1999 jeep grand cherokee 4.0 crankshaft position sensor location

Hello, and thanks for checking out my plea for help.
:bowdown:
Well, I think I have located the crankshaft position sensor on my 1999 Grand Cherokee 4.0 L. When I get under the truck on the driver's side, I think it is up on the bell housing...with one bolt on it and an electrical pigtail. So, how the heck do I get at that thing??? I have seen other threads in this forum, where guys talk about replacing it by going through the top. I will be dammed if I can figure a way to get at that darn thing through the top. It looks hard enough trying to get to it from the bottom!!! Anyone have any hints or tips??? I would greatly appreciate it guys. FYI, the replacement sensor that I purchased from Autozone today looks very different. It came with some other type of bracket, with 2 bolt holes. The sensor on my truck appears to have just one bolt. Oh man, I was hoping this would be much easier. :dunno: I hope that I don't end up having my truck towed to a shop. Let me know if you can help. Thanks for reading my little thread. :wavey:

2003 4.0 Crankshaft Position Sensor EASY replacement!

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 bolts and screws that hold the lower plastic panel under the steering column and remove them to free up the panel. Remove the panel.
3) Look behind the center console toward the front 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 2 oval metal plates that are attached to the firewall for the shifter and accelerator cables to pass through. Remove the 2 10mm nuts from the upper one that the shifter cable passes through 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 a 10mm socket with extension and remove/replace the CPS mounting bolt with ease.

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

Ha where was this thread a few weeks ago... i did it the hard way and went from the bottom.
Thanks for the info jamesbond.

I think he's got it figured out by now jamesbond. This thread is 6 years old.

But still some good info.

I think he's got it figured out by now jamesbond. This thread is 6 years old.

hey now, it is old.....but look at it this way
he is a noob:
that actually USED the search function!
and his first post was of superior quality

welcom to the forum:2thumbsup:

lol I didn't realize how old it was til Black said something. I was getting ready to answer it

lol I didn't realize how old it was til Black said something. I was getting ready to answer it

that's why I make it a habit of checking now haha.

At least he actually used the search function. Props. Lol.

it's better to resurrect old threads full of useful information than starting new ones.....

hey now, it is old.....but look at it this way
he is a noob:
that actually USED the search function!
and his first post was of superior quality

welcom to the forum:2thumbsup:

This this this this this!!

Bond, welcome to the forum, and seriously, thanks for the pro tip!

I think he's got it figured out by now jamesbond. This thread is 6 years old.

other people might need his advice?

X2,
on all of the above :thumbsup:

thats a damn good tip, and if it works it should be a sticky or in the FAQ's

you gotta realize we jeepers have been fighting this CPS location for 10yrs !

If someone uses this method, how about pictures please

I'm going to give it a shot and will post pictures if I'm successful

Here are some pictures of where I've gotten so far. I have to go to a family dinner so I'm calling it a night.

Driver's lower air vent

Vent Removed

Oval shifter holes

You can see the bolt for the Crankshaft Position Sensor right through the forward-most hole.

Although there is a direct line of sight to the sensor there is not enough room to work. I suggest anyone considering to do it themselves uses the thread below and drops the tranny crossmember a few inches. It makes this much more simple. Finished today in about 2 hours. Next time it would probably take about 1.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f310/engine-cuts-out-while-driving-1240040/

Has it been determined this suggestion does not work on the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.0L 6 cyl?

I am at the point where I have 2 diamond shape seal plates exactly like the photos. I believe the original write up spoke about a larger opening shaped like an oval.

I am wondering if I bother removing the 2 sealed plates?

From my experience the 2 seals are too small to work through. However the sensor is right on the other side of the ovals. It might help you to open up one of the seals (i believe it to be the one more towards the front of the vehicle) to spot the sensor. I stuck a small flash light through the hole and it gave me enough light to see it from under the vehicle. I think the easiest way to access it will be to lower the transmission crossmember and use a large extension. Good luck!