Crankshaft positioning sensor damage

[peacock892]

I have a 1997 ram 1500 5.2 .motor would start intermittently then stop starting all together. I have replaced everything to do with ignition from key switch to ckp. I have bought two sensors and I notice when I removed the sensor this last time it had a groove cut in it. I think this is my problem. What could be causing this damage

 

[Fast69Mopar]

I have a 1997 ram 1500 5.2 .motor would start intermittently then stop starting all together. I have replaced everything to do with ignition from key switch to ckp. I have bought two sensors and I notice when I removed the sensor this last time it had a groove cut in it. I think this is my problem. What could be causing this damage

If the sensor has a groove cut in the tip of it then the sensor is too close to the flexplate.

There are a lot of aftermarket crankshaft position sensors that are too long and they hit the flex plate causing tapping noises and eventually the sensors will stop working due to the contact being made.

If all you have available to you is an aftermarket sensor from the local parts store then I'd suggest shimming the new sensor to create the correct mounting depth.

Measure the depth of the groove cut into the sensor and then shim the new sensor up that amount to prevent contact.

I have used small flat washers to shim the sensor to prevent the sensor from making contact with the flexplate. Don't use too much shim or the sensor will be unable to read the target windows that are in the flexplate and you will have another no-start condition.