crankshaft position sensor question

[cabits]

I have to replace my crankshaft position sensor due to a code P0385 Circuit B problem. My question is do I need to perform some sort of learn proceedure after replacement of the sensor or is it just a straight up replacement job?

[GMMerlin]

You will need to perform the crankshaft variance learn procedure.

The scan tool crankshaft position system variation learn function will be inhibited if the engine coolant temperature is less than 70°C (158°F). Allow the engine to warm to at least 70°C (158F) before attempting the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn procedure.

The Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn function will be inhibited if any powertrain DTCs other than DTC P1336 are set before or during the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn procedure. Diagnose and repair any DTCs, if set.


Set the parking brake.
Block the drive wheels.
Close the hood.
Start the engine and allow engine coolant temperature to reach at least 70°C (158°F).
Turn off the engine, then turn the key to On.
Select and enable the Crankshaft Position Variation Learn Procedure with the scan tool.
Start the engine.
Wait until instructed by the scan tool, then apply the brake pedal firmly.
Ensure that the transaxle is in Park.
Increase accelerator pedal position until the CKP System Variation Learn fuel cutoff is reached at 4050 RPM. Release the accelerator pedal after the second fuel cutoff is reached.
The crankshaft position system variation compensating values are learned when the RPM decreases back to idle. If the procedure terminates, refer to the Important above for instructions.
Observe the DTC status for DTC P1336.
If the scan tool indicates that DTC P1336 ran and passed, the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn procedure is complete.
Use the scan tool to clear any DTCs. DTC P1336 will not automatically clear after a successful learn procedure. DTC P1336 will not clear from memory if the learn procedure was unsuccessful.

[cabits]

Thanks for the indepth info.

You really outdid yourself in explaning a but I do appreciate always learning a bit more about things and you have helped me there. Thanks again.

[illinoiswronski]

cabits:

If you do not mind me asking, what was the cause/symptoms of the problem that made you change your sensor?

My 99 Intrigue w/ 3.5L periodically lights the MIL and sets the exact same code. The setting of this light is usually accompanied by a short stumble of the engine (I read in the book that the car has two sensors in one module so if it detects a problem with one sensor it will default to the other one until you re-start the engine when it will try both sensors again). The light will go off after restarting the engine a few times, but the code will stay set until I erase it.

The kicker is that this highly intermittant problem will only occur at three distinct points in my regular travels. Two of these three points are directly under high voltage power lines.

I'm interested to hear what caused you to change your sensor and if the problem was fixed.

thanks.

[cabits]

illinoiswronski

My son and wife both complained that the car would occasionaly "buck or stumble" as they drove it. Then the SES came on and went out several times. I used my laptop that has Autotap software and reset the DTC's and ran it again. The SES came on again. So I ordered a dual position sensor from Rockauto.com for about $63 delivered and had it in a few days. I installed the sensor and it started right up. I hooked up my laptop again to monitor for any new codes and it came up fine. We've been driving it for about a week now after the install and had no complaints, no SES lights, no knocks, pings, or anything. So I plan on bypassing the learn proceedure for the new Dual position crankshaft sensor since it hasn't come up with a P1336 code. Good luck with yours.

My headlights still go on and off even after the new alternater was put in and the dealer gave up. Next the blower resistor pack died too. The electrical system in this car is pathetic.

[illinoiswronski]

How bad was the install? Do you have access to a lift or did you do it on jackstands?

[cabits]

I drove it up on my small ramps or you can use stands. Removed the battery cable. Took off the lower air cam that is under the radiator. Romoved the starter motor. Then removed the sensor. Installed in reverse order. I was done up and running in about 1-2 hours. Good luck.

[emurphy79]

I have been through this same problem, and this thread gave me all of the answers. I did not have to the "learn function", the sensor seemed to work automatically. The part from rockauto.com was shipped the same day I ordered it, and they provided a great service to me, especially considering I couldn't get the part locally.

[pigsnzen]

I replaced mine last week, with similar results to others in this thread. Rockauto.com is a great dealer to work with for parts.

I didn't remove the air dam because it was high enough on ramps (with stands under the subframe connection points) to not need the room. It is a bit tricky to hold up the starter while replacing the wiring (I couldn't get the wires on/off with it still attached to the engine). Great triceps exercise!

I intend to use the sensor re-learn feature when I can hook up with a buddy who has a scan tool, but it was worked flawlessly so far.

[Kefren759]

Originally Posted by GMMerlin

You will need to perform the crankshaft variance learn procedure.

The scan tool crankshaft position system variation learn function will be inhibited if the engine coolant temperature is less than 70°C (158°F). Allow the engine to warm to at least 70°C (158F) before attempting the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn procedure.

The Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn function will be inhibited if any powertrain DTCs other than DTC P1336 are set before or during the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn procedure. Diagnose and repair any DTCs, if set.


Set the parking brake.
Block the drive wheels.
Close the hood.
Start the engine and allow engine coolant temperature to reach at least 70°C (158°F).
Turn off the engine, then turn the key to On.
Select and enable the Crankshaft Position Variation Learn Procedure with the scan tool.
Start the engine.
Wait until instructed by the scan tool, then apply the brake pedal firmly.
Ensure that the transaxle is in Park.
Increase accelerator pedal position until the CKP System Variation Learn fuel cutoff is reached at 4050 RPM. Release the accelerator pedal after the second fuel cutoff is reached.
The crankshaft position system variation compensating values are learned when the RPM decreases back to idle. If the procedure terminates, refer to the Important above for instructions.
Observe the DTC status for DTC P1336.
If the scan tool indicates that DTC P1336 ran and passed, the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn procedure is complete.
Use the scan tool to clear any DTCs. DTC P1336 will not automatically clear after a successful learn procedure. DTC P1336 will not clear from memory if the learn procedure was unsuccessful.

What kind of scan tool is necessary to perform this procedure?
A domestic?, a professional?

[Hoppy2]

Sorry Moderator, I am lost in repairing my olds.
My car takes over 5 seconds of cranking to start and fear a sensor is gone. Anyone have an idea?

[panzer dragoon]

Get an OBD2 code reader (buy one <$100 or AutoZone ETC will scan for free)

Either a Crankshaft (CKP) or Camshaft position sensor (CPS). -I would bet on the camshaft position sensor and it is the easier fix. -OBD2 reader will tell which one (if any)

[cpberry1]

Another success story - easy swap, though I was able to get the starter off. Not removing it completely (as some have mentioned) would have added a dimension I didn't want to deal with. Also the motor was warm so that should be avoided if you can. No relearn necessary (for mine) and no annoying off-acceleration stalls for a week now. I'm declaring it healed! Replacement part was from Advance Auto. OEM had 166,000+ on it and was 12 years old.
Great forum, though I think there was more activity a couple years back... Guess that means all the bugs are worked out of our cars now!
Patrick

[tacosoldier]

Originally Posted by Kefren759

What kind of scan tool is necessary to perform this procedure?
A domestic?, a professional?

A professional scantool with bidirectional capability is needed for this procedure.