Same sensor

Its located passenger side of distributor and has 2 wires. It just popped off and revealed a fuse looking setup but with little coils and went back on but seems like a plug maybe?

Same sensor

 

It looks like it screws in like a bolt, doesn't look like the camshaft sensor

 

I was attempting to adjust timing through the distributor and noticed this sensor and went to unclip and check it when the whole sleeve opened up revealing the guts. Dont know what sensor this is, anyone help me out with this?

 

I was attempting to adjust timing through the distributor and noticed this sensor and went to unclip and check it when the whole sleeve opened up revealing the guts. Dont know what sensor this is, anyone help me out with this?

 

You are correct, that is not the camshaft position sensor. That is under the distributor cap. I have no idea what sensor that is. Can you pull it out and get a part number off of it? The only number I could get from your photos doesn't come back as anything from some googling. (33945)

 

that number is actually 38945 you were close

 

Sadly that doesn't get me much either. My only guess would be a intake air temp/intake charge sensor. Those were the front side of the 3.9's in the 99 model year though. Maybe the 97 was different? They are two wire and screw in like a bolt. Got a scan tool? Unplug the sensor and try to start it. If it starts check if your getting a intake temp reading through obd2.

 

Alright, when i tried unplugging it, the whole case broke open and i could see all the insides of the sensor. I fixed the bent connection point and secured the clip back on. I just started and drove it to the store and no problem driving or acceleration. I am stumped on this too. Its just to the passenger side of the distributor. Yes looks like it would screw on like a bolt with two wires.

 

Would help to know what motor and year! But it looks like the oil pressure sender. And you may not be able to adjust the timing depending on what year it is.

 

I agree, what I'm seeing is the oil pressure sensor, must be an early model 2nd gen dakota, The oil pressure connector changed I think by 98