Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Check Engine Light

[Smellin Smoke]

My check engine light came on and won't go out. In the last month while sitting at a red light my engine stumbled twice. The truck still runs as good as always but yesterday it stumbled and made the light come on and stay on. Now, since yesterday the tachometer also quits once in a while. I figure its a bad crank sensor . Any suggestions from past experiences ?

 

[Red Rocket]

Checking the connections is your cheapest first try, then go from there... .

 

[DKupfrian]

I have this same problem. The check engine light comes on every now and then. And three times in the last month the tachometer quits and resets?? itself?? I hear a click and the tach is working again. I have an appointment on Thurday to bring the truck in. The error code it gives me is P1693. Any solutions before I bring it in??? Its a 2000 if that helps.



Thanks

 

[Ncostello]

Those were my symptoms for a bad crankshaft position sensor. $50 later and 20 minutes of my time and I was all good again. . That dead tach is a positive sign as well as the check engine light. If this is the problem, you'll have to get Dodge to clear those codes. Actually a quick scan tool job could actually give you a CKP code for that sensor. It may also spit out various other codes associated with this problem... like Transfer Pump out of Range... assuming you CKP is bad.

 

[DKupfrian]

Is this position sensor a do at home job or does it need to be adjusted with "special" tools? I'm good with the wrench and don't know if I should cancel my Thursday appointment to bring it in.



Thanks

 

[01smokinram]

Light

Do at home job. Disconnect batteries,drop starter, and there it is. No special tools needed.

 

[Bob4x4]

The CKP is easy to change once you have the starter out of the way. No adjustments. Pull the old one out push the new one in(after removing the hold down bolt)



Bob

 

[DKupfrian]

You guys are quick. I just extended my search and found directions, tips, discussion on this, and photos! This board still rocks!



Thanks again.



Now I just need to think if this is covered under the emissions warranty(SP?) bla bla.

 

[DKupfrian]

A warning to anyone else who has this problem.



$81 to diagnose the check engine light.

$81 to diagnose the tach that works when it wants to...

$369. 20 to replace the crankshaft position sensor



Do this job yourself in your own driveway!



I told them where they could put that sensor. They agreed to only charge me one $81 fee and I'm changing that part myself.



I called Dodge customer service and they confirmed that this is only covered under the 3 year 36,000 mile warranty.



I'm just curious if anyone else had a quote even close to mine? Please let me know what you were quoted or what you paid.