The Ram symbol was first used by Dodge in 1933. Before 1981, Dodge identified their truck models with a D prefix. The 2001 model year pickup was the 20th anniversary of the Dodge Ram pickup. Its crankshaft position sensor delivers vital information to the truck's powertrain control module to control the proper timing of fuel and spark. It's located on the top of the cylinder block, behind the passenger-side cylinder head. A faulty crankshaft sensor, or CKP, will trigger a code P0320: CKP signal not detected, or P0336: a problem with the voltage signal from the CKP.
Remove the air cleaner intake tube from the throttle body and air cleaner housing. Locate the sensors pigtail connector located above the sensor. Disconnect the sensor connector by pulling up the lock clip and depressing the disconnect latch. Remove the two crankshaft mounting bolts using the ratchet, extension and socket set and remove the crankshaft sensor.
Inspect the new crankshaft sensor for a paper disc affixed to the end of it; this sets the air gap between the sensor and the reluctance wheel affixed to the flex plate, and will sheer off as soon as the engine starts. Insert the crankshaft sensor into the cavity. Install the mounting bolts and torque them to 70 inch-pounds, using the torque wrench. Reconnect the sensor connector and slide the slide lock into place.
Reinstall the the air cleaner tube to the throttle body and air cleaner housing, using the screwdriver. Plug in the code reader and clear the codes on the powertrain control module. You can also clear the codes by disconnecting the negative battery cable, depressing the brake pedal several times, and reconnecting the battery. Start the engine and ensure the check engine light does not come on.
