How to Replace a Crankshaft Sensor on a 2003 Dodge Ram

The 2003 Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck. The crankshaft sensor is a small unit near the crankshaft that records the rate of the crankshaft's spins per minute. The sensor sends the information to the vehicle's computer, where it is sent to the tachometer on the dashboard. The information received by the sensor is used to control the flow of gas, and a damaged sensor can cause the Ram to idle or accelerate improperly.

Things You'll Need

  • Socket wrench
  • Park the 2003 Dodge Ram on a flat, level surface and set the parking brake. Pull the hood release lever located under the dashboard. Open the hood, and secure it in place with the hood prop. Disconnect the negative battery cable on both batteries.

  • Crawl under the vehicle on the driver's side, and disconnect the red cable from the starter motor with a socket wrench.

  • Remove the three bolts holding the starter motor to the engine with a socket wrench. Hold the starter engine in place when the third bolt is removed. Remove the starter engine.

  • Unplug the wiring from the crankshaft sensor. Remove the mounting bolt, and take the crankshaft sensor off the engine.

  • Install the new crankshaft sensor, and secure the bolt in place with a socket wrench. Plug in the crankshaft sensor wiring harness. Hold the starter motor in place, and replace the three mounting bolts

  • Replace the negative battery cables. Close the hood.