Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Crankshaft position sensor

[Black Cloud]

Has anyone ever changed the CPS on their truck? Is this covered under the warranty for the engine? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Ncostello]

I had an appointment at Dodge to get mine changed. After I took a day off work and scheduled it to be there... they finally decided to tell me its not covered under warranty because its not an "internal" engine part covered under 100K. I was red in the face to say the least.



I went to another dealer and bought it for $45. Remove the starter, take out the old one (one bolt) and install the new. Its pretty straight forward. All you need is a couple of metric wrenches... . maybe a 3/8" ratchet with a 12 point 10mm socket would be nice for the starter.



Later on Cummins shop told me it should have been covered and the Dodge dealer was wrong.

 

[Black Cloud]

Is the starter on the Cummins a hard job to remove? I have not really checked under the truck to look at the starter yet.

 

[Ncostello]

It seemed like it would be at first... but after doing it a couple of times I can do it in about 8-10 minutes including time to wash my hands .



Removing the wires is very simple. Just make sure you disconnect the batteries first to avoid accidental sparks or injuries. Then just remove the three bolts. Two are easy. The top one is a little tougher. I think I broke it loose with a ratchet then used a closed end wrench to install. You mainly have to rely on feel. You can see it from above to get an idea of where its at.



The bolts use the 12 point heads. So a 12 point socket or 12 point wrench is a must. I think they are 10mm heads or perhaps 12. I cant remember. Its also not that heavy and pulls directly out after the bolts are gone. When you reinstall... make sure its fully seated in the hole. The flange is bossed and lines it up. You'll see once its out.



Like I said... the top bolt is a little tricky depending on what kind and size of wrenches you have. But totally do-able.

 

[Black Cloud]

Thanks for the replies. You make it sound easy so hopefully it will go that way on my end as well.

 

[Ncostello]

The sensor pushes into a hole in the block. The sensor has an o-ring around it which seals the oil in. There is a tab holder which retains the sensor in the block. Once you remove the one bolt for the tab holder... the sensor just pulls straight out. Its not threaded in the block so turning it CW or CCW wont do anything. Some have had trouble pulling them out. If you've got a new one, some long needlenose pliers can be used to pry it out. If it damages it... you've got a new one so who cares right? Just be aware that the sensor removal could be easy or tough. Mine was very easy. Perhaps a little 10W oil on the oring will make the install go better.