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 casting numbers on the block of a Ford engine help identify the specific engine. The numbers are often useful in mating cylinder heads, determining when and where the block was manufactured and into which mode of Ford it was installed. Locating the casting number is relatively easy if youre physically fit and have some dexterity. The casting number must be decoded to understand the information it contains.

Instructions

1

Angle your inspection mirror underneath the back side of the engine block, where the starter mounts to the engine. Depending on your physical size -- and the specific year, make and model of your Ford -- observation is possible from the top of the engine well. Another option is jack up the Ford up, support it on two jack stands and look for the numbers from beneath the vehicle.

2

Shine your flashlight on the inspection mirror. Illuminate the section of the block where Ford stamped the casting number. This is directly beside the starter mount, where the starter motor bolts to the engine.

3

Write down the casting number down with pen and paper.

The standard layout for automotive PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valves was developed when rear-wheel-drive vehicles were the only kind on the road. The PCV concept became common in all internal combustion engines, including those in front-wheel-drive cars. The 2000 Chevrolet Lumina is a front-wheel drive vehicle with a sideways ("transverse mounted") engine. The emissions control system in the Lumina engine is basically the same as in other cars, but the PCV valve is placed in a different location than on other vehicles. Locating the PCV valve on a 2000 Chevrolet Lumina takes just a few minutes and no tools.

Instructions

1

Remove the engine cover, if one is present. Disconnect the oil filler tube by grasping it firmly and rotating it counterclockwise. The tube will lift out at that point, and the cover will pull right off.

2

Disconnect the vacuum tubing from the PCV valve on the 3.1-liter engine. The PCV valve is positioned on the passengers side of the engine along the back firewall. You will notice the tubing connecting to the top rear corner of the valve cover. That is the vacuum tubing. The PCV valve pops out when pulled. Inspect the unit and replace as necessary.

3

Disconnect the MAP sensor on the 3.8-liter engine to access the PCV valve. The sensor is positioned to the left of the spark plug wires just in front of the alternator as you look at the engine. The MAP sensor sits on top of the PCV cover. Unclip the sensor. Twist the cover about 1/8-turn and pull it free. The PCV valve sits in the housing and just pulls out. Remove and inspect the unit. Replace as necessary. Installation is the reverse of removal.