engine
Crankshaft Position Sensor
for 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · RWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.2 h
Tools
10
Steps
11
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the crankshaft position sensor on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.
Warnings
⚠Ensure engine is completely cool before beginning work to avoid burns from hot components
⚠The crankshaft position sensor is critical to engine operation. A damaged or improperly installed sensor will cause a no-start condition
ℹ️On RWD models, the sensor is accessible from underneath the vehicle on the driver's side of the engine block
ℹ️Some oil dripping is normal when removing the sensor as it is located near the oil pan
Tools required
10mm socketEssential
1/4 inch ratchetEssential
3/8 inch ratchetEssential
Extension setEssential
Torque wrench (5-25 Nm range)Essential
Flathead screwdriver or trim tool
Shop light or flashlightEssential
Safety stands and wheel chocksEssential
Gloves
Drain pan
Parts
- Crankshaft Position Sensor × 1 — Motorcraft DY1307 or equivalent
- Dielectric grease × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
- Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes before proceeding
- Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
- Remove plastic engine undershield if equipped
Procedure
- 1Locate the crankshaft position sensorPosition yourself under the driver's side of the vehicle. The crankshaft position sensor is mounted on the lower engine block, near the starter motor and oil pan. It has a single electrical connector and is held by one bolt. Use the shop light to locate the sensor clearly before proceeding.
- 2Disconnect the electrical connectorLocate the electrical connector on the crankshaft position sensor. Press the locking tab on the connector and carefully pull it straight off the sensor. You may need to wiggle it gently while pulling. Ensure the connector does not hang where it can contact hot exhaust components.
- 3Remove the sensor mounting boltUsing a 10mm socket with extension, remove the single bolt securing the crankshaft position sensor to the engine block. Keep track of this bolt as it will be reused if in good condition. Note the orientation of the sensor before removal.
- 4Extract the sensor from the engine blockCarefully pull the crankshaft position sensor straight out from the engine block. It may require some twisting motion to break it free. Be prepared for a small amount of engine oil to drip from the sensor bore. Have a drain pan ready underneath.
- 5Clean the sensor mounting boreInspect the sensor mounting bore in the engine block for any debris, metal shavings, or old gasket material. Clean thoroughly with a clean lint-free cloth. Ensure no debris falls into the engine. Check that the O-ring sealing surface is clean and free of scratches.
- 6Prepare the new sensorInspect the new crankshaft position sensor for any shipping damage. Verify the O-ring is properly seated in the sensor groove. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the O-ring to aid installation and provide a moisture seal. Do not use engine oil or other lubricants.
- 7Install the new sensorCarefully insert the new crankshaft position sensor into the mounting bore in the engine block. Push it in by hand until it seats fully against the block. Ensure it is oriented correctly and fully seated before installing the bolt. The sensor should slide in smoothly without excessive force.Torque specCrankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 8Torque the sensor mounting boltInstall the sensor mounting bolt and hand-tighten first. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolt to the specified torque of 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft). Do not overtighten as this can crack the sensor housing or strip the threads in the aluminum block.Torque specCrankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect the electrical connectorApply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the electrical connector to prevent corrosion. Push the connector firmly onto the crankshaft position sensor until you hear and feel it click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked.
- 10Reinstall undershield and lower vehicleReinstall the plastic engine undershield if it was removed. Ensure all fasteners are secure. Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands. Remove wheel chocks.
- 11Reconnect battery and clear codesReconnect the negative battery cable and tighten securely. If a check engine light was present, use an OBD-II scanner to clear any stored crankshaft position sensor codes. This will allow you to verify the repair resolved the issue.
Reassembly
- Ensure the crankshaft position sensor electrical connector is fully seated and locked
- Verify the sensor mounting bolt is torqued to specification and not over-tightened
- Confirm no tools or parts were left in the engine compartment or underneath the vehicle
Verification
- Start the engine and verify it starts normally without extended cranking
- Allow engine to idle and listen for smooth operation without misfires or rough running
- Use an OBD-II scanner to verify no crankshaft position sensor codes are present
- Test drive the vehicle to ensure normal operation under load
- Recheck the sensor area for any oil leaks after test drive
- Verify tachometer reads correctly and smoothly during operation