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[omega2018]

i've just replaced the crank sensor using the helpful guide.  i did remove the wipers and scuttle cover and a few other hoses.  i wasn't sure from the guide where to fix the new joint in the end i have cable tied it directly to the cable tray, as far forward as i could.  this means if it ever goes again i can plug in a new one very easily without removing anything. yet to bolt the sensor itself in but i think that will be straightforward

for info here were my symptoms:
occasionally maybe one in ten or twenty starts it wouldn't start on the first turn. had about 4 or 5 of these before one day, an hour or more after stopping it wouldn't start at all, many attempts.  left it, tried again, same result.  checked all likely fuses, disconnected battery and re-connected tried again same.  called breakdown, an hour later of course when they arrived it started first time and no problems all the way home (though i didn';t dare switch it off) .  today it also started first time but too late i am binning it. car has done 90K.     

is there any explanation as to why it goes like that?  you'd think it would just go.

new pattern ones are about £17.  cheapest bosch or lucas one i could find was £64! i assume vaux the same.

i know official oof advice is to by vaux but i can't justify £64 especially because to replace the sensor in future it will be much easier - basically plug in, jack up and secure car, undo and do up one torx bolt. will buy another pattern one as spare instead. £64 is nearly 4 pattern ones.

[Steve B]

I think your gonna regret buying cheapo sensor 

When it packs up next time you may not be so lucky.. Think TB had a genuine go on him in france..And car was Dead.

[Sir Tigger KC]

If you are content with changing your pattern crank sensor annually (If you're lucky) then go for it.    I'd definitely keep a spare in the boot though if you're using pattern sensors.   

The trouble is that you know it will fail and the law of sod will decree that it fails on your wedding anniversary night when you are in your best bib and tucker taking SWMBO out for a posh night out!                    ........ and it's pissing down!!        

[omega2018]

what is it that fails on these?  is it the sensor head or the cable?

[Lazydocker]

I think the record for pattern crank sensor failing is measured in days

[Steve B]

I think the record for pattern crank sensor failing is measured in days

[omega2018]

i'm struggling to think what there is to fail in these - no moving parts, very basic electronics.  anyway i have found a  delphi one for £28 is that acceptable to oof?  presumably bosch is ok.

[Andy B]

....
i have found a  delphi one for £34 is that acceptable to oof?  .....

You can buy what you like ......  experience of forum members though suggest that pattern don't last, and Tigger says above, it'll always be when you most want your car to work 

[Steve B]

So Walk into the Main dealer and buy over the counter  That is the advice on here..I bought two in one visit...The spare is in my boot

[omega2018]

So Walk into the Main dealer and buy over the counter... I bought two in one visit...The spare is in my boot

i'm guessing that's approx 1/3 of the market value of my car...

[EMD]

I dont know what you lot do to crank sensors , ive had six omegas and never had to replace any  Although re-routing is the best thing for them . I suspect that the pattern sensors dont like the extreme heat of the original routing but some pattern dont seem to have the protective heat foil around them that wont help either  If i did have one fail i would fit genuine even though it is a tad of an expense in a one'a 

[omega2018]

yes, this is the first one to go in 270,000 miles of 2 omegas.  mind you, very similar with my alternator reg, which went at 80,000 on this 2.6 omega and never on the 2.5.  i think the 2.5s were more reliable (apart from the egr).

ordered a delphi but will keep it as the new spare and run with the £17 one and report back. my £17 one has the foil protection.  i will route it carefully and install with correct torque.

[biggriffin]

yes, this is the first one to go in 270,000 miles of 2 omegas.  mind you, very similar with my alternator reg, which went at 80,000 on this 2.6 omega and never on the 2.5.  i think the 2.5s were more reliable (apart from the egr).

ordered a delphi but will keep it as the new spare and run with the £17 one and report back. my £17 one has the foil protection.  i will route it carefully and install with correct TALK

"don't you dare break down"  a stiff talking too 

[terry paget]

I've had them fail on a 3.0, a 3.2, and several on 2.5s. Also had failures on a 2.0 and twice on 2.2s, much harder to change on the 4 cylinder engines. On a 2.5 estate I tried one off e-bay for £25, worked a treat, but forum pressure persuaded me buy a genuine Vx Siemens sensor so I did and fitted it, only to have it fail within 1000 miles. I replaced the £25 sensor and took the Vx sensor back for replacement. The £25 sensor never failed, when I scrapped the car I kept it.

I wonder how they fail. It seems to be in the sensor, not the cable. Sensor is only a coil, potted with epoxy in a plastic holder, what's to go wrong?

[EMD]

Bad batch of genuine sensors maybe 
What's the warranty on a genuine sensor ?