How to Put a Crank Shaft Sensor on a 2005 Dodge Ram

by Justin Cupler

Matthew Simmons/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

In 1981, Dodge renamed all of its full-size pickups “Ram.” Despite the name not arriving until 1981, Dodge placed a ram’s head emblem on the front of its pickups as far back as 1933. The 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 was the base level of the lineup, and not counting the R/T trim level, had three engine options available: 3.7-liter V-6, 4.7-liter V-8 and a 5.7-liter V-8. Putting a crankshaft position sensor, which measures the rotational speed of the crankshaft for timing purposes, is the same straightforward process on all three.

Step 1

Raise the front of the truck with a floor jack and slide jack stands under its frame rails. Lower the truck onto the jack stands.

Step 2

Slide under the truck until you reach the rearmost part of the oil pan. Look at the engine block on the passenger’s side of the engine and find the crankshaft position sensor just above the oil pan.

Step 3

Press and hold the unlocking button on the sensor’s wiring harness and unplug the harness from the sensor.

Step 4

Remove the sensor-to-engine block bolt with a ratchet and socket. Pull the sensor from the engine block with a slight twisting motion.

Step 5

Apply a thin coat of new engine oil to the O-ring on the new sensor, then press the sensor into the engine with a slight twisting and rocking motion. Thread the sensor-to-engine block bolt by hand, then torque it to 21 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and socket.