Well I attempted to change the Crank Position Sensor on my 2000 4.0 today and I've gotta say it's one frustrating process. I got the old one out and the bottom bolt installed in the new one but I can't get the top bolt threaded into the hole for anything! My neighbor and I worked on this for a couple frustrating curse filled hours this evening and I had to walk away and leave it for tomorrow. I've tried just about everything I can think of to find a way to get that bolt in. Does anyone have any advice? I've tried from the bottom with the extensions as well as from above. I damn near dropped the bolt inside the bell housing more than once. If I had hands like a 9 year old girl I could probably get it done but I don't. Thanks for any advice you guys can provide.

 

Put some electrical tape over the bolt head and jam it into the socket so it won't fall out.

I have big hands and arms so I disconnect the front driveshaft at the diff and swing it out of the way.

 

Thanks cruiser I like the tape idea. After I finish this cup of coffee I'm gonna head back out and give that a try.

 

Take a look at the driveshaft, too. 4 little bolts.

 

I first used a 90 degree pick to slide through the CPS hold and the threaded hole in the transmission to be sure they are aligned. I used my fat fingers/hand and slowly worked my way to the hole and pushed it in. It took me about 30 minutes of trying to get it and I have huge hand, once I got it in there I used a small duralast wrench to drive it home. I really want to cut a removable panel in the transmission hump to allow access to the sensor from the inside, but I didn't have the time necessary to do it. I have about 10 years of experience with PITA repairs on cars which helps.

 

To change your CPS I found if you BACK the fronts onto ramps, you won't have them in the way, where you need to lay. A stand under the left front frame would be in your way.

If CPS itself is putting out less than .35 Volts AC, unplugged, while it's cranking with a good battery, or the resistance is not 200 ohm's plus/minus 75, hot;

11mm socket > 3 inch extension > universal > long (18-24 inches of extension). Your feet are sticking out under the passenger side, you can reach up past the front drive-line with your left hand to hold the CPS from the front. Your right hand is on the ratchet way back by the tranny cross member. If you tie a long string on the old plug, you can use it to haul up the new. Toss that piece of plastic if it's still there, and do not drop the bolts in there! Echlin # CSS980, (from Napa, for 87-90), should be fine, but some prefer to go to Jeep. I wouldn't bother with anything else for that.

If your left forearm is bigger than a quart Mason jar, you might consider removing the front drive-line. Also You might cut your old CPS wires if they go through a deal on a bell housing bolt, then be sure your new are held somewhere safe.

The second one is REALLY easy!

 

Alright I was able to get the bolts in finally using grease in the socket to hold the bolt as I guided it into place. I appreciate all the help and the Jeep seems to be running good now and not shutting down.

 

That first one sucks. Well done!