Replacing Crankshaft Sensor Yields Interesting Results

[Crankshafted]

I drive a '98 SSE. One day it just broke down and refused to start. When I try starting it, it seems like it's going to but doesn't actually 'fire', I guess. So I changed out the crankshaft sensor and it started fine, three times actually. So after I clean up and get my tire back on, the same exact problem happens again. Was it a faulty crankshaft sensor or did something else wrong with my car just burn it out? Could it be something else entirely?

[Archon]

It could be something else entirely. Are you getting spark? What is your fuel pressure? Try disconnecting the MAF sensor and see if it starts.

[Mechanical Mike]

The only thing I can think of that would damage the crank sensor is a bent tang on the harmonic balancer. That’s not a very likely scenario unless you recently threw a belt or hit an object in the road. Along with what Archon suggested try reseating the wiring connector at the crank sensor.

[renchjeep]

Check the connections. Dirty, chewed on by animals? Otherwise, an igntion control module, IMHO.

[renchjeep]

Or the often-overlooked fuel filter.

[1oldman]

Did you get a service engine light before you replaced the crankshaft sensor?

[Crankshafted]

I got the check engine light and this car has a history of throwing belts and it's done it twice in the past few months.


Is this a good clue?

[1oldman]

If it has a history of throwing belts I would think the two most likely causes are either a pulley is out of alignment with the rest, or the tensioner pulley doesn't have enough tension in it. It could also be a worn accessory that the pulley wables (water pump, ps pump. alternator, etc), or maybe an incorrect pulley was installed at sometime. It could even be the AC compressor. All but the first two and an incorrect pulley would probably be making some type of noise. I'm sure someone else could think of some other good reasons too.

did you get the code(s) that brought in the service engine light? - BC

[Crankshafted]

No, I don't have one of those computers and the local shops don't loan them out.

[sandrock]

Most Advanced or Autozones will scan your car for free and "help" determine what caused it. That only will do you good though when your car is running and you can bring it to them.....

[skregal]

I didn't catch if you are ACTUALLy getting spark. I would assume you wouldn't have
changed the crankshaft sensor if you were getting spark. If there is no spark and the
crankshaft sensor is new, I agree with renchjeep, look into the ICM.

[1oldman]

No, I don't have one of those computers and the local shops don't loan them out.

See if they'll "loan" it to you as a rental tool. The O'Reillys here will. If that doesn't work, then stop by every chance you get when they are slow, "shoot the bull" with them, and take'em donuts early in the AM to have with their coffee. Nothin' ever greased a car nut like "neat" cars, fast cars, lots of "good" bs, car talk, and donuts.

By the way, here is a search of OBDII scan tools at Sears: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153 ... obdii+scan