92 Lesabre Shuts Off

[sweetmel83]

So, my 92 LeSabre likes to just shut off while I am driving. After about 30 minutes or so it will start right back up again. At first I thought it was the fuel pump, but when those go I believe they just go and don't work intermittently (sp?) So I have read a few other posts on this sight and it seems the most common thing I saw was the Crankshaft Position Sensor. Is this right? and if so, how do I replace one of these? Please help!

[HotZ28]

You could have something simple. like a loose battery cable or bad ignition switch. You need to check your codes, prior to changing parts. Link below:

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/gener..._main.htm#1992
Diagnostic Trouble Codes

[sweetmel83]

So I got the info from the link...where exactly is the ALDL connector located on a 92? I can't seem to find it.

[Gocart879]

pretty sure its under the dash under the radio in center of vehicle, may also be under steering wheel, although thats not until later models, if its not under steering wheel, you will need to lay on the front floor of the vehicle to get a glimpse, its just tucked away.

[fastTurb]

on my '92 it is under the steering wheel back pretty far. for me it feels upside-down compared to other cars with the pins to jumper on the left side (driver side looking at the connector) bottom 2 pins.

[sweetmel83]

Okay, so I checked the codes and it gave me #17. Spark Reference Circuit. Anyone know what that means? Please help!!!!

[HotZ28]

Code 17 is for the crank position sensor on your car. It is located in the front of the motor, below water pump and behind the harmonic balancer. :22yikes:

[sweetmel83]

Can anyone help me with telling me how to replace the crankshaft position sensor? Thanks!

[HotZ28]

CPS replacement (not for the novice or mechanically challenged), involves removal of the crank pulley and re-alignment of new sensor using feeler gauges. Replacement sensor comes with instructions on how to align it.

The instructions for removing the vibration damper:

1. Disconnect the neg. batt. cable (caution re: Delcolock stereo ... )
2. Loosen lug nuts on rt. frt. wheel
3. Raise vehicle / support on jack stands
4. Remove rt. frt. wheel
5. Remove rt. ft. fender inner splash shield
6. Remove drive belt
7. Remove the lower bell housing cover plate and position a large screwdriver in the ring gear teeth (see illustration) to keep the crankshaft from turning while an assistant removes the crankshaft balancer bolt. The bolt is normally quite tight, so use a large breaker bar and a six-point socket.
8. The damper should pull off the crankshaft by hand. Leave the woodruff key in place in the end of the crankshaft.

That gets the vibration damper out of the way, and then it’s a matter of replacing the CPS, being careful to align it properly.