engine

Crankshaft Position Sensor

for 2018 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD

Difficulty

Easy

Time

1.3 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the crankshaft position sensor on the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, located on the engine block near the crankshaft pulley.

Warnings

⚠Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Sensor is located near exhaust components that retain heat.

⚠Do not force the electrical connector or sensor bolt. Cross-threading or connector damage will result in costly repairs.

ℹ️The crankshaft position sensor is critical for engine timing. A failed or improperly installed sensor will prevent engine start or cause poor running conditions.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

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

Torque wrench (5-15 Nm range)Essential

Flathead screwdriver or trim tool

Flashlight or work lightEssential

Clean ragsEssential

Brake cleaner or electrical contact cleaner

Parts

Crankshaft Position Sensor × 1 — Motorcraft DY-1252 or equivalent
Dielectric grease × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
Raise front of vehicle on jack stands if additional clearance is needed (RWD provides reasonable access from above)
Position work light to illuminate lower right side of engine block near crankshaft pulley

Procedure

1
Locate crankshaft position sensor
The crankshaft position sensor is mounted on the lower right side of the engine block, just above the crankshaft pulley and behind the accessory drive belt system. It will have a single electrical connector and is held by one 10mm bolt. View from the right wheel well area or from above between the engine and frame rail.
2
Disconnect electrical connector
Press the locking tab on the sensor electrical connector and carefully pull the connector straight away from the sensor. Do not twist or rock excessively. If connector is stiff, use a small flathead screwdriver to gently release the locking tab while pulling. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage.
3
Remove sensor mounting bolt
Using 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 may have a specific shoulder design. Note the sensor orientation before removal.
Torque spec
Crankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4
Extract sensor from block
Carefully pull the crankshaft position sensor straight out from the engine block. The sensor may be seated firmly due to its O-ring seal. Gently wiggle while pulling if needed, but do not use excessive force. If sensor breaks during removal, extract any remaining pieces from the mounting bore.
5
Inspect and clean mounting location
Inspect the sensor bore in the engine block for debris, metal shavings, or old O-ring material. Clean the mounting surface with a clean rag. Spray brake cleaner into the bore if needed and wipe clean. Ensure no debris will interfere with new sensor installation. Check that the reluctor ring on the crankshaft is visible and undamaged through the sensor opening.
6
Prepare new sensor
Remove new crankshaft position sensor from packaging. Inspect the O-ring seal on the sensor body for damage. Apply a thin coat of clean engine oil to the O-ring to aid installation. Do not use grease or thread sealant on the sensor body or mounting threads.
7
Install new sensor
Carefully insert the new crankshaft position sensor into the engine block bore, aligning it with the same orientation as the original. Push sensor in by hand until it is fully seated against the engine block mounting surface. The O-ring should compress slightly, creating resistance in the final portion of insertion.
8
Install and torque mounting bolt
Thread the sensor mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper engagement. Using a torque wrench and 10mm socket, tighten the bolt to specification. Do not overtighten as this can crack the sensor housing or strip the aluminum block threads.
Torque spec
Crankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9
Reconnect electrical connector
Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the electrical connector to protect against moisture. Align the connector with the sensor terminal and push firmly until you hear and feel a positive click. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is locked in place.
10
Reconnect battery and clear codes
Reconnect the negative battery terminal. If you have access to an OBD-II scanner, clear any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the crankshaft position sensor (typically P0335, P0336, P0338, or P0339). This allows you to verify the new sensor is functioning without false error codes from the previous failure.

Reassembly

No disassembly of other components is required for this procedure
Ensure all tools are removed from engine compartment
Lower vehicle from jack stands if raised

Verification

Start the engine and verify it starts normally without extended cranking or rough running
Allow engine to idle and confirm smooth idle quality with no misfires or stumbling
If check engine light remains illuminated, scan for active codes to ensure crankshaft position sensor code has cleared
Test drive vehicle to verify normal acceleration and no hesitation under load
Re-inspect sensor connector and mounting area after test drive to ensure no looseness or fluid leaks