Went to replace the crank sensor in my 2000 WJ 4.0L and the SOB is seized in the hole. I went through the trans tunnel since this seemed the easiest route which made it cake getting the bolt out. Unfortunately, that's where the ease of the removal ended. I've been soaking it in lubricant and wiggling it as much as I could in the small hole. I actually wound up cutting the hole larger to get more access to the damn thing. I got it to move maybe an inch but that's it. I gave up and figured I'd let it sit and soak in penetrant for a few days. Anyone else run into this issue before? The main thing is that I do NOT want to break it! So I rather be patient than rush into it. I've already broken the ear off that the bolt goes through but the rest is intact.

 

Update*

I was finally able to get the sensor to twist using a set of pliers that just barely fit in the hole in the floor which allowed me to work it out of the hole without breaking it. New sensor is now installed.

 

We did mine on the lift by removing the crossmember bolts and lowering the trans down to give a lot more clearance. Mine wasn't stuck either. It was a lot easier to get the harness back in behind the block as well.

 

Honestly, I had no issues once the sensor was loose and I removed it. The hole in the floor is extreme convenient. I didn't have access to a lift and I work by myself so I didn't want to try lowering the trans. I tied a piece of mechanics wire to the connector once the sensor was installed and fished it through the hole and on top of the transmission. Reaching through from under the hood I was able to grab the mechanics wire and gently pull the harness around the block. Took all of 5 minutes lol.