1996 Jeep Cherokee crank position sensor
1996 Jeep Cherokee crank position sensor location
The 1996 jeep grand Cherokee crank position sensor is located on the driver’s side of the engine, near the bell housing. This requires lifting the front of the vehicle and removing some components (such as the transmission mount) to better access it.
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee crankshaft position sensor symptoms
What are symptoms of a bad crankshaft position sensor? When the crankshaft position sensor goes bad on a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, here are some common symptoms:
- Engine Cranks but Won’t Start: The engine cranks but fails to start due to a lack of spark.
- Intermittent Stalling: The engine may stall unexpectedly while driving or idling.
- Erratic Idling: The engine may idle roughly or inconsistently.
- Check Engine Light: The “Check Engine” light may illuminate on the dashboard.
- Poor Acceleration: You might experience a lack of power or poor acceleration.
- No Bus Display: The odometer display might show “No Bus” after a few seconds.
- Fuel Gauge Issues: The fuel gauge and other gauges may not work properly.
These symptoms occur because the crankshaft position sensor provides crucial information about the crankshaft’s position and speed to the engine control unit (ECU), which uses this data to control ignition timing and fuel injection. A faulty sensor disrupts this process, leading to the issues mentioned above.
1996 Jeep Cherokee crank position sensor replacement
Replacing the 96 Jeep Cherokee crank position sensor involves several steps. Here’s a general guide to help you through the process:
Tools Needed:
- Ratchet with an 11mm socket and a long extension
- Jack and jack stands
- Dielectric grease
- Magnetic socket insert or long needle nose pliers (optional, but helpful)
- Service manual for your specific Jeep model
Steps:
- Lift the Vehicle: Use a jack to lift the front of the Jeep and secure it with jack stands. You may want to forgo the jack stand on the driver’s side to make more room to work.
- Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect the negative (black) battery cable to ensure safety.
- Locate the Sensor: The crankshaft position sensor is located near the bell housing on the driver’s side of the engine.
- Remove Obstructions: If necessary, remove any components obstructing access to the sensor.
- Remove the Sensor: Use the ratchet with the 11mm socket and extension to remove the two bolts holding the sensor in place. Be careful not to drop the bolts into the bell housing.
- Disconnect the Sensor: Unplug the electrical connector from the sensor.
- Install the New Sensor: Position the new sensor, secure it with the mounting bolts, and reconnect the electrical connector. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the sensor’s electrical connector for a good connection.
- Reconnect the Battery: Reattach the negative battery cable.
- Clear Error Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to clear any stored error codes.
- Test the Sensor: Start the engine and check if the issue is resolved.
1996 Jeep Cherokee crank position sensor replacement cost
The cost to replace the crank position sensor on a 1996 Jeep Cherokee can vary depending on labor rates and whether you’re doing the work yourself or having it done at a shop. On average, the total cost is around $162, with parts costing about $22 and labor around $140. However, prices can vary depending on your location and the specific shop you choose.
