Looks like located in a aweful place. I tried to touch it from above or underneath the car, no luck so far. Anyone could share with me his tips on this nasty sensor?

Thanks

 

Unplug it from under the hood.

Unbolt it from underneath... long extensions, universal joint, and an 11mm socket.

Retrieve it from under the hood.

SJ

 

I used a 13mm socket (I think it was 13), and every long extension I had for my ratchet... Did it from under the XJ.

 

The later models are 13mm... I missed the date.

 

Don't let the bolts fall into your housing though... DOH!!!

 

If it's a 1999-2004 4.0 it's EASY!!!
After cutting the crap out of my hands and inventing new curse words removing the old Crankshaft Position Sensor from my 2003 Grand Cherokee 4.0, I could not get the bolt back in with multiple extensions and swivels.
I figured there MUST be an easier way, something the stealership is not letting on about.
Fact is, if you go through the firewall under the dash it is EASY!!
Here's how to do it:
1) Remove the plastic bottom panel directly under the gauges. It simply snaps up and out.
2) Locate the 4 10mm bolts that hold the lower plastic panel under the steering column and remove them along with a few phillips head screws as well to free up the panel. Remove.
3) Look behind the console and you will see a small plastic "L" shaped duct that blows air to your feet. Snap it out of its position and remove the phillips screw holding it from under/behind (or cut the plastic flange with a razorknife halfway if the screw is hard to get at - takes a shorty phillips screwdriver. This way you can still snap it back on.)
4) Pull the carpet back and tuck it under the gas pedal.
5) You will see an oval metal plate that the shifter cable runs through as it passes through the firewall. Remove the 2 10mm nuts and pull the plate back.
6) VIOLA! There is the crankshaft position sensor staring you right in the face through the hole in the firewall you have exposed!
7) Insert 11mm socket with extension and remove/replace bolt with ease.

You guys are welcome to buy me a beer when we cross trails

 

Another trick is when you install the new one is to cut the holes into slots so that the next time you have to change it you only have to loosen the bolts not remove them. This eliminates the risk of the bolts falling into the CPS hole. BE warned this will most likely void the warranty on the part though..

 

Take it to the shop, they lower the whole transmission a little to get to it, have them replace the tranny mount while they are in there. That's what I did. And I scored a brand new OEM sensor off flea bay for about 15$. Personally I didn't want to risk dropping a bolt into the bell housing.

 

Very Interesting...haven't heard that one yet!!!

 

Here is a link to a VERY good article (with pics) on how to change the crank sensor.

http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoCPSchange.htm

Everyone should make this a bookmark, because everyone, sooner or later, is going to have a failed crank sensor. It is inevitable with the Jeep 4.0 engine.

 

I had to drop my trans cross member, it was super easy after than.

 

You should do a write up, hold our hand and show us some love. Of course I wouldn't blame you if you didn't do it until the CS failed..

 

Hey jamesbond, I have followed your instructions (even added some stuff like removing console) but I can't figure out how to remove the air vent or even get behind it to access screws. Any advice? this vent is a 3 way vent that directs air to both floorboards and down the console to the backseat area. Am I looking in the wrong area? I know the cps is right behind here though.
Thanks!

 

I have read your post on changing the cps. Seems easy enough but I can't figure out how to remove the ac/heater vent that directs air to the floorboard/backseat. I have removed my console and everything else. It seems I'm one piece away from getting to that dang cps!. Can you offer any help?

Ned
1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ 2wd

 

Nevermind. Thanks.