How to Remove a Crankshaft Position Sensor on a 2005 Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima began its production life as the simple yet more modern replacement for the Stanza in 1993. The Altima continuously gained more high-end features, and the body slowly changed from a basic rounded shape to hard bodylines and downright good looks. The 2005 Altima came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pushed out an impressive 175 horsepower. Part of keeping the engine running smoothly is the vehicles computer knowing what speed the crankshaft is rotating. The crankshaft position sensor performed this task and relayed the data to the electronic control module so it could adjust other systems to match it.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the Altima with a floor jack and slide jack stands under the vehicles subframe. Lower the Altima onto the jack stands.

2

Crawl under the Altima until you reach the rear of the engine block. Find where the transmission and engine meet, then look up at the engine block until you see the starter motor, located a little more than halfway up the engine.

3

Find the crankshaft position sensor just under the starter. Remove the bolt securing the crankshaft position sensor with a ratchet and socket, and pull it from the engine use a mechanics mirror, if available, to aid in your guiding the ratchet and socket onto the bolt. It is a relatively tight fit getting to the sensor, so choose the route that fits you best to access it.

4

Pull the crankshaft position sensor downward with its wiring attached. Press the green tab away from the sensor with a flathead screwdriver to unlock it, then unplug the wiring harness from the sensor.

5

Apply a thin coat of new engine oil onto the O-ring of the new crankshaft position sensor.

6

Plug the wiring harness into the new sensors receptacle and hold pressure on the sensor. Slide the green tab toward the sensor. Pull lightly on the sensor to verify you fastened it securely. If it unplugs easily, slide the green tab away from the sensor and repeat this step.

7

Guide the crankshaft position sensor back into its hole beneath the starter, aligning its bolt hole with that in the engine block a mechanics mirror helps greatly if one is available. Hand-thread the crankshaft position sensors bolt, the torque it to 6 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket.

8

Raise the Altima off the jack stands with a floor jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground.