2001 Crankshaft Position Sensor

[eyewall1]

Hi,

My 2001 V6 has set a P0385 code which is a Crankshaft Position Sensor B circuit malfunction. I think its heat related, because it does an instantenous misfire/halt infrequently and not until you are down the road aways. This actually started last winter, then stopped, and now its back again. But, it finally set a code this time. My question...could somebody tell me where the sensor(s) are located and the procedure to replace. The sensors appear well hidden to me. I have looked locally in the library, and am unable to find any manuals on this vehicle either. I would be grateful if someone could fax me a page, or provide a simple writeup out of the 2001 Service Manual. Its my wife's car, and she likes it to "go"

Thanks a bunch...
[email protected]

[Isnibs]

sorry I can't help you as mine is a 1996
Why not try
http://www.alldatadiy.com
hopefully they will have the info you need.

[Bill V]

The crank sensor on the 3.5l (H code) engine is located above the starter...

[SpitAndDirt]

On the older engines, (3.0L, 3.3L, 3.8L Buick,Pontiac, Olds ) the crankshaft position sensor was located just behind the Harmonic Balencer (Largest, bottom pulley). Balencer is bolted to the front of the crankshaft and all the belts are driven by that pulley. You had to remove the Passenger wheel and access it through a plastic, removable splash panel. I don't know if yours is like that though, but I good place to start. I looked on www.partsamerica.com and found that you may have two sensors. There may be a second one located in the back of the motor near the firewall, just above the oil pan, in the engine block. It has two wires coming out of it and should be secured by a 8 mm bolt. I don't know for sure what size your motor is. But I looked up a 1999 Alero with a 3.4L The problem is that even though your car is a Olds, it may have the derivative of the Chevy 3.1L in it. So, bottom line, the GPSorenson part number CSS61 would be for the 3.0, 3.3, 3.8L derived motor, and the CSS7 would be for the 3.1L derivite motor. I hope this isn't confusing but is helpful Good luck -Chris

[SpitAndDirt]

I apologize that the above thread was actually for a Alero problem....sorry

[eyewall1]

Thank you for your responses, and especially the extra effort by SpitAndDirt, always appreciated The sensor is indeed above the starter, and with more light and sharper eyes, a person can barely see it. The starter looks simple enough to remove. I ordered the new sensor, and we'll see how it goes this weekend. Thanks...cm

[eyewall1]

Ok, I got the new sensor in a couple of weeks ago, and that fixed it. A couple of pointers...take a note of how the starter wiring is curled around to fit the starter. On my car, you could attach it only one way, and the partial loop of the heavy cable needs to be done correctly. You need to loosen the plastic flywheel cover first, then the starter. You will have to tilt the starter down to get at the nuts to remove the starter cables. I would suggest you disconnect the battery first. Once the starter is out, remove the sensor, its only one small bolt, you will have to pry it out a bit. I put a little grease on the new sensor o-rings, and pushed her in. Connect everything backup in reverse. I had the most problem with the copper nut going back onto the starter, its easy to get it cross-threaded. cm

[rwagoner56]

The last post was in Sept. Has the problem gone away for good? No more long cranks and misfires?

I have the same problem with my 01.

Rick