crank sensor failures:

[Carlton A. Nash]

I have a 2006 300c AWD, with only 1,870 miles on it, and I have already experienced two crank sensor failures while on major roads. There was no warning whatsoever. The car just died. I was able to restart it. But after restarting, the engine check came on, along with other indicator lights. Each time, the car had to towed to the dealer's service area. I was told, since this was a new car the sensor had to be ordered . This took several days.
My problem is, that I am leary to drive the car because I get no prewarning of this failure before it occures. The service department just tells me, " All they can do is change the defective part."
Any suggestions would be of great help. I do not want to be involved in any accident because of this happening again.
Thanks in advance. I Love the car !!

[kevenj]

Wow, this is the first I've heard of a crank sensor failure, let along TWO crank sensors going bad..... I only have 4900 miles on my car but I know many people on this forum have MANY more than that.

SOMETHING has to be causing the crank sensors to go bad; does your dealer have any ideas? I know a couple independent shop owners that are both VERY good technicians and I'll see if they have any ideas. Yes the LX platform is fairly new but the theory and the way these things work is not particularly unique to this car so maybe one of them will have an idea.

I'll make a couple calls Monday and if I get any decent answers I'll post them here!

[kampsvilleboy]

This isn't a solution to your problem but it may help give you some reassurance and peace of mind while travelling: Provided the crankshaft position sensor is not too expensive, buy one and carry it with you. If you have a third failure the dealer can immediately fix you up and put you on your way. Additionally, they should then reimburse you for the cost of the part which now has become a warranty replacement.

[sarcasim02]

Mabey the crank sensor is not your problem. I hate to say this but it sounds to me like the dealership is slingin parts on your ride. A second replacement of your crank sensor leds me to belive that something is causing it to fail. Did the shop run a full diag (Check loose, chaffed, corroded and the resistance value of the wires) to see what is the root cause of the problem. Anyone can read a code, it takes a skilled tech to know why you have a part failure.

[RobAGD]

as a suggestion, I would post this on LXF there is a very good dealer tech that hangs out there and answers a lot of very technical questions. Look for the dancing chicken

-R