Chrysler Repair: 90 3.0L V-6: replacing crank sensor, crankshaft position sensor, crank sensor

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1990 6cyl lebaron that I need to replace the crankshaft position sensor on can you tell me where it is? How to replace it?

ANSWER: Hi Robert,
I assume that you got a code 11 or 54 from doing a fault code readout. The sensor is actually located in the distributor under a protective cover that you remove after removing the distributor cap and the rotor (one screw on the rotor). There are several more steps involved so it would be desireable for you to have the manual pages that show it in detail. I would buy the photo-optic type sensor unit for the distributor to see if there are instructions with it. If not, let me know and I can xerox and postal mail you the pages from the manual. It would be best, if you don't have a timing light, to do the replacement without removing the distributor or loosening its clamping bolt. Otherwise you will need to re-time the distributor and you also run the risk of not getting the distributor shaft mated properly with the cam shaft.
So considers those issues and let me know how I can be of more help. It is called a crank sensor, but in truth it is a single cam/crank sensor in these earlier-generation multi-point fuel injected engines and that is why you need a timing light to complete the installation properly if you loosen the distributor.
Roland

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QUESTION: How will I be able to do this without removing the distributor?


Answer
Hi Robert,
I believe that once you take off the distributor cap, rotor, and coverplate, that the sensor and its wire which are located below that are also removeable via screw(s) that are accessible from the outside of the distributor so you therefor don't have to remove it from its mounting point or disturb the body of the distributor (rotate it) so that the timing will thus be preserved. If not, then you would need a timing light to reset it exactly, but you would be able to get it started again with an approximate position and then time it later/have someone else do it as you choose. I just wanted to encourage you not to mess with the distributor's position as such so as to preserve the timing. The distributor is on top of the engine so it is accessible.
Roland