Crankshaft Position Sensor

floridaguy said:

I've got a 2001 Deville and it is showing a diagnostic code PO385. I believe that is crankshaft position sensor. My local dealership quoted me $500 to replace upper and lower sensor. Is this something I could do myself? Any help would be appreciated. Bob

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It is a DIY job. Remove the bottom trim panel to gain access to the forward side of the engine. Remove the oil filter adapter to provide room to get your arms in there. If you replace both sensors, be sure to note which one is in which location. Be sure you have new O rings if they do not come with the sensors. And new O rings for the oil filter adapter. I find that 1/4" drive sockets etc. do just fine.

You might find that one of the connectors is not seated properly and that is causing your problem rather than a bad sensor.

Thanks for the reply. I read somewhere that after you replace the sensors, you have to have a scan tool to "relearn". Does that sound right?

You CAN do it yourself, there are revised sensors available.
The top one is gray, the bottom one will be black. The old top one is probably tan in color.

It's easy if you have the right tools.
Basically you just need to raise the front end up and do what's listed above.
Just remove what you are comfortable taking off and get your 10mm in there and loosen the bolts. They turn easy once you break them loose... (usually)

The connectors can be hard to get off and on so take your time.
If they have the red CPAs in them those must come out first, make sure to put them back, they keep the connector secure.

My only remaining question at this point is "Do I need a scan tool to do any programing after the new sensors are installed." Thanks again for the great info. Bob

There is a crank position variation relearn procedure, but rarely do you HAVE to do it.
Worst case, it might set a code, just stop by a dealer and tell them what you did and tell them to do the crankshaft position sensor variation relearn.

Thanks JimD and ewill3rd. I ordered the sensors today from GM Parts Direct. I would not have felt comfortable doing this job with the valuable help I've gotten here. Happy Motoring. Bob

I want to thank you again. I completed the repair today and I know I would have screwed up the electrical connectors without the warning about the red CPAs. The parts were delayed from GM Parts Direct because the sensors were back ordered and didn't get here until yesterday. Merry Christmas Bob

After the reinstall those CPAs are important, without them sometimes the connectors pop off.
Glad to have helped.
Thanks for letting everyone know you got it done!

Ok, I'm a newbie..........

What does "CPA's" stand for ??

Thanks

I am not sure what CPA stands for (I thought certified public accountant) but I did not replace them when I did my sensors. Once I got those red clips out, I still had a tough time getting the connectors off the sensors. I do not believe they are that necessary.

Don