2003 won't start! HELP!! - Page 2

collapsed · #11 (**permalink**) 07-10-08, 03:07 PM

What is the socket that I need to take the old one off?
What size is it?

Thanks!

collapsed · #12 (**permalink**) 07-10-08, 03:52 PM

Nevermind. E8 Torx Socket.
6.5mm worked well enough for me though. It wasn't too tight at all, so I really dont think that you would strip it out.
The sensor was very firmly set in there though, with lots of crud around it, holding it in there.
Now I just have to figure out where it needs to plug in. It's hard to locate, seated behind the engine like that.
What a pain in the ass this is. Worth it to save the labor costs though.

collapsed · #13 (**permalink**) 07-10-08, 06:06 PM

Just a heads up to anyone reading this out there that has the same issue with their vehicle.
When you take the sensor out of the block, you may notice that it is magnetic.
In the case of my sensor, there was a bit of buildup around the open end of the sensor node.
This buildup was mostly small metal shards from the crankshaft attached to the open magnet, and some gunky oil.
After cleaning the sensor thoroughly with a rag, I decided to re-insert it into the block and test if it worked.
Behold, the sensor just needed to be cleaned!
If you are going to take the time to replace the sensor, you might as well give this a shot before completely replacing it.
It will only take an additional five minutes to check, and may save you $50 in the long run.
Not to mention, not having to reach behind your motor to replace this thing. It's soooooo cramped back there.

bracester · #14 (**permalink**) 07-10-08, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by collapsed

Just a heads up to anyone reading this out there that has the same issue with their vehicle.
When you take the sensor out of the block, you may notice that it is magnetic.
In the case of my sensor, there was a bit of buildup around the open end of the sensor node.
This buildup was mostly small metal shards from the crankshaft attached to the open magnet, and some gunky oil.
After cleaning the sensor thoroughly with a rag, I decided to re-insert it into the block and test if it worked.
Behold, the sensor just needed to be cleaned!
If you are going to take the time to replace the sensor, you might as well give this a shot before completely replacing it.
It will only take an additional five minutes to check, and may save you $50 in the long run.
Not to mention, not having to reach behind your motor to replace this thing. It's soooooo cramped back there.

Or...or, you could just replace it anyway and be ok for a longer time then having to worry about it going out anytime soon...sure this is a cheaper way but you have already come so far...might as well replace the darn thing...plus its only $40...oh well

Sammy Z · #15 (**permalink**) 07-10-08, 08:42 PM

I suspected the same thing however mine was very intermittent (twice a week) so I wanted to be done with the problem. Even when I put a new one in I wasn't sure I resolved it till a week later.

the cadillac kid · #16 (**permalink**) 07-10-08, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammy Z

put a new one in I wasn't sure I resolved it till a week later.

yup. as you know, its not all the time. it may be working fine now, but it may still be defective & need more than just a cleaning.
replace it.
my 2 cents.

TomV · #17 (**permalink**) 07-11-08, 10:25 AM

My CPS was dealer-replaced under warranty and worked fine for about 150 miles until the car died on the highway again. Another dealer replaced the CPS and it has been running fine for the past 10 months.

I agree with most here, why clean a $40 part (with all its bad history) considering all the work it takes to get it in and out?

GT! · #18 (**permalink**) 08-21-08, 12:32 PM

I think my '03 has just developed this same problem. I have an appointment at the dealer for Monday, but is this something I can do myself? It sounds like removing the sensor isn't too bad, but getting to its connection upstream is really difficult? Do you have to remove a lot of things to get to it?

-GT

dkozloski · #19 (**permalink**) 08-21-08, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT!

I think my '03 has just developed this same problem. I have an appointment at the dealer for Monday, but is this something I can do myself? It sounds like removing the sensor isn't too bad, but getting to its connection upstream is really difficult? Do you have to remove a lot of things to get to it?

-GT

Tie a string to the connector end of the lead before removing it and use it to pull the new one back in. I've heard of cutting and splicing the new one in but this is pretty crude.

GT! · #20 (**permalink**) 08-21-08, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkozloski

Tie a string to the connector end of the lead before removing it and use it to pull the new one back in. I've heard of cutting and splicing the new one in but this is pretty crude.

Funny you should mention cut & splice ... that occured to me over lunch although I have the same feeling as you about doing that to it.

Are you saying then that it is really just the routing of the lead that is tricky and that the connector itself is reasonably accessible? If that is the case then your idea of using a string should work well. I haven't had a chance to actually look (car is in the garage at home, didn't want to risk getting stuck somewhere).

Thanks.

-GT