Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) crank sensor

[JR]

As far as I know, Im on the original crank sensor on my 98. 5 I do several road trips a year and dont want to be left on the side of the road changing one out. But this is where Im struggling. Common sense would say to replace it, but Ive also heard of people having issues with replacement sensors a few years down the road. I plan on buying a replacememnt before my next trip to throw in my tool box along with my spare apps and map sensor and lift pump but obviously the crank sensor is alot more involved than the other two. Im wondering how many of you guys are running around on your original crank sensor? And if youve replaced yours, how long has it held up for you? Thanks in advance!

JR

 

[DavidC]

I am on my second but only have 80k on the clock. The first went out shortly after the 53 was replaced with the 56. I tend to think it had something to do with Cummins Southwest in Phnx. I would get a spare from Genos and put it away for if/when you need it. Better to be changing a part on the side of the road with a part you have rather then being stranded. When mine went out it was intermittent with a CEL light and tach dropping so it gave ample warning.

Dave

 

[JR]

Im definitely buying a spare, Im just curious as to how long everybodys original lasted. Im wondering whether Id be better off putting the new sensor in and keeping my original as a spare, or "dont fix what aint broke".

 

[DavidC]

"dont fix what aint broke". So you tear into as I have read here before but the sensor will not come out. You wind up destroying a good sensor and you install the spare. Now you have no spare. Leave it alone till it's broke.

Dave

 

[VolsFan]

I have 200k on mine and no issues with the crank sensor. I shouldnt be saying this, but quite frankly, I havent had an issue with any sensors/solenoids at all anywhere on the truck. The only thing thats been rebuilt is the starter and alternator. As far as road trips are concerned, I have always figured that the 3 free 100 mile tows I get a yr by being an AAA member will get the truck somewhere that any issue can be adressed where ever I may be. Only time I used the service on my truck was atleast 4-5 yrs ago when I was still running the carter lift pump, had it towed to a shop that sold them, bought one outrageously priced, and made the drive home from northern WV without buying a new VP

 

[FourBarR]

my has 592,000kms thats over 350,000k no problems.

 

[JLandry]

I'd get a spare (as you said you plan to) and just keep it in the truck or now. Swap it out if/when the VP44 needs to be replaced. The original sensor can then become the emergency spare,



I’m an advocate for carrying a large asortment of common replacement parts, sensors, and tools at all times... to include a fresh VP44. Go ahead and call me paranoid, but it's saved me from misery more than once.



John L.

 

[JR]

Thanks guys that eases my concerns a little Ive only just turned 90k on my truck.

JLandry, I replaced the vp at 75k it had the original vp with the oem style carter and when I threw a fp gauge on it it was only pushing 7 to 8 psi at idle and dropped substantially from there. It had also thrown a few vp related codes and I just didnt feel comfortable trusting it, especially since I was making a trip to the east coast the following month.

Looks like Ill just order an extra and throw it in the toolbox and forget about it for now

Thanks again,

JR

 

[Moe]

Had all the signs of a crank sensor going out (tach dropping out and cel light on) got one from genos and cured the problem. Very easy to replace after you get the starter down. Moe

 

[JR]

I have 200k on mine and no issues with the crank sensor. I shouldnt be saying this, but quite frankly, I havent had an issue with any sensors/solenoids at all anywhere on the truck. The only thing thats been rebuilt is the starter and alternator. As far as road trips are concerned, I have always figured that the 3 free 100 mile tows I get a yr by being an AAA member will get the truck somewhere that any issue can be adressed where ever I may be. Only time I used the service on my truck was atleast 4-5 yrs ago when I was still running the carter lift pump, had it towed to a shop that sold them, bought one outrageously priced, and made the drive home from northern WV without buying a new VP

Ive never had AAA, what do they do for you if you have a loaded down trailer and you break down? Thats usually the case if Im out of town, Ive wondered about that but never looked into it.