Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Crankshaft Position Sensor

[speedo81972@yahoo.com]

Looking for some thoughts on continuing failure of my Crankshaft Position Sensor (CSS). I have a '99 5.9 lt. 120k mi. and have replaced the CSS every year for the past 3 years. I get a check engine light, and an engine analyzer calls out the CSS every time. I'm wondering if any of you have an idea what might be causing the high fail rate?

 

[B.G. Smith]

The manual shows the tone wheel to be mounted to the crankshaft inside the engine. Have you looked at the old sensors to see if maybe the tone wheel has scored them? Just a thought. bg

 

[DavidC]

The manual shows the tone wheel to be mounted to the crankshaft inside the engine. Have you looked at the old sensors to see if maybe the tone wheel has scored them? Just a thought. bg

That would be my first thought. Check for scrape marks from the tone wheel.

Dave

 

[mweiman]

Is it a fault code for the sensor circuit? I had a truck at work that seemed to be going through sensors and after tightening the terminals on the plug it has been fine. Just a thought.

 

[Mike B.]

It's quite possible you've been getting crappy CPS's from the parts store. The OEM one lasted for almost 400k miles before it failed but the next 3 only lasted a few thousand miles each before I finally got a good one. The most recent one's been installed now for close to 60k miles without issue.

 

[KCramer]

I'm suffering with the same issues - the stock sensor lasted 170K, but I'm now replacing the one(s) from AutoZone on an annual basis. Fortunately, they are warrantied, and easy to replace. I have inspected the sensors, and the tone wheel (not sure if I have gotten ahold of both sections), and cannot blame anything but crappy non-OEM parts.

Doesn't really make sense to me with how they're supposed to work - magnetic impulses don't wear out..... kind of baffling.

 

[DavidC]

Maybe one from here ?. Genos usually does not sell junk
http://www.genosgarage.com/CUMMINS-...NSOR-985-02/productinfo/4921601/#.U2FtjFfOv9s

Dave

 

[JR]

My 98.5 has all the original sensors in it yet. I do a number of long distance road trips during the warmer months and in fear of losing one at an inopportune time bought all new sensors from Cummins and carry them in my little "booney box". They cost more money but I do not trust anything from the cheap autoparts box stores.

 

[tnpete]

Where is the crankshaft position sensor at on these motors?
pete

 

[mweiman]

It should be right above the starter on the left side of the engine. What year truck are you talking about?

 

[tnpete]

It should be right above the starter on the left side of the engine. What year truck are you talking about?

Motor is a 2000 out of a Diesel Pusher RV. 275HP starter is on the pass side as it has the allison trans. Motor is in a 2005 Chevy Kodiak c5500, took the builder 2 years to build the truck as it is now. And has been running for 5 years.
Pete

 

[mweiman]

It should still be on the left side about 2/3 of the way back, a few inches above the oil pan. There is not much else in that area so it should be easy to find. It is held in by a 10 mm head bolt and a small metal bracket. Wiggle around on it a little to get it started coming out.
Matt

 

[tnpete]

Thanks will be under there putting a fuel pressure gauge on this week. Will find it and know where its at if I need to change it out. Have to ask? Is it like the fords and need to keep one in the truck? Sad part is can't get under the truck without jacking it up. Even on ramps I rub getting under the thing. I love the steps on it, but are close to the ground.
Pete