Fix It

The 1998 Dodge pickup uses a crank sensor to feed detailed information to the power train control module to indicate the current position of the crankshaft as it rotates, as well as the crankshafts revolutions per minute (rpm). The crankshaft position sensors data determines when to fire the fuel injectors. On gasoline engines, it also determines when to fire the ignition coil to light the fuel-air mixture. Intermittent problems with the crankshaft position sensor cause hesitations and stalling of the vehicle. A continuous error with the crank sensor will prevent the vehicle from starting. Testing the crankshaft position sensor requires access to the sensor and plug.

Instructions

Gasoline Engines

1

Set the parking brake of the 1998 Dodge pickup truck. Pull the hood release handle. Open the hood.

2

Disconnect the negative battery cable. Loosen the 10 mm retaining nut on the battery cable clamp using a 10 mm wrench. Pry the battery cable off the negative battery post by twisting side to side by hand. The negative battery post has a "-" label next to it.

3

Stand on the passenger side of the truck. Place the work light next to the exhaust manifold as close as possible to the firewall.

4

Lean over the fender. Extend the telescoping inspection mirror in between the back of the cylinder head and the firewall.

5

Angle the mirror to inspect the edge of the transmission bell housing where it meets the engine block. A steel bracket secured by two 10 mm bolts with a three-wire harness retains the crankshaft position sensor, which reads gaps in a ring of the flywheel.

Diesel Engines

6

Open the hood of the 1998 Dodge pickup, and disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10 mm wrench.

7

Lie down face up on an automotive creeper, and slide under the drivers side of the vehicle just behind the tire, taking the wrench and the trouble light with you.

8

Hang an automotive trouble light underneath the vehicle.

9

Remove the three 10 mm bolts retaining the starter to the transmission bell housing using a 10 mm wrench. Remove the starter.

10

Look directly between the engine block and the location from which you removed the starter. The crankshaft position sensor is a black plastic sensor with an aluminum retaining bracket held in place by a single 10 mm bolt. The crank sensor has a three-wire harness plugged into it.

The crank position sensor in a General Motors Northstar engine is part of the sensing and diagnostic system that is controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM). The crank position sensor sends information to the PCM about the position of the crankshaft relative to the engine block. The PCM uses this information to determine when to actuate specific electronic components, such as the ignition. When the crank sensor fails, the engine will not start. Replacement sensors are available from Cadillac dealerships and local auto parts stores.

Instructions

1

Place the vehicles transmission in the park or "P" position. Shut down the engine and set the parking brake. Let the vehicle cool for at least 60 minutes before proceeding.

2

Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery lead using a battery terminal wrench.

3

Locate the crank position sensor on right side of the engine block, approximately three inches above the oil filter housing. It is made from black plastic and is connected to the engine with a 10 mm bolt.

4

Depress the locking tab on the sensors electrical connector and unplug the connector from the sensor. Remove the bolt holding the sensor to the engine, using a 3/8-inch ratchet and a 10 mm socket. Grip the sensor with a slip-joint pliers and gently remove it using a twisting/pulling motion.

5

Lubricate the new crank sensor with a small amount of clean engine oil. Install the new sensor into the engine block using a twisting/pushing motion. Reinstall the sensors retaining bolt and reattach its electrical connector.

6

Reconnect the negative battery lead. Start the engine and verify that it operates properly. The engine should start within three seconds of cranking and run smoothly.

In the early 1900s, people had to start their vehicles by turning a large crank at the front of the vehicle. In 1911, Cadillac approved Charles F. Ketterings design of the electric starter for its 1912 model year cars. Replacing a starter can be a difficult task in some vehicles, and it can be frustrating when the car does not start after all of your work. There are four main reasons for your car not cranking when you just got a new starter for it.

Incorrect Wiring

There are three wires that connect to the rear of the starter solenoid on most cars. If you forgot to label these wires and incorrectly reinstalled them, the starter will not work at all. Double-check the wiring of the starter against a wiring schematic for the starting system and adjust it, as needed.

Electrical Shorts

Any time you replace any electrical component on your vehicle that has constant voltage from the battery, you must disconnect the battery prior to servicing it. If you left the battery connected while installing the starter, it is possible for you to unintentionally touch the power and ground cables together. This may cause a short inside the battery or in the wiring, resulting in the car not starting. Check the voltage coming into the starter, using a voltmeter. If little or no voltage comes into the starter, inspect the wires and battery for shorts.

Misdiagnosis

It is possible that the starter was not the problem to begin with. If not correctly diagnosed, it is easy to mistake many other problems with starter failure. Some problems that result in similar symptoms as a failed starter include, but are not limited to: failed ignition switch, discharged battery, loose battery cables, security system failure, failed starter solenoid (if separate) or damaged flywheel or flexplate.

Faulty Starter

When the manufacturer builds a new starter or rebuilds an old starter, it tests the starters prior to shipping them to retail stores or end-users. This testing typically catches any failed starters prior to shipment, but human error does allow for a small percentage of failed starters to ship out. After checking the areas described in the three previous sections, remove the starter and take it to a local parts store to have it tested. In the future, have all electro-mechanical components tested before installing them.

The 1999 Toyota Corolla comes standard with manual (roll-up) windows; power windows are optional. If you need to remove the cars door panel, youll need to first remove the window crank handle. A special tool is required to do this. The window crank handle is snapped on with a small metal clip, sometimes called a "C" clip because of its shape.

Instructions

1

Purchase a window crank handle tool from any auto parts store. You can also order one online. The tool shouldnt cost you more than $10.

2

Grab the Corollas window crank handle by the knob you use to roll the window down. Gently pull this part of the crank handle away from the door. Behind it, between the door panel and the crank, youll see a small gasket. Insert your tool in between the crank handle and the gasket. Insert it on the side the knob protrudes from.

3

Push the tool gently while still pulling on the handle. Youll hear a snapping sound as the clip pops out.

4

Pull the window crank handle straight away from the door panel.