I've been searching and searching for exsisting write ups on replacing the Crankshaft Position Sensor in an '89 XJ, found a couple on other websites, but I want to hear the wisdom of Cherokee Forum! What I've read so far I don't like at all, I know where it is and tried briefly to get a tool in there with no luck.

If any of you have done this already, I would appreciate some tips!

 

There's an access panel under the carpet inside the cab.

 

Long extension and a wobble socket or cut a hole in your floor pan

 

Easiest way is to just stop searching and replace it.

Disconnect one connector,
two bolts in and out,
reattach connector,
done,
sixer time.



ETA: a 7/16 or 11mm flex socket helps, but is by no means mandatory.

 

From underneath with a couple extensions and a "wobble joint" as previously stated. Be careful not to drop the bolts into the hole for the CPS. It really isn't too hard, but helps to have long skinny arms. Also another trick is to cut the holes into slots so that when you have to replace it later you don't have to remove the bolts only loosen them to slide the CPS off. This may void the warranty on it though.....

 

It can be a bear of a project- or it can be very simple. Cut an access window. Do your business. Cover hole with flashing, three screws, and RTV. Replace carpet. Next time it goes bad- it only takes a few minutes to access it.

-Pictures shown on 5.2 ZJ. Same concept on XJs.

--Copp

 

I've done it with out, but I hear some disconnect front drive shaft if 4x4

 

I'm not sure if my '98 is different, but I climbed under the driver's side with a 1/4" ratchet, extention, universal, and socket. It only took 15 minutes or so.

ONE NOTE: On my XJ, the new sensor had a shorter harness and barely reached the connector. Maybe there are a couple of different part #'s out there. Just FYI

 

Mine seems really easy to get to, although I haven't replaced it yet.

 

I've done quite a few.
It's a 15 minute job with 2 people.
3/8 ratchet, 24" extension or several shorter ones, a wobbly on the socket end, 10 or 13 MM socket - depending on which one you have.
Put tape around the wobbly to keep it from flopping too much.
Go under with a light, poke it up to it. A friend on top reaches down and guides the socket on and helps hold it on while you turn it. When the bolt gets loose he grabs the bolt so it doesn't fall.

Same in reverse going back on.
If the harness on the new one is too short, you have the wrong one. There are several "flavors," not interchangeable Some have only 1 bolt, some 2, some are only $30, some are $90.

The Chinese knock-offs from Autochina only last a short while - get quality from NAPA or Carquest or the dealer - unless you like doing it often.

Be sure to leave the cardboard sleeve on it - it's a spacer to get the depth right. When you first start it, you'll hear the flywheel tear the spacer off - it's normal.

If it doesn't have the spacer - put 3 layers of Duct tape on the end to space it the right distance.

 

What the sam hell are you talking about rrich? Cardboard sleeve spacer???

--Copp

 

I use long extensions and a 1/4" drive socket and swivel.
Easy enough to get it from underneath.

 

Easiest Way from UNDER the XJ ....

Proper size socket
Long extension/s
AIR RATCHET

From start to finish .... 7-10 minutes. ( the first time )

 

At the tip of the sensor there is a round cardboard disc attached. I don't know if I would use duct tape in place of it, though. Sounds like a terrible idea.

 

... i took the one out of my parts xj into my new one and didnt use a "spacer" just put it in. is this bad?