So, I gotta drop the $157 for a new CKP. With that in mind, I'm wondering what all this stupid sensor does for the performance of our engines? I've only heard that the CKP comes into play on startup. Does it effect anything while running?

 

this ambiguous part has more than just me stumped on its duties, I take it?

 

Not sure.

There is a Crank Position Sensor and a Cam Position Sensor.

One of them was done away with, and it's duties absorbed by the other around 2000 or 2001.

Pretty sure it is used after startup.

Either telling the ECM that the engine is indeed running,
what speed the engine is running, feeds the Tachometer maybe?,
engine timing information is pulled from one of the sensors, so VP timing can be set correctly.

Try leaving it disconnected and see what happens?


phox

 

I replaced my Crank Position Sensor about 3 months ago. I got it from a Dodge dealer for about $80 if memory serves. DEFINITELY less than the $157 you have been quoted.

I was driving to work one morning and the tachometer dropped to zero but the engine continued to run, albeit rough. The Check Engine Light also came on and stayed on. I ran it by AutoZone on the way home that afternoon and they read the codes free of charge and told me what the problem was. They didn't have a sensor in stock so I went across town and picked one up from the dealer. Took me about 1.5hrs to get it changed. Hardest part was having to remove the starter to get at the sensor itself. The changing of the sensor is a piece of cake - slips right out.

Good luck.

 

I hadn't found the sensor yet, it's behind the starter? Bummer. That starter looks heavy.

I found it for less than $157, some places as low as $45. I've seen Standard Motor makes one, Blue Line (is that correct?) and AC Delco...which completely confused me. I think I'm paying around $70 for mine, and not a whole lot of places stock the puppy.

thanks for the input.

 

yeah standard makes most of the oem sensors, even the headlight switchs....local autoparts store should be able to order the parts for a lot less then the dealer...u can find the correct part number and a picture of the part on standards web site.

 

by the way, when mine went out 2 years ago it only cost me 34.00 from cummins metropower here in NY

 

CKP provides the ECM with the crankshaft position and is used for injector firing sequence and fuel timing per the service manual. Truck will not start without it. I payed about $30 for one from Cummins Rocky Mountain a few years ago. Not all of them slip right out. Some have had real battles removing them. You need to look at the end of the old sensor and if it shows signs of rubbing on it you're tone ring is loose. That means the oil pan has to be dropped to tighten or replace the screws. Don't ignore a loose tone ring. They have been known to come off breaking the crankshaft and/or block!!!

Kim

 

Some ISB component locations here:
http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/mt_2_fe...l_sys_comp.htm

A good sensor replacement write-up:
http://www.dodge-diesel.org/articles/cps/ckp.htm

While you are putzing around with the starter, now would be a good time to upgraade yout starter contacts.
http://fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

 

thanks for all the info! I'll have this changed today along w/ the new exhaust. god willing the rain stops.