I have a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. I've been having acceleration issues, and the engine code reads Crank Shaft Position Sensor malfunction. I changed the sensor with a brand new one from Advance. When I went to test drive it, the new one failed immediately. I wanted to see if I could get a consensus. What do you think it could be? The guy at advance said possibly the wiring harness or even the connector. If I take it to a repair facility, is there a way to test it, and tell me the exact problem, or am I looking at a ridiculous bill? I bought the vehicle used and have had it less than 30 days. What are your thoughts or suggestions? Thanks everyone!!!!

 

You may have a code pointing to the sensor but that really means anything in the sensor's circuit could be at fault including the sensor. The sensor, three wires in a wire bundle, a connector on each end and the PCM. That's all there is. An average shop will connect a scanner and test the system. They will probably see the code and change the sensor again. If that doesn't fix it they will say the PCM is bad. If that doesn't fix it they will say the wire harness is bad. What am I saying? Find a competent shop to avoid that spiral. I take it you have no warranty.

You can proof the 3 wires with a simple multimeter. You can also verify the sensor is receiving power and ground. You can do a visual inspection of the connector contacts. Anything further is going to require some expensive test equipment such as an advanced scanner and/or scanscope. I have wire diagrams if you want to try this. Send me a private message and include an email address. How? Click Cougar41 at left.

Memory is a luxury for me anymore but I know for sure on earlier models if you got either a crank or cam sensor code you changed both as either could fire either code. Not sure that applies to your van.

 

If the crank sensor wires aren't touching and look OK, go get a Mopar crank sensor and put it in before you pay anyone to work on it.