engine

Crankshaft Position Sensor

for 2002 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10 · RWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.2 h

Tools

Steps

✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.

Replace the crankshaft position sensor on a 1992 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10, located on the transmission bell housing near the flywheel/flexplate.

Warnings

⚠Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Exhaust components and transmission housing will retain heat.

⚠Do not drop sensor mounting bolt into bell housing. Recovery requires transmission removal.

ℹ️Crankshaft position sensor failure will prevent engine from starting or cause intermittent stalling.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

Extension set (3-inch and 6-inch)Essential

Torque wrench (5-15 lb-ft range)Essential

Flashlight or work lightEssential

Wire brush or plastic scraper

Electrical contact cleaner

Jack and jack standsEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

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Parts

Crankshaft position sensor × 1 — Mopar 4606603 or equivalent
O-ring seal (if not included with sensor) × 1 — Use OEM specification

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent fault codes during sensor removal
Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
Allow engine and exhaust system to cool to ambient temperature (minimum 1 hour after operation)

Procedure

1
Access sensor location
Working from underneath the vehicle, locate the crankshaft position sensor on the driver's side of the transmission bell housing. The sensor mounts near the flywheel teeth, approximately at the 10 o'clock position when viewing the bell housing from the rear. Use a flashlight to identify the sensor body and electrical connector.
2
Disconnect electrical connector
Press the locking tab on the crankshaft position sensor electrical connector and pull the connector straight back to disconnect. The connector may be stiff due to heat cycling; wiggle gently while pulling if needed. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
3
Remove sensor mounting bolt
Using a 10mm socket with 6-inch extension, remove the single bolt securing the crankshaft position sensor to the bell housing. Keep firm upward pressure on the socket to prevent the bolt from falling into the bell housing cavity. If the bolt begins to drop, use a magnetic pickup tool immediately.
⚠Exercise extreme care with the mounting bolt. If dropped into bell housing, transmission removal may be required for retrieval.
4
Extract sensor from bell housing
Grasp the sensor body firmly and pull straight out from the bell housing. The sensor has an O-ring seal that may cause resistance. Twist gently while pulling if needed to break the seal. Once removed, inspect the sensor tip for metallic debris or damage from flywheel contact.
5
Clean sensor mounting bore
Use a wire brush or plastic scraper to clean the sensor mounting bore in the bell housing. Remove any debris, old seal material, or metal shavings. Spray electrical contact cleaner into the bore and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. Ensure the bore is completely dry before installation.
6
Inspect new sensor and prepare for installation
Verify the new crankshaft position sensor includes an O-ring seal. If O-ring is separate, install it onto the sensor body groove. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean engine oil to ease installation. Do not use any thread sealant on the mounting bolt.
7
Install new sensor
Insert the new crankshaft position sensor into the bell housing bore, aligning it with the mounting hole. Push the sensor in until it seats fully against the bell housing face. The sensor tip should be positioned 0.5-1.0mm from the flywheel teeth (factory preset by sensor design).
8
Install and torque mounting bolt
Thread the 10mm mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper alignment and prevent cross-threading. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolt to specification. Verify the sensor is fully seated and does not rotate after torquing.
Torque spec
Crankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9
Reconnect electrical connector
Align the crankshaft position sensor electrical connector with the sensor terminals and push firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully locked. Route the wiring harness away from exhaust components and sharp edges.
10
Lower vehicle and reconnect battery
Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove wheel chocks. Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten the terminal clamp. This will restore power to the engine control module.

Reassembly

No disassembly was required beyond the sensor itself
Ensure electrical connector is fully seated and locked before operating vehicle
Verify sensor mounting bolt is torqued to specification to prevent sensor movement or air gap changes

Verification

Turn ignition key to ON position (do not start). Check that the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates then extinguishes normally during bulb check
Start engine and verify it starts normally without extended cranking. The engine should fire within 2-3 seconds of cranking
Allow engine to idle for 2-3 minutes and verify smooth operation without misfires or stalling
If available, use a scan tool to verify no crankshaft position sensor codes are present (P0320, P0335, P0385)
Test drive vehicle to confirm normal acceleration and no hesitation or stalling under load