Step on plug?

[Fran D]

I need to change the synchronizer in my 01 VIN U, but I see two options available from most retailers (who also identify the part as a crank angle sensor). The two options are with step on plug and without step on plug. What is that? Most of the photos are stock pictures, so they look the same. I can't recognize anything on my car that would identify it as one or the other. Any help?

[tripletdaddy]

Sorry, no direct knowledge here, but a hunch they might be talking about the configuration of the electrical connection? Look more closely at what you have and see if that makes any sense?

[shorod]

Are you sure it was "step on plug" versus "Coil on Plug?" Coil on Plug (CoP) would refer to if your 2001 has spark plug wires or an individual coil mounted just above each spark plug. It seems some 2001 Taurii with the 24V V6 have CoP while others do not.

Also, my recall is that the synchronizer is associate with the camshaft position sensor. The crank angle sensor would be associated with the crankshaft position sensor.

There have been quite a few posts on this forum related to the camshaft synchronizer. I'd suggest you use the "Search this forum" feature from the Taurus forum main page and search for the keyword "synchronizer."

-Rod

[Fran D]

Yes, it is called a step on plug and it does reference a physically offset "step" in the plug on the sensor. For future reference, the part that is identified without step on plug will work in either case.

Yes, this is the synchronizer, but some retailers (i.e., NAPA, Autozone, etc.) refer to it as a crank angle sensor in their catalogs. It's different than the crank position sensor, which they also carry in their catalogs. One just needs to visually identify the part, first, before buying since the counter people are completely confused by the nomenclature. I'm not confused as to what a synchronizer is, but I had searched the forum for help in identifying the plug. Since there were no hits that provided any clarity I posted my own question. Hopefully, this can now be used for guidance for those faced with a similar question.