The most common engine in the 1986 Ford Ranger is the 2.9-liter V-6 with fuel injection. The crankshaft position sensor is part of the computerized engine management system. Its purpose is to monitor the crankshaft's position and engine speed. The sensor is of the hall-effect type and is situated on the front engine cover, where it senses the passing of the teeth on the reluctor ring directly behind the crankshaft balancer. As the teeth pass in front of the sensor, they disrupt the magnetic field, causing a fluctuation in voltage as ascertained by the computer.
Instructions
Locating the Sensor
- 1
Raise the front of the truck and place jack stands under the sub-frame. Lower the truck to rest on the stands.
2Roll under the truck and look up at the harmonic balancer on the front of the engine.
3Notice the teeth on a ring behind the balancer. The crankshaft sensor is located on the passenger side of the toothed ring bolted to a bracket on the engine block. The sensor is cylindrical and held into the bracket by a single bolt.
Removal
- 4
Unplug the crankshaft sensor.
5Remove the 10 mm bolt securing it to the bracket, using a ratchet and a socket.
6Twist and pull the sensor out of the bracket.
Installation
- 7
Insert the new crankshaft sensor into the bracket.
8Align the sensor with the hole in the bracket and insert the bolt. Tighten the bolt by snugging it down lightly with a ratchet. Plug in the electrical connector.
9Use the jack to lift the truck. Remove the jack stands and lower the truck to the ground.
