is there a way to feed the CPS (crank position sensor) w/o removing belts/hoses?

[audiquattrot]

I'm about tor replace it, and it doesn't seem like there is room to either get the old sensor out (which I plan on cutting), and feeding the new one in.

If there is enough slack in the wire, I may just temporarily route it above the engine for the meantime.

Does anyone have insight if this can be done w/o removing a ton of stuff?

[betsy325e]

http://e30.iamgary.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/e30_cps_location.png.scaled1000.png

Doesn't look that bad. Can you get at it from underneath?

[nando]

I've done it. it's a pain in the ass. most likely, you will break the clips that hold the CPS wire cover that snaps onto the timing belt cover. I'd get new clips ahead of time, you don't want to leave that cover off.

you can put it back together correctly as well, but it sucks. you can try removing the bypass tube bolts to give you enough room to pass the new sensor through. I wouldn't route it a different way, it's likely to rub on a pulley or something else and fray, which will ruin the sensor you just put in.

I'd consider draining the coolant into a clean bucket, and just getting the bypass tube and belts out of your way. it'll be so much easier.

[jlevie]

Assuming the cover for wires is present and in good shape, it is possible to get the cover off and route the CPS in the correct manner without removing anything else. Possible, but difficult. An easy alternative is to route the wire over the valve cover. You can fix that later on the next water pump change (every 100k).

[audiquattrot]

Thanks guys. For right now I snaked the wire underneath some coolant hoses along the metal rail and zip tied everything out of the way. Unfortunately the cps didn't correct my no start issue.

I even swapped the main relay, fuel pump and O2 relays w my buddies ix, but nothing. I pUt in new spark plugs since the 6 month old ones were looking pretty beat up, and she still cranks but no start

Ran out of daylight, so I'm going to properly check for spark this wkend when I have time....
I wonder if unplugging the ecu for a given amount of time will help. Another local ix'r had a similar issue, and was able to correct his problem after leaving his ecu disconnected for a couple days

In other news I've been DDing my e46 m3 and cracked my windshield from my highway commute. :down:

[Reichart12]

Did you make sure you have the cps close enough within spec? The bracket can be bolted up normally but before being tightened it will have some wiggle room so the sensor might be too far away from the gears to read.

[nando]

the power to the volatile memory runs out in about 5 minutes.. and it doesn't store a whole lot. there's no reason to leave it unplugged for a couple days.

[audiquattrot]

Did you make sure you have the cps close enough within spec? The bracket can be bolted up normally but before being tightened it will have some wiggle room so the sensor might be too far away from the gears to read.

I'll try loosening it and readjusting this wkend. Thanks for the tip!

the power to the volatile memory runs out in about 5 minutes.. and it doesn't store a whole lot. there's no reason to leave it unplugged for a couple days.

I'll try unplugging for a bit and reconnect. I'm not sure if it will make much difference though in starting the car. Would a stomp test tell me anything if there was never a fault code/CEL on the dash?

[nando]

probably not

[jlevie]

Did you make sure you have the cps close enough within spec? The bracket can be bolted up normally but before being tightened it will have some wiggle room so the sensor might be too far away from the gears to read.

The spec is a 1mm gap.

[e30onBBSs]

I did the same thing with zip ties, after ripping through the one I put back lazily. It's been good so far.

What happens when you turn the key?

[audiquattrot]

No spark. Swapped coil, ecu, afm and still nothing. I'm gonna check voltage tomorrow. Anything else to look for?

[audiquattrot]

Mixed up the harness plugs the cps is supposed to plug into w another one (spark plug wire). Swapped the two and she started right up!

[Reichart12]

Awesome! Glad to hear your car is back to running.

[audiquattrot]

Thanks buddy! Got a couple more things to fix but she's back on the road