1997 Ram 5.9 Crank Position Sensor
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Joined: Aug 2004
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RE: 1997 Ram 5.9 Crank Position Sensor
IF I AM NOT MISTAKING, IT IS ON BACK OF THE MOTOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE,HARD LITTLE SH** TO GET TO THOUGH. A 97 MIGHT BE DIFFERENT BUT I DONT THINK SO....HELP ME OUT HERE GUYS. it is about midway up right above the tranny housing!!!!
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Joined: Dec 2005
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RE: 1997 Ram 5.9 Crank Position Sensor
It is easier to get see if you put your truck on car ramps. Lay under the truck with your head about at the tranny pan, but staying to the passenger side of the pan. Look between the oil filter and the dipstick tube for the tranny, on the rear of the engine. Also look for a wire that is running down from the distributor and disappears inside of the engine at this spot, this is the wire for the sensor. I don't think you can see the bolts from below, but you should be able to see the metal bracket for the sensor.
To change the sensor, I reach up between tranny pan and the frame. My arms are fairly small and long, so you may not be able to get your arm through this opening. It takes a 1/2" open end wrench to get the bolts out. There should also be a rubber grommet in the opening. There are two bolts, one on the upper side of the tranny dipstick support bracket, one on the lower side. The bolts are mounted vertically on the engine block.
The electrical connector is hiding behind the distributor. You can pull it out slightly past the plug wires to disconnect it.
Once you have removed and reinstalled the sensor twice, it's about a 15 minute job. The first time took me maybe an hour till I figured everything out, so I hope this advice cuts down on your time.
To change the sensor, I reach up between tranny pan and the frame. My arms are fairly small and long, so you may not be able to get your arm through this opening. It takes a 1/2" open end wrench to get the bolts out. There should also be a rubber grommet in the opening. There are two bolts, one on the upper side of the tranny dipstick support bracket, one on the lower side. The bolts are mounted vertically on the engine block.
The electrical connector is hiding behind the distributor. You can pull it out slightly past the plug wires to disconnect it.
Once you have removed and reinstalled the sensor twice, it's about a 15 minute job. The first time took me maybe an hour till I figured everything out, so I hope this advice cuts down on your time.
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RE: 1997 Ram 5.9 Crank Position Sensor
And if you want to advance the base timing, slot the holes so you can slide the sensor towards the oil filter. A rat tail file like you use to sharpen a chain saw is the best tool to use. I wish I would have thought of that the first time I tried that modification. Just remember to wipe all the metal filings off of the sensor before you stick it back in place.
