Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Tach dropped to zero and check engine light came on

[cD'amato]

Hi guys,



Yesterday on my way home, I was travelling around 60 MPH when I noticed the tach dropped down to zero and the check engine light came on. About 4 seconds later the tach went back to normal but the engine light remains lit. It does'nt feel like the truck is driving any different, but before i bring it in, I figured I would see if this sounds familiar to anyone? Thanks in advance.



-Chris D.

 

[K-80]

If I was to guess I would say it was the apps.

 

[raf2000]

Mine did the same thing only at idle. Took to dealer for code check. It was crank sensor. Major PITA to get out. Broke off, then little chunks. Finally got out after a couple of hours. Others have said theirs came right out. .

 

[JPope]

"Mine did the same thing only at idle. Took to dealer for code check. It was crank sensor. Major PITA to get out. Broke off, then little chunks. Finally got out after a couple of hours. Others have said theirs came right out. . "



Boy, there is an understatement :{ . If you live in salt country, everything outside/around the O ring seal on the CKP can become rusted, corroded, and make the change out of the crankshaft position sensor a real pain



Chris, get your codes read, 1693 should show on the odometer, then possibly 0336 with a scan tool in the OBD port, then you will know it is crankshaft position sensor). With a CKP,the tach will come and go, and the CIL will come and go (resets itself after a number of restarts). Crankshaft position sensor, CKP, was about $60 at the dealer (much less than a APPS, prices ranged from $380 @ Cummins to over $430 @ Dodge!!!!). If it turns out to be the APPS, give TDR member Bob Wagner a call, he has connections and may be able to help you with a lower price Oo.



If it is the CKP, and you are in salt country be prepared for a struggle, cause as RAF200 said it is a bear, though as he said others have reported it came right out.

 

[JBlackwell]

Yep, got to be the crankshaft position sensor. Same symtoms I had and changed my sensor out last week. Easy to-it-yourselfer. I ordered the sensor through my local Cummins Southern Plains and got it the next morning... . $51 shipped and everything. Takes about an hour to replace. You will find a whole write-up and everything on this site.



JD

 

[BDMiller]

I had the same problem, check engine light, no tach, but it drove fine. A quick check with a code reader indicated it was the crank shaft position sensor. I got the part from Cummins & tore into it & man was that the most difficult thing I've ever done. I would rather pull out the transmission than try that again. The sensor started falling appart & there was no room to get my arm in there & get any leverage. Calling this job a major PITA doesn't even scratch the surface. After two days of trying I gave up & paid someone to do it. This guy had a very difficult time too. Since you are in NY, rust country, I would strongly recommend taking it to a shop.

Then again some folks have no problems whatsoever. But I will never try this one again.

Good luck

 

[Challenger-II]

YEP... ... crank position sensor. My '99 did the same thing. Biggest word of advice when removing it is to take your time. Treat it like a lady or you'll bust it off!



Remove the starter for access and spray lots of penetrating oil around it and just work it back and forth, spray again, work it back and forth... .....

After you get it out, clean up the hole real good and lube the o-ring and hole in block before putting in the new one.



Good luck!