Originally Posted by ncmountie
I was back at my mechanic this morning to have them replace the Crank Shaft Sensor (CSS) since I could not locate it. Also, if this wasn't the problem, they could return the CSS and get reimbursed whereas I couldn't.
Since they're friends of mine, they got me in to do the install. Since not in the typical location they were familiar with, my mechanic called the dealership. Found that it was positioned back behind motor or somewhere impossible to reach and learned determined the dealership would be better suited to do the install and that the dealership would need to reprogram once installed.
My mechanic then explained what vehicle he was working on and that I had been there eariler reference the Check Engine Light. The contact was asked if there was some chance the dealership had not done the Verification Learn after installing the new computer. The contact thought that would have been done, but it was possible it wasn't. The dealership contact tells my mechanic to have me come back and they would do another scan.
I return to the dealership and a mechanic, different from those dealt with initially, advised that the scan reflected that the CSS had not been re-programed, but he had done so and cleared the Check Engine Light. I ask what his scan actually read and it was the same scan as my mechanic had obtained yesterday, now known as Code: P1636, specifically relating to the verification learn issue. He also volunteered that the mechanic who did the computer install was a large truck mechanic and he unknowingly failed to do the programing of the CSS.
I later called the Service Manager who did the initial scan yesterday afternoon...He said he couldn't recall the code he received, but his scan indicated the CSS "wasn't communicating" or that the CSS "wouldn't do anything." He said it just read, "Crank Shaft Positioning Sensor." He specifically said he did not get the CSS re-learn code. Based on his scan he thought the CSS was bad and needed replacing. The original mechanic, who was present when the Service Mngr did the scan, had agreed with the "bad" CSS as I was standing there. The Serv Mngr said the computer install mechanic and himself included, did not know that the CSS had to be re-programed separately from the Verification Learn which was done. He said the vehicle wouldn't have run if they hadn't done the Verification Learn after the computer was installed. I asked if there was anything else that needed to be programed separately and he said no, if that were the case, the light would still be on.
In the end, while I lost time from work and research to include this forum, I saved myself $168.00. Main thing is, my vehicle is back on the road where it belongs. The time on the forum and internet searches wasn't a waste by any means...I now know what a Crank Shaft Positioning Sensor is along with some computer issues.
Personally, but I'm wondering if the initial scan was a P1636, same as my mechanics and the dealership's last scan and it was obvious that the programming was all that was needed. The intent was for me to give them back the vehicle, they either do or don't replace the CSS (I'm guessing probably they don't cause I would never know otherwise), but charge me for it, then do the CSS re-learn, turn off the Service Eng Light and make an extra $168.00. Somebody let me know if I'm off base?
Thanks for the responses received and efforts to assist. You were helpful.
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