Crankshaft Sensor replacement...

My car was starting hard cranks forever before it starts. I changed the Fuel Pressure Regulator and the Crankshaft Sensor. After I replaced the crankshaft sensor i took it to autozone and had the codes cleared the only code was for the crankshaft sensor. The SES light stayed off for about a day and now it is back on throwing the Cranksensor code again. Does anyone have any ideas on what I have to do? I dont have a computer that will do the lean variance thing that I have seen on here so where do I go from here.
BTW the car is running and starting fine for now but I am still paranoid about that SES light.

Thanks
Andy lauck

What year and engine? What is the specific DTC error code? The case learn can only be performed by a GM dealer using a Tech II machine.

99 olds intrigue with 3.5l engine. Anyhow I took it too my mechanic and he said that he did the learn. I don't think that he has the GM computer so maybe he didn't do it. Regardless he did change the cam shaft sensor and I have not had any problems since. This is the 2nd day without check engine light and it starts right up. Is it absolutely necessary to do the learn on crankshaft sensor? If it is do you HAVE to go to GM or can it be done by other mechanics?

Thanks for the help
Andy

99 olds intrigue with 3.5l engine. Anyhow I took it too my mechanic and he said that he did the learn. I don't think that he has the GM computer so maybe he didn't do it. Regardless he did change the cam shaft sensor and I have not had any problems since. This is the 2nd day without check engine light and it starts right up. Is it absolutely necessary to do the learn on crankshaft sensor? If it is do you HAVE to go to GM or can it be done by other mechanics?

Thanks for the help
Andy

I've never had to get a case learn done on a crank or camshaft position sensor replacement. The case learn is recommended but not mandatory.

As long as you have your original PCM module which has the low and high crank angles programmed into it should be OK. If a case learn is required the PCM will trigger a DTC error code indicating that a case learn must be done.

All the case learn does is prevent or minimize the possibiity of false misfires.

How easy/hard was it to replace the crank sensor?

How easy/hard was it to replace the crank sensor?

I would say about an hour. The starter comes off and the sensor is tucked in behind it under the exhaust manifold. Disconnect the battery first also.

Very hard to impossible to see the CKP sensor with the starter in the way.

I didn't do the Tech2 relearn procedure either and mine has been working fine for 1 year. Swap out the sensor with a new one and it starts right up. I used an new GM sensor (not generic or other) as the replacement.

That's a little too involved for me.

On a different topic, I do need to change my fuel filter. I understand it is located on the passenger rail in front of the fuel tank and is very easy to change. Waht is the best way to depresurize the fuel line so I don't get sprayed with gas? It's too expensive to waste.

First take out the fuel pump fuse, it's under the hood not in the car. Then start your car till it dies. Then crank it a couple more times. Then Unscrew the gas cap, then under the engine cover there is a little valve which looks like a tire pressure cap. Unscrew the cap and push the pin, I use a small glass jar to catch the gas or a wad of heavy duty paper towels. Then go to the filter and use two open ended wrenches and go to town. I would reccomend buying a Chilton / Haynes Service Manual. They can describe it better than me.

That's a little too involved for me.

On a different topic, I do need to change my fuel filter. I understand it is located on the passenger rail in front of the fuel tank and is very easy to change. Waht is the best way to depresurize the fuel line so I don't get sprayed with gas? It's too expensive to waste.

If you want to gain confidence in your Intrigue (and your car needs the work) get www.alldatadiy.com (http://www.alldatadiy.com) I didn't know nothing about all the ODBII, ckp sensor, ax by zc? stuff either when I started out. For $25 alldatadiy will give you all the diagrams and step-by-steps you need.

If you still can't figure it out, come here to this forum and a ton of people have the service manual or experience and can figure it out.

AllDatadiy.com will give you the confidence to crack open the hood. Print out the diagrams or step-by-steps and bring them with you to the garage.

Warning: You still need some common sense when disconnecting the battery, jacking up a car, etc. >Patience Helps<

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=452633&highlight=ckp+sensor

Was the hard starting your only symptom? Mine was doing that, but Auto Zone read the code and it said Cam Sensor, not Crank Sensor. It cost me 30 bucks and 20 minutes to replace. They cleared the code for me and everything has been perfect ever since. The cam and crank sensors work on the same loop (sort of) so I wonder if you were getting the wrong code? I was dreading having to change the crank shaft sensor but thank goodness that was not the problem. By the way, mine is a 99 3.5 and just turned 100K today!

Yea it was the cam sensor and the crank sensor too I believe. Anyhow I got it fixed and you are right they do run on the same loop.If anyone else runs into this problem my suggestion is to change the Cam sensor first then try the crank sensor. Neither is too hard to replace but the cam sensor is cheaper and is also much easier to install.

Thanks for the help
Andy