P0336 code 99 GS

I am getting a P0336 scan code from my 99 Regal GS. Says it is the crankshaft position sensor.

Does this mean the sensor is bad or what would cause the code?
The engine seems to skip once in awhile. The other day it just died on the highway then restarted no problem. Something is definately ready to go on it.


Where is the crankshaft position sensor located on the 3.8?
Can you test it whith a meter?

Can someone help me out?

I am getting a P0336 scan code from my 99 Regal GS. Says it is the crankshaft position sensor.

Does this mean the sensor is bad or what would cause the code?
The engine seems to skip once in awhile. The other day it just died on the highway then restarted no problem. Something is definately ready to go on it.


Where is the crankshaft position sensor located on the 3.8?
Can you test it whith a meter?

Can someone help me out?

The crankshaft position sensor is located at the front of the crankshaft behind the harmonic balancer/pulley. The electrical connector is to the right as you look down. The sensor is behind a plastic cover. Real bear to change out.

thanks for the reply.
Is there a way to test the sensor to see if it is bad?
I figured there where a lot of regal gurus on this site but I haven't recieved that much of a responce.
Did anyone else ever have this problem?

Our's isnt to bad to replace.Just need to remove the belt's,front passenger tire,Inner plastice wheel well

First thing, we will be removing the crankshaft pulley.

First, we need to remove the bolt that is in the center of the pulley. Mine was on VERY tight and I had to use a newly rebuilt, VERY POWERFUL, impact to take it off. Even then, it was a struggle. The picture below shows the bolt already removed and sitting on the passenger side strut tower. It is the large one with some orange on it.

The passenger side strut tower with the crankshaft dampener bolt sitting on top.
http://www.clubgm.com/img/cam/struttower.jpg


Now to remove the pulley itself. For this, we will be needing a J-Tool. This is a pulley puller that is made specifically for removing the crank pulley.
The pulley puller, as shown in the picture below, has three small bolts that go through the crank pulley and screw in to a piece deep within the engine. The larger bolt is what is used to pull the pulley off and it goes through the puller and into the place where you just removed the large crank pulley bolt. On the puller tool, you will also notice a small tab that sticks up. This needs to be lined up with a small slot that is on the pulley. After that is lined up, put the three small bolts on and tighten them down. Then put the larger bolt in and tighten it down until the pulley is pulled off. Note: When removing the crankshaft dampener it may be necessary to use some kind of flywheel tool to keep the engine from turning while removing the dampener bolt (the big bolt in the middle of the pulley).

http://www.clubgm.com/img/cam/J-38197-2.jpg
The crankshaft dampener puller tool (J-38197-2)

After you get the dampener off you will see the CPS,just remember that this was taken from another set of instructions so I tried to get the info that might help you out and here is a pic of the CPS.If I missed anything I hope others will add to what I may have missed...good luck!

Also after replacing the the sensor,you will need to take it in and have a case learn/CKP Variation Learn


What is a CKP Variation Learn
Read Here (http://www.seattleautomotive.com/ckpdoc.htm)



~Larry~

CPS
http://www.rockauto.com/ref/ACDelco/213-151.jpg

thanks for the reply.
Is there a way to test the sensor to see if it is bad?
I figured there where a lot of regal gurus on this site but I haven't recieved that much of a responce.
Did anyone else ever have this problem?

Big L is probably the real Guru on GM 3800s. He is a great information source. I work on my 99 Regal LS just to save money and baby it along since it has 97K miles and out of warranty. In the meantime my 2001 GS keeps me happy.

If your sensor is really bad, Big L's solution is the only way to go. The DTC code indicates a CPS circuit malfunction. Just to give you an idea of what I went through and wound up not changing the CPS. Lucked out. I removed the electrical connector connected to the CPS and found corrosion from moisture.Took off all the white stuff on the CPS side and 4 pin electrical connector. Sprayed with electrical contact cleaner and let it dry. Hooked it back and cleared the codes with my scan code reader. Ran it through a drive cycle and no more CPS code. Problem hasn't returned for about 4K miles. Saved money on the sensor itself and tools needed to replace it not to mention the time if you review Big L's procedure.

The CPS can be tested with a digital meter in the ohms position but it is hard to get to with the multimeter leads directly while on the car. The only problem is you need to make a test connector with long wires. There are 4 wires or contacts. Pin D or 4 is the ground. Measure pins A, B, C in relationship to pin D or 4 and the reading will be infinite (open). Then measure the resistance of the CPS at pins A to B or C. However, I don't have the exact resistance values. Statically it may a read a figure such as 250 ohms and dynamically while cranking the engine read the resistance value will change (fluctuate) as the crank rotates. If you have no resistance at all reading via pins A to B or C, etc. it is an open sensor and needs to be replaced. Maybe someone else on the forum knows or has the exact resistance values for the CPS on our model.

Hope the info helps and good luck!

For a minute there I though I was going to have trouble getting some info on this thing.
thanks alot for all the great info and details with pictures yet.
I'll probabbly do some work on it this weekend. Man its too cold out here in Mass. to be working on this outside. Unfortunatly I don't have a garage. I'll have to bring it over to my brothers.
Engine has 112,000 on it.
I did a tune up ,plug wires filter etc..
Seems to hesitate and act up on the highway. It died on me once but started right up.
Maybe the sensor just needs cleaning.
Thanks again BIG L and bnaylor3400

For a minute there I though I was going to have trouble getting some info on this thing.
thanks alot for all the great info and details with pictures yet.
I'll probabbly do some work on it this weekend. Man its too cold out here in Mass. to be working on this outside. Unfortunatly I don't have a garage. I'll have to bring it over to my brothers.
Engine has 112,000 on it.
I did a tune up ,plug wires filter etc..
Seems to hesitate and act up on the highway. It died on me once but started right up.
Maybe the sensor just needs cleaning.
Thanks again BIG L and bnaylor3400

You're welcome. Man I know what you mean by the cold back Northeast. Used to work for Raytheon in Andover. We migrated to the good ole Southwest. Sunny today over 70 degrees. Got a son freezing his butt off at USMA West Point, NY. His '97 GTP is hogging up part of the garage while he is away. Good luck. Regal's a great car, otherwise.