P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor

[BozDMAX]

Several weeks ago I got the MIL light for a couple engine cycles and it then went away. Since I had been wanting to get a OBD-II code reader for a while, I took the opportunity to pick one up to check out the history and see what code had been set and stored.

The code was P0335. The procedure in AllDataDIY looks pretty straightforward {unplug harness, remove two screws, R&R sensor, etc} but the standard time for the job is 2 hours, which hints to me that it may be a bit more involved that what is shown.

My questions:

1) How difficult a job is this? Is this something a shade-tree mechanic could do along the side of the road if necessary, or do you have to pull grills, radiators, and hoses to gain access to the sensor?

2) Since the light has not come on again, but this is my only vehicle at the moment, would anyone think it wise to pick up a new sensor and keep it on the shelf in case of an eventual failure? I think I have seen the part on line for $50-100. Not unreasonable insurance if I can change it out myself.

Suggestions?

[More Power]

http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/photopost/data/500/CKPsensor-location.jpg

The CKP sensor is located in the center of the yellow circle shown above.

The service manual indicates a fairly easy R&R, though you will likely need to remove the inner wheelhouse liner to gain access. Otherwise, getting access from the top down would require removing the air intake ducting and other stuff.

Disconnect the negative terminals on both batteries, remove the CKP electrical connector, remove the mounting bolts (2), then remove the sensor.
Lube the o-ring on the new sensor using assembly lube (motor oil would work fine), install the sensor, install the 2 mounting bolts using 71 lb-in torque, reconnect the electrical connector, and reconnect the negative battery terminals.

Intermittents are hard to troubleshoot. If it were mine, and if the problem was there all the time, I'd probe the CKP electrical connector for 12 volts between pins A (light green) & B (yellow/black). Pin C (light blue/white) is the sensor output.

Possible causes for a P0335:
1- Poor connection between the sensor and the ECM (i.e. pin contact or a damaged wire).
2- Crankshaft reluctor wheel damage.
3- Sensor contacting the reluctor wheel.
4- Engine running out of fuel.

Jim

[Kennedy]

Check for loose reluctor while you are in there. There is a bulletin for loose reluctor.

[BozDMAX]

Thanks guys. I will probably keep a replacement on the shelf just in case.

Thanks for the picture MP - good of you to take the front of your truck apart just for me ;-)

John