How-To Test a Crank Shaft Position Sensor CPS

How to test, troubleshoot, diagnose, and fix your cps crank shaft position sensor. This fix is on a Jeep Cherokee with a 4.0L straight 6 engine but it should be pretty similar on all makes and models of vehicles.
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Disclaimer - This product is meant for entertainment purposes only. Your mileage may vary. Do not try this at home. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. For off-road use only. Slippery when wet. Batteries not included. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle, heavy equipment, cherokee, wrangler, or any jeep vehicle. May be too intense for some viewers and children under 30 years of age. Please remain seated until the ride has come to a complete stop. Studies have shown viewing these videos causes increased cancer risks in laboratory test people. I am not a professional, I have no training, I'm not even particularly good at horse whispering. Don't believe everything that you know. Please keep your hands in the vehicle at all times. Do not tap on glass. Do not eat anything that has been on the floor for more than 3 days. Keep your hands to yourself. Not to be taken internally. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Driver does not carry cash. Objects in jeep mirrors may be farther than they appear.

[@MyHairyChin]

Couple tips, when taking bolts out, take the top one out first, then the bottom bolt and when putting back in put bottom bolt in first then the top bolt, keeps the chance of dropping the bolts down the bell housing as he crank sensor is in place and eliminates the possibility of dropping one inside the bell housing... works like a charm

[@naesnosbig6358]

Thanks for all your help. my 95 xj is going strong thanks to patience and your videos.

[@c938695]

After looking a handfull of videos like this.. this is the one that explains it all and the best part is.. it took me literally 10-15 minutes at most to perform the install. Thanks!!

[@mikemay777]

You do a great and thorough job explaining everything. Thanks for being so generous with your time.

[@artboyee]

When removing bolts on sensor always take off the top bolt first so it doesn't fall into hell housing! When installing new sensor, put bottom bolt on first.

[@_BUSTOS]

Wanna thank you, the example and instructions you gave were very clear to test the crank chaft position, and it really help a lot as I had my XJ just stopped from night to day and I had no clue what it could be (was thinking about the alarm system). Cheers from Brazil !

[@1967buddhaman]

Thank you for this it helped me determine that it was the CPS and not the coil. I did find it easier to install the new one when I lowered the tail of the transmission down. I was able to get my hands in there better. Thank you again.

[@chuckbalogh296]

Excellent video. You give a lot of the background information which is VERY useful. Because of your background information, I have decided that this is NOT my problem. I will keep it in mind if the car won't start one day.

[@bleepinjeep]

thanks for watching chuck!

[@bleepinjeep]

no problem man, thanks for watching and subbing!

[@AdirondackNY]

my favorite part is 7:59 "whatcha wanna do is build one of these" hahaha

[@faithinyeshua9854]

Really appreciate you man! You have had videos for every single problem I’ve come across in the past 5 years with my XJ and there been a lot! Lol. I refuse to bring anything to a “mechanic “ as long as guys like you share your knowledge.👍🏻

[@sprinkle_some_crack_on_em8279]

This saved me a ton of money. Thank you buddy

[@curtismcdonald1626]

thanks Matt for the info. I was having a hell of time with this problem. still had the original cps sensor from 1987, can't say nothing about that.lol

[@bleepinjeep]

good idea, I think I have one but never thought to use it.

[@bleepinjeep]

yep, knex were my favorite!

[@bleepinjeep]

good suggestion

[@TheDavesnothere11]

Thanks. helped me get my '90 Cherokee running again. Might be worth mentioning that cleaning and using dielectric grease on connectors when diagnosing issues would be a good idea. A working CPS and corroded contacts on the connectors can result in non-starting issue and/or poor engine performance.

[@bradpoole5304]

I wouldn't recommend dielectric grease on any major input sensor such as cam, crank, 02's

[@bleepinjeep]

well looks like you had an idea it was the cps all along, so you did good diagnosing it!

[@srhpenguin]

got my 89 runnin again. Thanks dude!

[@pigasus_1]

Thanks, still relevant today...

[@jnoyourrights..]

I know this is a old vid but I've had this problem with my cherokee and I tested my cps and it tested fine when it was cold so I heated it up and it's frazzled with shortening on both sides of the terminal connector. it's definitely something worth checking with these types of sensors. especially if you do a lot of offroading

[@Tekatogokuta]

thank you for this video

[@jaytheslayer7703]

Awesome information bro!! Thanks

[@bleepinjeep]

You bet!

[@bleepinjeep]

thanks for watching

[@ARayMaddy]

GOOD VIDEO...informative, thanks!

[@ematuzsan]

Great videos! My 96 Cherokee just shut down, then after 30 minutes it started right up and had no check engine light. I don't have the volt meter to test the crank sensor. should I just swap it out and see if it happens again?

[@1crazynordlander]

Ha! I just took mine out of my 2001 XJ. What a bear to get at. Removed the shift cable bracket which helped. I think removing the front driveshaft would help also. The multiple extension setup you have might be the ticket as it gives you a little more flex. Removing the transfer case would be a help too...maybe just pull the engine and tranny out the front...bore a hole through the firewall. Who was the wiseguy that designed this??? I love vans actually because you could at least remove the doghouse...

[@Mauser1965]

I dropped one of the small bolts into the bell housing. I opened the access plate and used a nail to slide it back out after I made sure it was at the bottom by running a garden hose to flush it down.

[@billyrowe0064]

8:03 - so I guess connecting a bunch of markers when we were kids, taught us something!

[@bleepinjeep]

if the CPS is bad the engine wont start or run at all. there could be a problem with the CPS wires maybe hitting the exhaust temporarily or shorting across somewhere but I would think that would stall the car completely. Are you sure its not a fuel issue, maybe a clogged fuel filter?

[@bleepinjeep]

you should be able to test like I did in the video with a multimeter. to change you'll need a socket wrench and some extensions, and it's probably a 10 or 13mm head on those two bolts. thats about it I guess.

[@dustin3988]

found the problem. it was the crankshaft position sensor. I had no fuel pump engaging but i did have spark. the test i did on the sensor looked ok. but when i tried between a and b on the sensor i had continuity but didnt on the new one so i changed it anyway and runs great now.

[@carlos0323]

my 95 XJ is reading about 648 of resistance, and most common synthom in my case is hard to start on mornings, on a weather temps on 85° to 89°... after engine starts, works fine. I conclude to replace CPS.

[@webmike720]

well, i have a question. i had all my battery terminals changed, brand new starter, and starter relay. For some reason my 1998 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L has a long start time, the battery, alternator, and Starter all passed its test. I'm so confused as whats wrong with my Jeep. My engine rumble at the start, but it sometimes doesn't crank. battery level stays at 11-12 volts at starts, lags out for 17-20second, then raises up to 14volts. WHAT WRONG WITH MY JEEP???

[@deanbeckman2137]

Thanks!

[@DigginIt]

Thanks man! I'm trouble shooting a 98 ZJ that just died on the way back from a camp out... I can't afford to just swap parts that might be wrong. When in doubt test it out I guess. Just glad my XJ is still running. :)

[@Airsoftforall]

Well? My sons is doing the same. I know on my 7.3 powerstroke when the cps fails no tach movement.

[@bleepinjeep]

my first guess would be a sensor like the TPS sensor or 02 sensor. Second guess would be a bad vacuum leak.

[@bleepinjeep]

Does your car start? if so then it is still working... if not, make sure you double check that it is showing you numbers and that you are on the b and c, and that you are on the resistance setting on your multimeter. If it still shows anything other than zero then yes, replace it.

[@libraz83]

BleepinJeep Hi...we've not had any starting issues and after our 01 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited edition 4.7l being off for about 3 hrs yesterday it won't even turn over now. It has power just fine when turning the switch on, but no crank at all. Could it be this sensor?

[@BrokenArrowBrokenBow]

We have a 97 cherokee. Engine codes call a #12 power loss within 50 cycles and#14 Map sensor. We have replaced the map sensor, checked all wiring and wiring connectors and all was fine for a few days. Then the check engine light came back on with the same codes. Engine idle is off and the engine dies while driving. Checked for spark and fuel and all is good. What should we look for or diagnose? Please advise,

[@deanbeckman2137]

Hey bleeping jeep so today I was driving my jeep and I saw a check gauge light go on then died a few seconds later. I got my starter and alternator tested both are good. Bought a new battery still won't start, but wants to turn over but won't I installed a new fuel filter and now I'm just out of ideas...

[@susu-mi7kx]

Hey ,Matt. so 2001 grand cherokee 4.0 crank shaft position sensor I believe is reason car starts then shuts off but if I get to drive fast it stays on. got code 0320 but now it does not show ... changed spark plugs/fuel filter/new gas cap/coolant temp sensor/engine oil change and filter. Is the cps connected on passenger side or driver have seen other post say its on passenger side. But you Know your stuff!! help me out is it also on drivers side??

[@ZackTheKack]

Wouldn't you want to check current in DC as that's what vehicles run off of?

[@garyhowell738]

Hey Matt, I've got a 2000 XJ. I have checked my code P1391. I replaced my crankshaft position sensor and cleared the code. Drove it to work, the next morning (work nights) the code came back. Any suggestions?

[@susu-mi7kx]

Hey also just noticed rear hatch window on 2001 grand cherokee laredo 4.0 wont lock, even tried manually. . with screwdriver and pushed down on gold metal thing and it clicked but when glass is down it wont latch on. hatch locks.. how can this be fixed been told part is expensive

[@stealthcampervan4824]

thanks man this helped me out big time.

[@bleepinjeep]

As far as I know they only claim an increase in HP. I would assume it gives a slight increase but I don't have a dynamometer.

[@richard6756]

Do you do the test with motor running for a 1998 jeep cherokee xj 4.0. And what brand would you suggest to replace the crank sensor?

[@TheReeper602]

I just tested my CPS on my 89 Xj 4.0 and it passed both test but it still won't turn over and when it does it still turns off anymore ideas on what it could be

[@coreyparsley3157]

BleepingJeep.. I got a 98 Grand Cherokee Laredo four-wheel drive 4 lI've located and know how to replace and install the crankshaft sensor please inform me on where the camshaft sensor is or the camshaft positioning sensor

[@bradleycain2409]

I put a new remanufactured engine in and no spark. Checked all the way to ICM. Have 3 wire going to the plug for the ICM. Yellow 12 volts, black 4 volts and Green/white 12 volts key on postion, no pulse when though when i crank. Brand new ICM. Any suggestions?

[@markhealy766]

help!!!!!! got a 99 jeep xj 4.0ltr petrol with no spark...replaced coil and cps but still no spark..can someone pls give any advice on what to test next...many thanks Mark. .

[@henrylima6974]

When i put the negative terminal on b and the positive terminal on c i get no reading, if i put the positive terminal on b and the negative terminal on c I get a reading of like 6 or 7 omhs. Does that mean my sensor is good or bad? Does the negative terminal go on b or on c? That wasnt clear on the video. I have crank with no start, no ignition. Thanks

[@TheErikbrody]

Will this affect the fuel pump priming...I have power to pump but no prime...cranks but no start...89 Jeep comanche

[@Lon3lySt0n3r]

If I have a 1996 and the B to C does not beep but does read numbers, should I replace my CPS?

[@Vcoldduck]

Why are you checking ac voltage on a DC system?

[@sephramey6489]

87 Cherokee Wagoneer cuts out within 5-6 miles. Got fuel in rail. So k assuming CPS is getting hot shutting it down? However able to restart within few minutes. Any suggestions?

[@plotwists3378]

I’ve got an analogue multimeter that reads 125-150 resistance not infinite. I’m going to go ahead and replace it but any chance this means it’s bad?

[@dustin3988]

I have a 96 cherokee. sparks runs on ether. wont engage fuel pump. if i jump relay i get pressure to the rail but still wont inject it. changed relay. can it be cps? or is that just for the spark? was running great then one morning it just wouldnt start after it just passed inspection the day before. obd wouldnt read anything just said couldnt connect. ever seen anything like this?

[@carlball8590]

I have fire on 2 cylinders no fire on rest . I have 120 psi on all cylinders. Replaced distributor and coil and plugs and wires.what Would i want to look at crank sensor or ECM . Any help or ideas

[@enricomegachiesa9203]

Both of my reverse lights arent working on my cherokee sport 4.0 2000. Do you have a video where you show something about it or could you help me ? Thanks you

[@bleepinjeep]

+Enrico Mega Chiesa watch my NSS videos

[@BirchOverlord]

do K%N Air Fillers really work? like with MPG and Increase of HP / Throttle Response

[@stefan3225]

Got to mine with a single 12” extension, no swivel....

[@noberet]

Are the fasteners 11mm or 7/16"? I've run into a lot of videos that give a mm size when the faster on my 1996 XJ is inch.

[@itxploded]

so no resistance is good?

[@jamieblair2808]

Here I got you a good question I've got a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4 wheel drive straight 6 it's not getting fire to the spark plugs but I've changed the crankshaft sensor and the coil and it still does not get spark to the spark plugs and I've noticed my clap dash cluster does not work as well I turn the switch on in the gas and don't go up could you help me troubleshoot what the problem could be

[@alexanderjones2371]

Jamie Blair you figure out what it was? I have the same issue

[@coolbeans1266]

I tested my cps on 97 cherokee and got continuity between b and c. I got a new one and still continuity, i wonder if they sold me a bad one, or i broke it, or test doesnt work

[@ColoradoMoe]

I tested 4 sensors (the original +2 after market and 1 OEM) they all had resistance (about 500). I'm at a loss.

[@jaimesustaita372]

Why don't I feel any resistance while turning crankshaft by hand, trying to put # 1 cylinder tdc?

[@brandonfranke7046]

I think I have a bad CPS but not 100% sure. My jeep will either die when at idle or RPMs will drop almost to zero then suddenly lurch back up to idle. Occasionally, but less frequently, the RPMS will lurch up a bit as well. No difference noticed whether the engine has been recently started or is warm. Is it definitely a bad CPS? Any suggestions??

[@markszostak5808]

Yeah dropping the screw into the bell housing is not only 'bad' but really sucks! But taking the bell housing bottom cover off will give access to the screw that you dropped. I used wobble extensions and getting my hand to the sensor turned me into a contortionist.

[@Cooscoop]

Very confused...I'm guessing we're checking ac voltage instead of DC because it's right off the bell housing instead if regulated?

[@dadefope80]

What about the 2.5L?

[@erpulliam]

My 95 cranks but won’t start no spark. My Cps tests ok but could it still be bad ?

[@TheEngineer911]

great

[@robertdavis8434]

I've got a 1997 wrangler that has no fire and I've checked the cam and crank censor and they are showing good and I've found that I have no power on my power wire at the coil what could cause this I'm thinking maybe the computer but I don't know

[@tomalexander7313]

91 and 92 are different plugs they have a round one

[@brandonrice1618]

Hey, Matt. I know this is an old video but i really need help here. Ive got an 89 xj and it starts up just fine every time but it is stalling out on me after its warmed up. I havent had it stall while driving at speed but typicaly after ive driven somewhere parked done something and get ready to leave. Stall's in the parking lots. Gas it up real hard a few times and it is good to go from there. I tried testing the CPS here 89 jeep cherokee CPS testing. But im getting no voltage reading at all. Can you help me figure this out?

[@Boot38979]

O2 sensor or intake manifold gasket had the same on my 89 xj

[@jamieb4904]

This happened to me, my 96 xj wouldn’t start after short trips, then I saw a KZbin video and the guy said if you are having this problem, before spending lots of time and money try the coolant temperature sensor, it cost around $10, and easy to change. It fixed my problem. Been running great ever since. Its been over a year. You might want to check out that video and see if it helps. Good luck.

[@BrandonMFAlves]

Will the coil receive power if cps is bad

[@MileytheJeepV2]

I have an xj throwing no bus sometimes it’s got a p1694 and sometimes it starts no problem sometimes it can’t idle… idk if it’s a cps but lots of people think so

[@all5206]

O.k. so it works, but does it work properly?

[@randyanderson6110]

That test on the cps is only good if your engine is not starting or have an intermittent start. If it tests good with a dmm it doesnt mean that the sensor is good. The engine could still run with a bad cps but would have a missfire.

[@bleepinjeep]

engine should not run at all with a bad cps

[@xmo552]

@@bleepinjeep Bleepy, I'm having fits with an 88 Comanche 4.0L 4x4 5 speed. Twice it's died while driving, was dead for a full week, and then it came back alive and drove perfect for hundreds of miles until it died again. Have you seen a CPS cause this?

[@Airsoftforall]

When the cps fails is it like the 7.3 Powerstroke and the tach does not move?

[@2S1L3NT]

Haha, I felt this one. The CPS in my 00 7.3L Excursion left me stranded at 2 stop lights during the 6 years I owned it.

[@banno6938]

BTW, your engine turning over is a real good indication that you have battery voltage .lol

[@curtis4991]

What? That has nothing to do with the CPS, it creates it's own current.

[@banno6938]

Suq Dik I'm not going to watch this video again from 2 mon's ago But I recall him saying to check for battery voltage before checking the CS . My point was if it cranks its not the battery & there's no need to check the battery .

[@deadspeed6679]

Anyone know the colors of the harness in order from left to right? My xj PO cut the harness up pretty bad and I need to replace my CPS with a pigtail All help is welcome

[@tylerbruce3762]

I have replaced my CPS 2 x as well as replaced the distributor 2 x which has the camshaft position sensor inside of it and on still having the same problem. I'm drawing the p0320 code and also 1391 I believe. It starts and jumps up to 2000 rpm for a second then dies. I can gas it for about 10 seconds and then it will stay running but will cut out eventually while driving. Took it to shop and they told me to bypass from the sensor to the ecu with a new wire but that didn't help either. They said next step was send ecu in but I'm really wanting to leave that as a last resort. Help

[@austinblack3837]

Did you ever figure this out mine does the same exact thing… wants to die electronically anywhere above 3k sometimes just at random

[@joachimjohan1215]

shouldnt it be ckp?

[@reneekindt712]

I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee 01. I called a mechanic to get an estimate for it intermittently not starting. He said that it was possible it was this. He wants $150 for the fix, $80 just for the part. What a rip off He's a mobile mechanic. I want to try to fix this myself. What tools do I need? Thanks.

[@bleepinjeep]

i'm at a loss...

[@alexreynolds7794]

i have an 89 xj and itll start up but dies after a second and won't run...but every time you turn the key it starts first hit no problem then dies

[@sethward5136]

Alex Reynolds Map Sensor

[@bleepinjeep]

no, it wont

[@Hotheadjman79]

I need help. 97 xj 4.0, just swapped a motor it starts fine, has slight rough idle. It bucks while accelerating, is fine while heavy accelerating. It has a new tps, newer iac valve, new plugs newer wires cap and rotor. Any ideas? Any help is greatly appreciated

[@TheLostAdventuress]

Same problem. Keep me updated... Did u change the sensor he's saying in the video

[@Hotheadjman79]

@@TheLostAdventuress no I didn't, I just sold it

[@TheLostAdventuress]

For that reason ?

[@Hotheadjman79]

@@TheLostAdventuress no. I got a newer car and didn't need the jeep anymore.

[@robertsunderland9196]

@@Hotheadjman79 🤣🤣🤣

[@b3astinurface749]

Mine doesn't look like either of those 2 connections

[@CopperStateAerialPhotography]

Ok, When im driving my 89 XJ It acts like its flooding I.E. spits, sputters, it has no power until i put the pedal to the floor, then it takes of like a banshee until i let off the gas then it goes back to what i said before. I've changed the CS, Put in the upgraded injectors (4 port) new plugs and wires (Accel). I've checked all my vacuum lines. I can not figure this out. Any Ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

[@bleepinjeep]

Idk, have you checked fuel pressure?

[@CopperStateAerialPhotography]

@@bleepinjeep Yes, roughly 30 32 lbs with the key on

[@2S1L3NT]

@@CopperStateAerialPhotography Did you figure this out?

[@MichaelOfficer274]

PLEASE HELP: My 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport idles kind of weird. It starts fine, then kind of dies down some and runs around 600-900 rpms (varies frequently, sounds rough) and I even had it stall out. It's usually worse right after it starts, and after driving seems to be ok. But it's been getting worse and sometimes when I get on the gas it hesitates and chokes some. Seems to be worse if it's left on an incline and then started or if the battery is low. Do you have any suggestions. Thanks!

[@2S1L3NT]

Did you figure out what this was? My 99 is starting to do the exact same thing 😏

[@MichaelOfficer274]

@@2S1L3NT Ending up totaling it in an accident.

[@henrybucki7813]

I cut the hole . was sooooooo much easier to get to. just be careful not to cut the trans cable behind the metal that you are cutting, i also put some rags on top of bell housing to cover so metal filing would not fall into hole where missing dust cover that a professional mechanic threw away when he changed it.mine is a 1988 cherokee 4l used a large metal hole saw a a battier dewalt .

[@bleepinjeep]

How do you know where to cut?

[@Fuscoooo]

cps tps they are all a pain in the arse!

[@lindamoser2532]

Just a kid back then

[@henrybucki7813]

can the carpet be pull back and a small hole be cut in the floor around the console and be able to see the bolts? and then a metal patch be put back to cover hole? ive already had to replace mine twice over the years. once by me and once by a service center . its a bitch

[@bleepinjeep]

It's pretty much under the dash.

[@bleepinjeep]

get one. $9.89 at Wal-Mart.

[@utuberine]

different jeep different cps and position.

[@leovargas4452]

can a cps on a renix cherokee 4.0l i6 not function due to oil sludge build up?

[@bleepinjeep]

I wouldn't think you could get that much sludge in there... Does it test good?

[@waynesanders1406]

Something else to consider is it operates off of a magnetic reading. Magnetism's loop shorts out to metallic objects. If you have a let of metal on it, it will need cleaned off to open the magnetic fields back up. Oil and sludge can affect any electrical sensor. It becomes a sticky surface for dirt and grime, which causes excess voltage drop on the parts covered, which reduces the operational paramaters. The sensor would slowly get worse over time, although it may be degraded before you start noticing symptoms.

[@all5206]

Answer is ,...YES.... mine did ...

[@Le_Comte_de_Monte_Felin]

Excellent video! Thanks for a great resource for XJ / Jeep owners. I'll post a link for your channel over on Another Freakin' Jeep Cherokee Website (www.lundhd.com) & hope you keep rockin' the great how-to vids on this channel!