Pontiac Repair: 3.8 Crank Position Sensor

Question
QUESTION: Hey Todd,
When replacing the CPS on a 3.8 engine, is it necessary to bring the vehicle to the shop for a formal "re-learn" or flash of the PCM?  The process of replacing the CPS seems simple enough.  It doesn't appear that anything gets disturbed or any special settings or adjustments are altered.

ANSWER: Hi Colin:

No a crank sensor is just plug and play Per say. BUT if it's replaced it should be relearned. It depends on the model year of the car. older 3.8's nothing has to be done. newer ones say 1996 and up they need to corolation learn. It helps the ECM determin if there are any misfires. If you don't do it you could get false misfire counts or it could cause a misfire to occure. Take your chances.
Good luck :-)


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Are there any other sensors that, if replaced, would require this "relearn" procedure on a newer (2002) 3.8 vehicle.

Is this "relearn" procedure required when an engine is partially tore-down, when replacing head gaskets or a timing chain, for example.

Answer
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