crank position sensor

[HoustonLX]

Fellow co worker has a 1996 Ford Probe V6. Car is not wanting to start and a code scan showed "cank postion sensor". From what I understand, these are known for going bad. Anyone know the location of that sensor on that model Probe?

[Saleen91]

Usually they're right around the balancer/crank pulley somewhere.

[Otis!]

Shane, do you have the Ford service CD's? Several of us do...

Nay!

[HoustonLX]

Negative there Mr Neighbors.

My coworker has a Chiltons manual for his car. However it is listed for several year. What he is telling me is the book say's early year Probe's have one CPS in the distributor. Later year Probes have one in the distributor and one on the crank. Then, 98+ again only have one in the distributor. I am thinking his is the later version with the two. I have some how become the automotive expert at my shop. Atleast that is how everyone looks at me. Everyone else come to me for questions. Half the time I just :ity: .

[Shaggy]

Shane something else to check as well is make sure the timing belt has not broke as if he does have a dual crank sensor model if one then the one on the crank may be getting a reading but the one in the distributor would not be so it may also be throwing the code because the second one is not sending a signal due to a timing belt failure. As to where the sensor is located at the crank, the timing ring is built into the crank pulley so it has to be right there next to it.

[HoustonLX]

Shane something else to check as well is make sure the timing belt has not broke as if he does have a dual crank sensor model if one then the one on the crank may be getting a reading but the one in the distributor would not be so it may also be throwing the code because the second one is not sending a signal due to a timing belt failure. As to where the sensor is located at the crank, the timing ring is built into the crank pulley so it has to be right there next to it.

He says he checked that already. Plus, the car will start and run occasionally. Its a problem that comes and goes. I guess the sensor has a dead spot on it or something.

[Shaggy]

If it starts and runs occasionally then that is probably the one in the distributor as it is more common for that one to have that symptom. Usually when the one at the crank goes out it just flat goes out, or at least that is the way the "early" models were.

[Saleen91]

service manuals on cd's??? oohh! can I see?

[XLRVIII]

Shane both tiff and my cars have had "intermittant" crank sensor problems.
It's not a "all fail" situation.

Let me dig into my Ford Service CD and I'll see if I can dig up the location.

Looks like it's by the harmonic balancer.. on the drivers side of the motor.. or on the right side of the motor..depending on engine orientation.
Either way... Find the lower pully, look at the 4 o'clock position... it's right there.

Another hit or miss item is the Cam position sensor..
I've replaced both on tiff and my car.. the symptoms are the same with the cam sensor.. and usually cam sensors are "more intermittant" than the crank sensors.

If memory serves me correctly.. the crank sensor is used "ALL THE TIME".. and the cam sensor is only "looked at" upon start up.. then ignored.

I'd say.. crank sensor.. then cam sensor..
ours were like 16-30 bucks depending on where you buy them at.

"hope it helps"

[XLRVIII]

service manuals on cd's??? oohh! can I see?

I wouldn't get too excited... they are "useful" but quote loathesome to dig/wade thru... layout isn't the best.

But.. they do have some useful stuff.. wiring diagrams..scematics.. all kinds of neat stuff...

I got one for the Mark VIII.. but when I got it.. it had "all 96" models.. even the ford probe!

[XLRVIII]

Its a problem that comes and goes. I guess the sensor has a dead spot on it or something.

Cold temps or high humidity is the only thing we could narrow it down to.
If it was very cold.. or very humid.. or both..it wouldn't start.

Cold, Humid or both pretty much covers it all...hahah

good luck

Tommy

[XLRVIII]

Oh yea.. forgot.

when you have a crank sensor problem that's intermittant..
"SOMETIMES" you can unplug the sensors wire.. then crank the engine over.. then replace the sensor wire and it'll work...

Dont ask me why....
Maybe microsoft had a hand in this "operating system"
{grins}