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.

Rancho Suspension makes a wide variety of different types of shock absorbers, including a model called the Rancho 5000. These shocks are designed for light trucks and SUVs, like the 1998 Toyota pickup. If you own a 1998 Toyota pickup and your rear shocks are worn out, you can replace them with a set of Rancho 5000 shocks. This takes just under an hour to do with a few tools.

Instructions

1

Put a set of wheel chocks around the Toyotas front wheels. Put the jack under the rear axle, and lift up the axle and rear end of the truck until the wheels are off of the ground. Put jack stands underneath the axle, and remove the jack.

2

Remove the bolt and washer connecting the shocks to the axle with an open-end wrench. Remove the bolt and washer connecting the shocks to the frame with an open-end wrench. Slide the shock off of the mounting studs on the frame and the axle with your hands.

3

Slide the Rancho 5000 shocks onto the mounting studs on the frame and axle. Install the bolt and washer on the top of the shock with an open-end wrench. Install the bolt and washer to the bottom of the shock with an open-end wrench.

4

Pick up the axle with the jack and take out the rear jack stands. Lower the jack so the rear wheels are on the ground. Remove the wheel chocks.