Dodge Durango 2011-2019 Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement and Diagnosis
Everything a Dodge Durango owner needs to know about diagnosing and replacing a faulty crankshaft position sensor.
- Engine stalling while driving is a primary and dangerous symptom of a failing crankshaft sensor.
- Symptoms are nearly identical to a recalled fuel pump relay on 2011-2013 models; verify this first.
- For this critical sensor, choosing a high-quality aftermarket brand (like Delphi, NTK) or OEM Mopar is strongly recommended over budget options.
- The sensor is located on the passenger side of the engine block, near the transmission, and is accessible from underneath.
Is Your Durango's Crankshaft Position Sensor Failing?
A failing crankshaft position sensor in a 2011-2019 Dodge Durango can cause serious and sudden drivability problems. Because this sensor provides essential data for engine operation, any malfunction can lead to a range of symptoms, from a simple check engine light to the engine shutting off completely while you're driving. Recognizing the signs early can prevent you from being stranded.
Critical Warning: Symptoms May Not Be the Sensor
For 2011-2013 Dodge Durango models, a recall was issued for a faulty fuel pump relay (NHTSA Recall 19V-813). The symptoms of this relay failure—including extended engine crank time, no-start conditions, and engine stalling while driving—are nearly identical to a bad crankshaft position sensor. Before replacing the sensor, verify if your vehicle was part of this recall and if the remedy was performed, as you may be chasing the wrong part.
🎬 Watch: Troubleshooting fuel pump relay issues after a recall.Common Symptoms of a Bad Crankshaft Sensor
- Check Engine Light: The most common sign is an illuminated check engine light. The most frequent trouble code associated with this failure is P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Malfunction). You may also see P0339 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent). 🎬 See how to diagnose and solve the P0339 trouble code.
- Engine Won't Start: The engine will crank over, but it will not fire up. The PCM lacks the crankshaft position data needed to initiate spark and fuel.
- Engine Stalling: The engine may shut off unexpectedly while driving, often when it gets hot. This is a major safety concern. After cooling down, it might restart, only to stall again later.
- Hard Starting / Long Crank Time: The engine may take much longer than usual to start.
- Rough Idle and Misfires: The engine may run poorly, shake, or vibrate at idle because the incorrect timing data causes engine misfires.
- Poor Acceleration and Reduced Power: Your Durango may feel sluggish and lack power because the PCM cannot properly adjust timing for acceleration.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor
When it comes to critical electronic sensors, not all aftermarket parts are created equal. While an OEM Mopar sensor is often recommended by dealership technicians and enthusiasts for maximum reliability, several aftermarket brands offer a good balance of quality and value. Here’s a breakdown of the available brands to help you choose.
For a critical part like this that can leave you stranded, spending a little more on a higher-quality brand is often wise. Cheaper sensors have a higher likelihood of being faulty out of the box or having a shorter service life.
Tier 1: OE-Quality & Trusted Brands
These brands are often original equipment manufacturers for Chrysler or have a strong reputation for producing reliable sensors that meet or exceed OE standards. They are your best bet for a fit-and-forget repair.
- Mopar (OEM): The original factory part. It's the benchmark for quality and fitment but also the most expensive option.
- Delphi: A major OE supplier for many automakers. Delphi parts are known for their high quality and are often identical to the factory part, just in a different box.
- NGK / NTK: While famous for spark plugs, NTK is a top-tier sensor manufacturer with a reputation for excellent quality and reliability.
- Hitachi: Another well-respected Japanese OE manufacturer that produces high-quality electronic components.
Tier 2: Reputable Aftermarket Brands
These brands are the backbone of the aftermarket and offer a good combination of availability, warranty, and price. They are a solid choice for most DIY repairs.
- Standard Ignition (SMP): A long-standing aftermarket brand offering multiple product lines. Generally considered a reliable choice.
- Walker Products: A US-based company that has been making engine management components for decades.
- Dorman: Known for providing a wide range of aftermarket solutions, including hard-to-find parts. Quality can sometimes be inconsistent compared to Tier 1, but they often come with a good warranty.
Tier 3: Value-Oriented Brands
These brands focus on providing the lowest-cost option. They can be a viable choice if budget is the primary concern, but be aware that the risk of premature failure or out-of-box defects may be higher.
- Crown Automotive
- Encore Automotive
- Global Parts
- Holstein
Cost to Replace a Dodge Durango Crankshaft Sensor
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Part | $24 - $97 |
| New OEM (Mopar) Part | $90 - $135 |
| Shop Labor | $66 - $97 |
| Total (DIY Aftermarket) | $24 - $97 |
| Total (Shop Replacement) | $128 - $227 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the crankshaft position sensor located on the 2011-2019 Dodge Durango?
The sensor is located on the lower passenger side of the engine, near where the engine meets the transmission. For both the 3.6L V6 and 5.7L V8 engines, you will need to access it from underneath the vehicle. It is held in by a single 10mm bolt and is often protected by a small metal heat shield that must be bent or moved out of the way.
🎬 Watch this step-by-step 3.6L crankshaft sensor replacement walkthrough.Can a bad crankshaft sensor really prevent my Durango from starting?
Yes, absolutely. The PCM will prevent the engine from starting if it does not receive a valid signal from the crankshaft position sensor. The engine will crank but will not get the spark or fuel it needs to fire.
Do I need to perform a "relearn" procedure after replacing the sensor?
For most 2011-2019 Dodge Durango models, a specific manual relearn procedure is not typically required for the crankshaft position sensor itself. The PCM is designed to adapt to the new sensor after a few drive cycles. However, some owners and technicians report that disconnecting the battery for 15-20 minutes to reset the PCM can help resolve any lingering issues after replacement.
Should I replace the camshaft position sensor(s) at the same time?
It is not strictly necessary, but it can be a good preventative measure, especially on higher-mileage vehicles. The crankshaft and camshaft sensors work together to control engine timing. If one has failed due to age and heat cycles, the other may not be far behind. Replacing them together can save you from a similar repair in the near future.
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Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 05149167AF 5149167AE 5149167AD
This is a 3-pin magnetic Hall-effect sensor that reads the position of the crankshaft from a tone wheel. It is typically held in place by a single 10mm bolt.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Dodge Durango:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Durango's Crankshaft Position Sensor Failing?
- Critical Warning: Symptoms May Not Be the Sensor
- Common Symptoms of a Bad Crankshaft Sensor
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor
- Tier 1: OE-Quality & Trusted Brands
- Tier 2: Reputable Aftermarket Brands
- Tier 3: Value-Oriented Brands
- Cost to Replace a Dodge Durango Crankshaft Sensor
- Frequently Asked Questions
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