Code P0315- Help!

I've got a 2003 base model with a CEL that has only come on for the last two long trips (Northern NY to south NJ), then goes off when driving locally. It idles erratically at times, and seems to rev higher at highway speeds. It threw this code before, then went away. I had bought a new crankshaft sensor, but couldn't find where it goes, so I took it back when the light went out. When it came back, the friendly guys at Advance Auto Parts read the above code again (which I have not been able to find on any OBDII listings), and I bought a new crankshaft sensor again. Now I've got to put it in but can't find where it goes in the engine. The Haynes manual is no help at all- it shows a 3.0L engine with a closeup that doesn't show any surrounding areas in the engine compartment. Anyone know where this thing goes?

I've got a 2003 base model with a CEL that has only come on for the last two long trips (Northern NY to south NJ), then goes off when driving locally. It idles erratically at times, and seems to rev higher at highway speeds. It threw this code before, then went away. I had bought a new crankshaft sensor, but couldn't find where it goes, so I took it back when the light went out. When it came back, the friendly guys at Advance Auto Parts read the above code again (which I have not been able to find on any OBDII listings), and I bought a new crankshaft sensor again. Now I've got to put it in but can't find where it goes in the engine. The Haynes manual is no help at all- it shows a 3.0L engine with a closeup that doesn't show any surrounding areas in the engine compartment. Anyone know where this thing goes?


The sensor is under the car on the passenger side, around the serpentine belt tensioner area.

When I did my belt on my 2001 I had to go under the van. If I remember right It was on the crank shaft with a wire harness attached to it the sensor looked smaller than the harness that plugged into it.. It was in behind the harmonic balancer so it can be a easy miss from top view.. But from the bottom you should see it fairly quick.. It may be going to the top of the crankshaft but all you really need to look for is the wires harness going to that area.

Thanks all who replied to my pathetic cry for help. I'll look under the van by the pulleys and crankshaft and shouldn't have any trouble. I'll update when it's done. Thanks again!

I've completed the replacement of the crankshaft position sensor. It is indeed as everyone said, under the passenger side by the harmonic balancer and the crank, under the belt and pulleys. I put the van on a lift and took off the R passenger wheel for access. You'll need a work light to see it, but it's up behind the wheelwell. It's an interesting part- it's got a magnet on the bottom that stays close to a cogged wheel attached to the crankshaft pulley. When I got it unbolted, it didn't fall like I expected; I had to pull it off. If you're going to do this job, be very careful of the latch tab on the harness- I broke it accidentally in prying it off. I think the tab was on top, instead of where I was pushing to release it on the bottom. I used a zip-tie to hold it on. Love those things!

Thanks to all for the helpful info!

It seems that the electrical designers at Ford like to play games with connectors. Do they think we want puzzles to play with? Would it not be OK to have the same latch scheme on each connector?

But I guess it doesn't really matter, the plastic is so cheap it will break and fall apart in a couple of years anyway.

12Ounce,

It never occurred to me to check for the latch on top, because you can't even see it. Ford ticks me off in so many ways, it's impossible to even start explaining!!

Patience! They won't be around much longer to bother anyone.

You know, I have been thinking the very same thing for a long time, but it seemed impolite to say it on a Ford-related forum. A real shame for such an historically important company, but true nonetheless.

A shame indeed. Ford is a bedrock piece of our economy and our culture. It's too much to lose because of ....??

From the Ford service manual;

Note: DTC P0315 is set when the PCM is unable to learn and correct for mechanical variations in the Crankshaft Pulse Wheel tooth spacing (the allowable correction tolerances have been exceeded).

Inspect the Crankshaft Pulse Wheel for damaged teeth.

Inspect the Crankshaft Pulse Wheel for wobble.

Inspect for a loose Crankshaft Pulse Wheel.

Inspect the CKP sensor for damage.

Are the CKP sensor and Crankshaft Pulse Wheel OK?

Yes-INSPECT the Crankshaft by referring to the Engine System, General Information Section 303 in the Workshop Manual, Diagnosis and Testing, to make repairs.

No-REPAIR as necessary. DISCONNECT the battery for 5 minutes to allow PCM to learn new data.

From the Ford service manual;

Note: DTC P0315 is set when the PCM is unable to learn and correct for mechanical variations in the Crankshaft Pulse Wheel tooth spacing (the allowable correction tolerances have been exceeded).

...

Inspect the CKP sensor for damage.

Are the CKP sensor and Crankshaft Pulse Wheel OK?

Yes-INSPECT the Crankshaft by referring to the Engine System, General Information Section 303 in the Workshop Manual, Diagnosis and Testing, to make repairs.

No-REPAIR as necessary. DISCONNECT the battery for 5 minutes to allow PCM to learn new data.

This is interesting information. I recently changed the CKP and found the magnet that senses the gear teeth to be totally corroded and blackened. Hopefully that zip tie holds!

A shame indeed. Ford is a bedrock piece of our economy and our culture. It's too much to lose because of ....??

Their stupidity