Crankshaft Position Sensor - Removal

Andy 944 · Mar 15, 2014

My non-starting issue may lead towards crankshaft sensor, how do you get the buggers out.

I have removed the allen bolt but no amount of twisting will release it, I understand it should just pull out.

Am I missing a trick, anybody else had similar problems.

Ta

Frenchy · Mar 15, 2014

Andy, looking to do mine on the Turbo S tomorrow, spoke to one of the lads at JMG and he said they are awkward buggers, they get a "hold" he suggested firing some WD40 or similar in the area with a view to loosening them up.

vitesse · Mar 15, 2014

Even if they are not seized in by corrosion,the O-ring makes them very difficult to remove compared to pushing them in against the O -ring-it also stops the WD 40 getting past it to assist.

chrisg · Mar 15, 2014

It's a whole since I did mine, ISTR that both sensors are on a small carrier bracket that's hinged and allow u to adjust the height above the flywheel. I'd remove the bracket with the sensors insitu my experience is it's easier to work on these things out of the car in a vice in good light where you can apply heat etc Chris

Andy 944 · Mar 15, 2014

I am back to work tomorrow so 944 will have to sit in the garage till next weekend, Frenchy let me know how you get on, take a note of Chrisg tip as it may be useful Ta

Swindon_Mick · Mar 15, 2014

Removing the bracket is the easiest way, but IIRC you need to set the height of the senor 0.8mm from the flywheel when you re-install (not difficult - when I did mine I glued a piece of 0.8mm think cardboard on the end of the sensor and then let is 'sit' on the flywheel). Mick

campervan · Mar 15, 2014

i took mine out today no amount of twisting worked took out bracket and took about 2 hrs trying to get them out in one piece in the end they just broke the one was ok too bugger, your best bet if there def no good is smash or cut off the plastic top and knock them through this took 5 mins after trying to knock the first one through from shiny side part this just flattens out when hit then just clean the holes job done . the bracket has a sleeve that is in the block or bracket on the hole nearest the wing you have to pry the bracket off it be careful as when doing mine today it half came out resulting in having to use more force to get past it as it was then twice as long resulting in a chunk coming off the said engine block hole [

]

Frenchy · Mar 16, 2014

Mine came out okay today, bolts out then worked them back and forth and pulled at the same time, they were tight but came, moved the bracket for the connectors and if you big hands you may struggle. You can use a 16/17 mm open ended spanner to twist them. My engine was rebuilt about 25k ago so maybe they were removed then which may have helped........still no start !

Andy 944 · Mar 18, 2014

Guys Got her started this morning after 6-7 attempts spinning her over and then stamped on the loud peddle, she burst into song. Before I start getting ham fisted and smash the granny out of my sensors (Â£50 plus each) I want to investigate fuel delivery route. The pump can be heard priming and pulse felt in fuel line. Want to replace the fuel pump but a scan of fleabay shows new from Â£35 - Â£130. Has anybody experience with cheaper units apparently used in SAAB and Volvo or is it a false economy and go Â£130 for Bosche. Whilst she was running I disconnected one sensor, nothing happened. I then tried the other and she cut out? Why are their two sensors and should disconnecting either shut her down? Sorry to keep hassling Cheers

Eldavo · Mar 18, 2014

If you do replace the fuel pump then take a look at the Sytec ones on eBay, same as a 044 bit much less Â£Â£Â£. I know a few who have fitted them.

scam75 · Mar 18, 2014

+1 for the sytec. Bosch 044 equivalent for 95 quid delivered. A lot of the jap boys run them on their scoobys and evos. Stuart

Andy 944 · Mar 31, 2014

ITS ALIVE !!!!! Turned out to be sensor after all, replaced both, didn't come without a fight. [

] HAPPY TO BE BACK ON THE ROAD Next job will be to sort all the bodged wiring that has been chopped about over the years. Why don't people fix things properly first time round instead of taking short cuts AAAAARG

Veerzigzag · Mar 31, 2014

sort all the bodged wiring

Been there - take your time - it's worth it. Suggest you make sure you have a good (ratchet-type) crimp tool - worth the money to get a good and consistent job done.

Nev Pooley · Apr 27, 2020

Hi Guys.....I have a 996 Targa (2002) 3.6 that I am trying to remove the crankshaft sensor from. Firstly the 5mm hex bolt has sheared off. Not a problem I thought, as I could replace this with something else that would secure the new sensor one way or another, but the old sensor is completely siesed in. No amount of specialised penetrating oil, brute force or praying has had any effect. I have now started drilling the dam thing out having to use a right angled chuck and a flexi shaft drill. I am fast losing the will to live. Has anyone got a tip or two, if anything to offer up support as to what else to do. Lockdown with the wife I can cope with, but a stuck sensor is taking me to my limit.