QuestionQUESTION: These are follow ups from yesterday. I got the replacement sensor, and there is no paper spacer with the sensor. Is it a part that is already on the car? Do I reuse it? Second, my husband can not get to the part from the top of the engine compartment. Is it easier to get to from the wheel well, or the bottom of the car? Third, will this code 11 stay in the computer for 50-100 starts, or do I have to have the computer reset by the dealer? Fourth, after brining it to so many mechanics, and no one finding this, is it something that would have shown on a computer reader without the 'check engine light' on?
ANSWER: HI Jodie,
The paper spacer should be on the tip of the new sensor. If not, get one from wherever you bought it, or go to the dealer parts counter. It there is any evidence of a spacer on the old one, then that would corroborate that a spacer is to be used, which I believe is always the case. You want to have the tip close but not in contact with the metal surface of the rotating flex plate that is 'senses'.
On the mode of attack, surely I would go from the wheel well, after removing the splash shield for access, as it is way low in the vehicle. If that doesn't work then from underneath but there would be more problem with visibility, perhaps.
To erase the code, just disconnect the battery for a minute; the only problem will be that instead of the 11 you will have a 12 for 50-100 starts (12=battery disconnected recently) but at least you will be able to verify that the 11 code if it comes back is not 'stale'.
Yes, the code would show on a fault code reader if the shop had an OBD-I system reader (which were in fashion up to about '96), and knew where to find the data link connector to which to attach it. The check engine light doesn't always come with a code unless it causes a pollution issue.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: We replaced the crankshaft position sensor and disconnected the battery for a few minutes. The car ran a lot better Sunday and Monday. The 12-11-55 still remained. Today, it is back to running poorly, it is not stalling, and I still have the 12-11-55 codes.
AnswerHi Jodie,
The persistence of the 11 code suggests either that the wires are compromised or that the tip of the sensor is not close enough to the flex plate. Did you put a spacer on the tip, and when it was installed was the tip pressed against the hidden surface and held in place while the screw was tightened down? That is the way it should be mounted. If not, then the spacer is probably still OK, so try to remount it (he could remove it and verify the spacer is not rubbed down or off if he wishes).
The wiring between the plug for the sensor and the powertrain control module is: orange to pin 7, black/light blue to pin 4, and light blue/dark blue to pin 24. Check to sure they are connected, and also verify that the light blue/dark blue wire on pin 24 is not grounded and that the orange wire on pin 7 has 8 volts on when the key is in the run position.
Aside from the position of the tip, and the verification of the wires to it I know of no other reason for the 11 code.
Roland
