The crank angle sensor is one of the most important sensors in your Chrysler Concorde. When your Concorde Crank Sensor starts to go bad, or there’s a problem with your wiring your Chrysler may not start. This hall effect sensor is mounted to the front of your V6 Chrysler engine, and reads a trigger plate to determine engine speed and crank position.
The Concorde Crank Sensor sends this data to your Powertrain Control Module or PCM. Otherwise known as an engine computer, the PCM then orchestrates the fuel and spark events for your V6 engine.
When your Concorde Crank Sensor starts to go bad, it can cause a no start condition in your Chrysler. It will also store a OBDII DTC trouble code for your crank sensor, and turn on your Check Engine Light. When you have issues with your Chrysler crank position sensor, it can create a very dangerous driving condition.
If you are driving your Concorde and your crank sensor fails to send a signal to your PCM, your engine will shut off. This can happen at any time, and leave you without power steering or power assisted brakes. When you have a check engine light for your Concorde Crank Sensor you should stop driving until you can resolve, test and replace it.
Today I’ll be showing you how to test your Concorde Crank Sensor in a 1999 Chrysler Concorde with a 3.2 liter engine in it.
In order to complete this How To guide, you will be using a digital multimeter to check the operation of your crank angle sensor. Not sure what that is or how to even use one? Check out our handy FAQ guide on what a multimeter is here.
Testing your Concorde Crank Sensor for Power
The hardest part of this guide is accessing and unplugging your crank angle sensor harness. This unit is mounted to the side of your engine, and is connected through a three pin weatherproof connector.
Testing power is the first order of business, to ensure your Chrysler is powering up the sensor. Insert your ignition key and turn to the “ON” position, and now you are ready to test your Concorde Crank Sensor. Using your multimeter gently probe the front of PIN C on the ENGINE harness side. There should be a power signal at this wire on the ENGINE harness side.
Once you have determined you have power, you will need to check for ground at the engine harness. The pin to test is PIN B on the engine harness side of your 3.2 liter Chrysler Concorde.
If both of these check out, the last step of our DIY tutorial is to test the Concorde Crank Sensor signal. To do this however you will need to plug your harness back in.
Testing the Concorde Crank Sensor Signal
Now that you have determined that the power and ground is at this sensor, you can test the crank sensor itself. Plug the harness back into your crank sensor, and then trace back PIN A on your three pin connector. Pierce the PIN A wire with your multimeter, as this is the crank angle sensor signal wire.
Although you can perform this part of the test by simply turning on your engine, it’s not recommended. The front of your engine is a dangerous area, with your engine pulleys and cooling fans are nearby. You will need to leave your ignition key turned to the “ON” position, so make sure your engine is cool before doing this section of our DIY guide.
You should remove the spark plug wires, coils and the spark plugs next, to relieve the combustion chamber pressure. Using a crank sprocket tool or 1/2 inch drive, turn your crank slowly. If your Concorde Crank Sensor is working, you should see it fluctuate between a 0.3 or 0.4 and 5 volt signal.
If the sensor does not respond to the measurements above, it’s time for a crank angle sensor replacement. Have any questions about our Concorde Crank Sensor guide? leave them for us below and let us know!