I've tried and I have yet to find a 4 hole sensor. I wish I could
Mar 16, 2010 at 4:20 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
I just went through cavaliers, sunbird, sunfire... from 1990 through 2000 including 2.2 and 2.4 and can not find a 4 pin, but I know I have seen them.

A friend of mine owns a salvage yard. I will try to make it there this weekend and check it out. He has a row of wrecked ones.

I'll let you know what I find.

Joe
Mar 16, 2010 at 10:43 PM
Avatar
B2THAKING13
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Alright well just let me know. It'll help a lot

Thank You
Mar 17, 2010 at 8:51 PM
Avatar
RHALL77
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 3,361 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
whats the shape of the connector and the color of the wires?
Mar 23, 2010 at 3:04 PM
Avatar
B2THAKING13
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
the connecter is long lenth wise and short height wise. rectangular. the wires are im not sure.
Mar 23, 2010 at 5:21 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
I looked at about 15 of them. Everyone had a three prong connector. Have you tried contacting a dealer to see if they have any suggestions?
Mar 23, 2010 at 9:38 PM
Avatar
RHALL77
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 3,361 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
you need to get me the wire colors so I can trace them down in a wire scematic. that way I can help you better
Mar 24, 2010 at 8:07 AM
Avatar
B2THAKING13
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
well i finally broke down and took it to a garage apparently I need a new wiring harness. Is it worth it?
Mar 24, 2010 at 4:08 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
How much are they charging you?
Mar 24, 2010 at 11:03 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.