Jeep Wrangler TJ Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement

Chris

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There are several reason why you would need to replace your Jeep TJ Wrangler's Crankshaft Position Sensor (or CPS for short) with the most obvious one being that your 'check engine' light has illuminated and a quick check with an OBDII reader indicates you have thrown one of the following MIL codes.

P0219 - CPS Overspeed Signal
P0320 - No Crank Reference Signal at PCM
P0387 - CPS Voltage Supply too Low
P0388 - CPS Voltage Supply too High

For me, my Jeep wasn't throwing any codes and so I wasn't completely sure that this was something I needed to replace. What lead me to think that it may need to go was the fact that I now have over 120,000 miles on the odometer, I have already replaced my O2 sensors and still had various engine issues including a rough idle under specific conditions. Specifically, my engine would run very rough on cold mornings or after driving it a long time with the AC on, turning off the engine briefly and then starting it back up again. I had also experienced times when climbing up long highway hills the engine would run quite rough... almost as if it were misfiring. Now, I should tell you that things are better since installing a new CPS but my engine is still running far from perfect.

Anyway, this write-up should help you out if replacing your Crankshaft Position Sensor is something that you need to do.


What You Will Need
  • Crankshaft Position Sensor (Part # 4897321AA)
    (Be sure to purchase the OE Mopar sensor in the above link. Aftermarket sensors are widely known to cause issues with our TJs.)
  • 7/16" Wrench & Socket
  • Ratchet
  • Inch Lb. Torque Wrench
  • 3" Drive Extension
  • Small Flathead Screwdriver

Instructions
Your Jeep TJ Wrangler's CPS is located on top of your transmission's bell housing as can be seen in this photo which was taken standing on the driver side of my Jeep and looking down into the engine compartment.

DSC02130.jpg


The bolt or bolts (different years have the CPS secured to the bell housing in various configurations) can be access either from the engine compartment or from underneath your Jeep as shown in this photo. Using a 7/16" wrench or socket with 3" drive extension, remove the bolts securing the CPS in place and pull it out of the bell housing.

DSC02121.jpg


The wiring harness for your Jeep's CPS wraps around the engine block and it's plug can be found on the passenger side it, behind the oil filter and next to the fire wall as shown it this photo.

DSC02128.jpg


The CPS wiring harness plug may be a bit difficult to unplug and if needed, a small flat head screwdriver can help. Just be careful not to use too much force as you will break the plastic plug. Once unplugged, remove the CPS out of your engine compartment.

DSC02123.jpg


Insert the new CPS into your Jeep's bell housing and secure it in place to 60in. lbs. of torque using the factory bolt(s) and a 7/16" wrench. Then, pass the wiring harness around the back of the engine block so that the plug is on the passenger side of your Jeep.

DSC02131.jpg


Plug in your new CPS wiring harness making sure that it clicks into place.
 
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Anytime someone comes up with a problem (in this case, @EJD) it reminds me that we need a write-up for said problem, haha.

It's all about trying to get all the resources in one place! :D
Legit write-up Chris! I read the same one on another site.
My wiring connector was gunk'd over pretty good, so i'm in the process of cleaning it and "all" wiring connections for that matter right now...we'll see what happens after.
 
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Found this thread through a Google search since I think my sensor is fried. This thread will help me handle the change-out myself. Thanks for the great write up and for including easy to follow pics!

Is your TJ an automatic or manual transmission? In searching for the correct sensor part number I've seen some listed as being for an automatic which makes me wonder if they are model specific for some reason. I have a 98 TJ Sport 4.0 w/manual transmission and want to make sure the part number you listed will work before I order one since they are a little pricey.
 
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Is your TJ an automatic or manual transmission? In searching for the correct sensor part number I've seen some listed as being for an automatic which makes me wonder if they are model specific for some reason. I have a 98 TJ Sport 4.0 w/manual transmission and want to make sure the part number you listed will work before I order one since they are a little pricey.
I'm not sure who your asking but my TJ is an auto and I do believe there is only 1 sensor for both transmission types.
 
Found this thread through a Google search since I think my sensor is fried. This thread will help me handle the change-out myself. Thanks for the great write up and for including easy to follow pics!

Is your TJ an automatic or manual transmission? In searching for the correct sensor part number I've seen some listed as being for an automatic which makes me wonder if they are model specific for some reason. I have a 98 TJ Sport 4.0 w/manual transmission and want to make sure the part number you listed will work before I order one since they are a little pricey.

Mine is an auto, but the sensors are the same regardless of transmission type.
 
Found this thread through a Google search since I think my sensor is fried. This thread will help me handle the change-out myself. Thanks for the great write up and for including easy to follow pics!

Is your TJ an automatic or manual transmission? In searching for the correct sensor part number I've seen some listed as being for an automatic which makes me wonder if they are model specific for some reason. I have a 98 TJ Sport 4.0 w/manual transmission and want to make sure the part number you listed will work before I order one since they are a little pricey.

Mine is an auto, but the sensors are the same regardless of transmission type.
 
Found this thread through a Google search since I think my sensor is fried. This thread will help me handle the change-out myself. Thanks for the great write up and for including easy to follow pics!

Is your TJ an automatic or manual transmission? In searching for the correct sensor part number I've seen some listed as being for an automatic which makes me wonder if they are model specific for some reason. I have a 98 TJ Sport 4.0 w/manual transmission and want to make sure the part number you listed will work before I order one since they are a little pricey.
There is a difference between the manual sensor and the automatic sensor. At least on the '98.
 
There is a difference between the manual sensor and the automatic sensor. At least on the '98.

Really? I didn't know that. That's odd... Wonder why the CPS sensor would be different just based on the transmission type?
 
Hey Guys,

Thanks for the replies. My original question was to Chris but I am always grateful to anybody that is willing to chime in.

This is why I'm confused. The part number listed in the tutorial shows up on Amazon with a note indicating (w/Automatic) so I did more digging online. On one Mopar part site I found a different part number: 68281273AA so before I drop $100 I want to make certain I get the correct part.

jp98: Don't suppose you happen to know the correct part number by any chance for the 98 w/manual transmission?
 
Hey Guys,

Thanks for the replies. My original question was to Chris but I am always grateful to anybody that is willing to chime in.

This is why I'm confused. The part number listed in the tutorial shows up on Amazon with a note indicating (w/Automatic) so I did more digging online. On one Mopar part site I found a different part number: 68281273AA so before I drop $100 I want to make certain I get the correct part.

jp98: Don't suppose you happen to know the correct part number by any chance for the 98 w/manual transmission?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006EFUF2I/?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
Hey Guys,

Thanks for the replies. My original question was to Chris but I am always grateful to anybody that is willing to chime in.

This is why I'm confused. The part number listed in the tutorial shows up on Amazon with a note indicating (w/Automatic) so I did more digging online. On one Mopar part site I found a different part number: 68281273AA so before I drop $100 I want to make certain I get the correct part.

jp98: Don't suppose you happen to know the correct part number by any chance for the 98 w/manual transmission?
I replaced mine a year ago with one from Autozone. I know that is a big bad word when it comes to Jeep sensors but it has worked well for a year now. Just saying.
 
Thanks!!

Looks like the part number you listed/linked cross-references with the one I listed above! Guessing 6828 is the latest version.

These all appear to be in the same group for the 97, 98 with Manual Transmission: 68281273AA ; 56027867; 56027867AB; 56027865; 56041819AA; 56027865AB; 56027866; 56041820AA

Nice to hear the AZ one has worked out for you though. I've been served up several glasses of the Mopar Sensor KoolAid more than once since buying my TJ last year but may consider giving the lower cost option a try and see if it corrects my issue.

Again, thanks for the willingness to help. Much appreciated.
 
Having a bit of a hard time locating the sensor on my 2000 automatic. Very high chance I’m missing the obvious. Any help is appreciated.

This is drivers side looking up from underneath.

4A0D0209-5D9F-4B47-8AC2-734C77552ACD.jpeg



Passenger side looking down

A7C16B9A-03FB-496F-B0C8-530A5B5BC251.jpeg
 
Never mind found it! Had to feel around a fair as I couldn’t see it. Unplugged and traced back.

For anyone else looking on the drivers from the top it was in the far back.. theres two sensors back there you can't see in the photo. The drivers side looking up you can't really see it. Passenger side looking down it was right near the rear oil stick, had to sort of feel around for it right in the clump of wires in the picture I just couldn't see it.
 
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I had a similar issue regarding code P0320, my 98 auto TJ run rough on idle or gear reving up by itself, and usually the condition went away after some driving... so before I spend 100+ bucks on a new crankshaft position sensor I plugged it off and removed it to check its condition (I was going to diagnose it but I tried manually adjusting first), I gave it a clean with a rag checking the condition of the wires and connectors and since nothing looked damaged I installed it back on... when I tried to tighten the screw back on I noticed that the screw was really short and could not hold tightly the CPS, so I replaced the screw... first I just let the CPS go in all the way and tighten the screw... when I turned the engine the reving up was still there, then I tried placing the CPS all the way out from the hole as possible and tighten the screw again (the CPS hole has a slot) and VOILA! the condition was no longer there... but the code and check engine light where still on... I drove around for a while with the light still on but no reving condition... the next day I started the jeep and the check engine light was gone!!!

PS. The screw I had on and had replaced was M10 not a 7/16...

I think I got lucky but you never know if you don't try!
 
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