Installing a crank position sensor on a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee is an easy project for the weekend auto mechanic. The process will differ depending on the vehicle's engine size. Installing the crank requires a torque wrench, which can be rented for a small fee at most auto parts stores. If you're working on a six-cylinder Grand Cherokee, you will need a paper spacer to correctly set the sensor depth while mounting it on the transmission housing.
Apply a paper spacer to the tip of the sensor to set the sensor depth. A new spacer can be obtained at authorized Jeep service centers although most new sensors include a paper spacer.
Put the sensor in place and tighten the mounting bolt(s). On six-cylinder models, the sensor is located on the driver's side of the transmission housing. On V8 models, the sensor is located on the passenger's side of the transmission housing, just above the exhaust manifold. Automatic transmissions have one mounting bolt while manual transmissions have two. On a model equipped with an automatic transmission, tighten the mounting bolt with a torque wrench to 60 inch-pounds. On a model with manual transmission, tighten the mounting bolts with the torque wrench to 14 foot- pounds. If installing a sensor on a model equipped with manual transmission, ensure the original bolts removed from the sensor are used to install it.
Connect the sensor wiring harness to the sensor.
Push the sensor into place, directly above the right exhaust manifold on the engine block.
Install the crank position sensor mounting bolts and tighten them with a torque wrench to 70 inch-pounds.
Connect the sensor wiring harness to the sensor.
