Crankshaft Position Sensor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the crankshaft position sensor on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Crankshaft position sensor × 1 — Motorcraft DY1173 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent electrical issues
4. Raise and support vehicle on jack stands if additional clearance is needed for access from below

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the crankshaft position sensor
   Locate the crankshaft position sensor on the passenger side of the engine block, just above where the engine meets the transmission bell housing. It may be easier to access from underneath the vehicle. The sensor has a single electrical connector and is held by one bolt.
2. 2

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Press the tab on the electrical connector and carefully pull it straight off the crankshaft position sensor. If the connector is difficult to remove, gently wiggle it while pulling. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
3. 3

   Remove the sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket with extension, carefully remove the single bolt securing the crankshaft position sensor to the engine block. Keep the bolt in a safe location and do not drop it into the bell housing area below.
   ⚠Hold the bolt securely when loosening to prevent it from falling into the transmission bell housing
4. 4

   Remove the old sensor
   Carefully pull the crankshaft position sensor straight out of the engine block. It may require some gentle twisting or rocking motion to break it free. If the sensor is stuck, use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry it from the mounting surface, taking care not to damage the engine block.
5. 5

   Clean the mounting area
   Use shop towels to clean the sensor mounting hole in the engine block. Remove any dirt, oil, or debris. If necessary, use a wire brush to clean the mounting surface around the hole. Ensure no debris falls into the engine block opening.
6. 6

   Inspect the sensor O-ring area
   Check that the old sensor O-ring came out with the sensor and did not remain in the engine block. If the old O-ring is stuck in the block, carefully remove it with a pick or small screwdriver. Verify the new sensor has a new O-ring properly seated in its groove.
7. 7

   Install the new sensor
   Apply a small amount of clean engine oil or dielectric grease to the O-ring on the new crankshaft position sensor. Carefully insert the sensor straight into the mounting hole in the engine block, ensuring proper alignment. Push it in until it seats fully against the engine block.
8. 8

   Install and torque the mounting bolt
   Thread the mounting bolt by hand to ensure it is not cross-threaded. Using a torque wrench, tighten the crankshaft position sensor bolt to specification. The sensor must be secure but not over-tightened.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect the electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector firmly onto the crankshaft position sensor until you hear or feel it click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
10. 10

    Reconnect battery and lower vehicle
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. If the vehicle was raised, carefully lower it from the jack stands to the ground. Ensure all tools and parts have been removed from under the vehicle.

Reassembly

1. Ensure the electrical connector is fully seated and locked onto the sensor
2. Verify the sensor bolt is torqued to specification and the sensor is secure
3. Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the engine compartment or under the vehicle

Verification

• Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without misfires or rough idle
• Check that the check engine light does not illuminate for crankshaft position sensor codes
• Use an OBD-II scanner to verify no diagnostic trouble codes are present related to the crankshaft position sensor (P0335, P0336, etc.)
• Test drive the vehicle to ensure normal operation and no hesitation or stalling occurs

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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