Well, this morning my truck died. It cranks but won't start. I checked and I do have fuel pressure but I don't have spark. I also looked and the tach does not move when I am cranking the engine so I believe I need to replace the crank position sensor. I have a few questions.

1. How do I pull its electrical connector off? I heard there is some sort of C-clip on it but am not sure how to remove it.

2. When I put the new part on, do I need to gap it for the distance between it and the crank pulley?

3. What is the pointy nail looking thing on it for? Does that need to be gapped also?

Any help advice from anyone who has done this job before will be greatly appreciated. Than you

 

Connector should just be tabs like other automotive connectors.

You remove two bolts that hold the CKP sensor in place, there is no adjustment

The "pointy nail looking thing" is usually part of the CKP assembly it is there to check timing with timing light or when installing a new CPS(cam position sensor).

Get the new CKP sensor and look at the connector and also the way it fastens to the front cover of the engine, that should make it clear.

1997 4.0l Ranger should use T-Series PC14T
In 1998 they changed design to PC250 Crank Position Sensor

Google: T-Series PC14T
To see if that is what yours looks like

 

Yes, that's it. Also, is removing the serpentine belt required?

 

No, but it can be in the way of getting hands and tools in where they need to be, and it is simple to move out of the way.

Put a socket wrench in the provided square hole in the fan belt's tensioner, push or pull on socket wrench to release tension on the belt and then pull belt off alternator or ??

Square hole can be on the front or back of tensioner arm seen here: http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/...1PT/s-l225.jpg
But it is always there, because that is what it is for, loosening tension to install or remove the belt

 

Thanks Ron. I was a little nervous about the connector because when I first looked at it, it was in the dark and I couldn't see the clip. I went out and installed it today and everything went fine. Didn't need to pull off the serpentine belt and the whole thing was actually pretty easy.

Thanks for giving me the confidence.

 

Good work

 

just changed 1 on my 99 ranger 4.0. you have to get some needle nose plyers and pull the c clamp (wire) from the passenger side wheel look up at your harmonic balancer, sensor is right next to it. with a light you can the wire clamp, pull the clamp with needle nose and you can disconnect the sensor