Crank sensor

[Spike555]

i bought a new crank sensor and went to install it today, but holy hell I cannot reach it.
Is there a trick to this? Does removing the front skid plate make any difference?
It's right above a cross member and behind the fan so I see no way to get to it.
My hand won't fit in there, I got a wrench on it but couldn't get enough tourqe on the wrench to break it loose, which is prob a good thing as there is no way I could reach my hand in there to unplug it or put it back.
Any tricks or tips on this?

 

[Todrn55]

i bought a new crank sensor and went to install it today, but holy hell I cannot reach it.
Is there a trick to this? Does removing the front skid plate make any difference?
It's right above a cross member and behind the fan so I see no way to get to it.
My hand won't fit in there, I got a wrench on it but couldn't get enough tourqe on the wrench to break it loose, which is prob a good thing as there is no way I could reach my hand in there to unplug it or put it back.
Any tricks or tips on this?

Small hands. Gear wrench and and angle socket attachement. Sharp and blunt probe. Bloody knuckles. Cursing.

Was supposed to be a 2 banana job but took an hour. Bolt is hard to get at unless you attack it from above. By all means you have to take off the skid plate and front gaurd.

Mine would decide not to start intermittently b/c of mine.....

No seal to this area so it gets lots of crud in there messing with the sensor. Hope mine is corrected.

Good luck,

Todd H

 

[Todrn55]

Connector will be where you use the pick/probes for removal.....remember if it was hard to get off its gonna be hard to get back on....

Attack from top again.....will make sense once your in the belly of the beast.

Todd H

 

[04UZJ100]

Why are you replacing it?

 

[Ninja Cruiser100]

Why are you replacing it?

I was wondering this also...

 

[Spike555]

Why are you replacing it?

Preemptive move to prevent a breakdown.
I am having a intermittent no start, I'll turn the key, she'll start and then immediately stall. Then second try perfect start.
This does not happen all the time, but often enough that I'm going to take care of it before it is a issue.
Bought the crank sensor off eBay for $15, brand new.

 

[2001LC]

What makes you think it's the crank sensor?

 

[Spike555]

What else could it be? I am open to suggestions.
Knowing the crank sensor has a limited life span and controls spark and that everything else is in great shape, I don't know what else it could be.

 

[2001LC]

I was wondering if you'd had and other clues. It may be CS, but I would think you'd get a CEL or stored code. Fuel starvation is one thought that comes to mind.

 

[bctlex]

Please update us if CS fix the problem. Our LC may has similar problem. Right after we bought it last summer. It started, and stalled. My wife and I looked at each other and wonder if we just bought a problematic car. I have kept this on the back of my mind, but been ignoring it since I do not have any code stored, and never happen again. I have visual checked the wires, connectors, and nothing jumps out at me.

Cheap parts that I may just replace if I have some free time, although sounds difficult to install.

 

[Ninja Cruiser100]

Question. Why use a 15$ eBay part to fix such a "difficult" to replace item?

 

[04UZJ100]

How is your mass airflow sensor and throttle body? Have you cleaned them recently?

 

[Spike555]

Question. Why use a 15$ eBay part to fix such a "difficult" to replace item?

Because if it does not fix the perceived problem then I'm only out $15. If it does fix the problem then I can invest in a better quality part.

I've only had this truck for two months and I've replaced the fuel filter, cleaned the throttle, replaced PCV, fuel filter, all fluids and thermostat, spark plugs with Iridium NGK's.
I use only 93 octane and top tier fuel, I use Shell 80% of the time, Costco the rest of the time. Again both are top tier fuels but oddly enough I get better mpg with Shell.

I have not cleaned the MAF yet.

I will keep everyone posted on this and I am open to more suggestions.