stalling

[Andrew19]

i have a 1997 pontiac grand prix and it has been stalling quite often. I can start it back up after about 4 key turns. i took it to a couple of shops and they really couldnt pin point the problem. i took it to GM/pontiac and they really couldnt find it but from the symptons and history they said the front crank shaft sensor was their guess about 95% sure. is this possible to do at home??

[GTP Dad]

The CPS is located behind the harmonic balancer and it requires that the balancer be removed to replace the sensor. This job can be done at home if you have the correct tools. An impact wrench comes in very handy to remove the crank bolt but sometimes they can be extremely tight. Once you get the bolt out use a puller to remove the balancer and you will see the sensor. Replace the sensor and reinstall the balancer, pulley and other assorted hardware and the car should start. Make sure to remove the battery terminal before starting the replacement. A chiltons or haynes manual would be quite helpful in doing this particular repair.

Good Luck!

[BNaylor]

This procedure will help. Beats any Chiltons or Haynes that I know of Lynn:

http://mykidz.net/GTP/CrankPosSensor.shtml

[wht-tail]

Andrew19 I just replaced both my CPS and Ignition control module and it is very easy. The only two problems that I had was locating the three 1/4 X 28 X 3" grade 8 bolts for the H-balancer puller. The kits did not have that paticular size included with them. One other thing on my H-balancer, one of the three holes used to pull the balancer I had a tough time getting the bolt started due to bad molding or forging of the cast. I just bumped the starter so that I got the hole to come down to a point so I could shine a light in to see what the obsruction was. Then I was able to hold additional pressure on the bolt and to get it started. bnaylor's link is what I used to do the job. Also I sprayed some penetrating oil (Kroil Oil the best) around the cranshaft bolt and let it sit for a few minutes and the bolt came out easily with the help of a impact wrench.. Hope this helps.