The crankshaft sensor on the 1997 Dodge Ram 5.9-liter engine sends a pulse signal to the powertrain control module (PCM), which tells the PCM the rpm of the engine (engine speed) and the position of the crankshaft. The 5.9-liter engine is a V8 and the crank sensor is located on the right side of the block, just above the oil pan. It is a black plastic part that is held onto the block with a metal bracket. The sensor and the bracket is one piece.
Disconnect the wiring harness connector on the crankshaft sensor. Remove the nut that holds the bracket to the fuel rail-mounting stud.
Unbolt the other bolt in the bracket, then remove the sensor and bracket from the engine.
Install the new sensor and tighten the bolts firmly. Do not over tighten the bolts, as you could damage the sensor. Plug in the wiring harness connector.
