My check engine light is on and the code reads a bad crankshaft position sensor. We removed the passenger side front tire and felt around behind the block and it wasn’t there. Does anyone have an idea where it might be or if there is even one there because some of the posts I read said the manuals don’t have one.

 

Moved to the correct section.

 

Here is a picture of a nv3500. the notched place is where the sensor sets. (I think!!)

 

It's mounted on the block behind the passenger head if you have a 3.9 or 5.2 5 speed. If you have a 4.7 5-speed then it is inside the block casting itself and a royal pain to R&R.

 

Magnethead, The NV3500 I posted above, is supposed to be out of a 2003-04? dakota with a 4.7 engine. Is the notch in the bellhousing for the sensor, or something else?

FWIW I purchased this transmission off of craigslist and used it in my 87 dakota. I dont have a crankshaft sensor......
Curiosity has me wondering what the notch was for.

 

I don't know if the 5 speed 4.7 kept the notch from the pushrod motors or not. But i know the 4.7 crank sensor is in the block and usually breaks off when removal is attempted.

 

 

OK, so on the 3.9/5.2/5.9, you can't actually see the sensor without a dentists mirror or actually taking the tire off, even then you'll only see the bracket since the sensor is inside the bellhousing. It's mounted to the block itself, way down low. The bolts are 5/16 (1/2 inch wrench), bottom/outside one comes out easy, top/inside one is a complete PITA. This is the best photo I have showing it's location.

Well, apparently all the good photos have bad words in the randomly generated google link >.> So here's a couple short URL's

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NsYZREsmwHzT2lds2

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ij2I80h2Xrb4NelE2

https://photos.app.goo.gl/0RyKbBjEJB5gpT4j1