1994 bonneville sse bad crank sensor... need advice!
 

Hello... I am 99% sure I have a bad crank sensor problem. Have had this car for about 3 years and it has always had an intermittent start problem that went back way before I bought the car (maintenance records were in the car and mechanic couldn't solve or recreate the intermittent start problem). Lately the car has started stalling while driving it. The car bucks for a minute, ding ding dings and I know I better get it off the road because its getting ready to stall, after it stalls the power steering goes and I fight to get it off the road. Car seems very hot at this point. At first I was able to get the car started again after it sat for a few minutes and cooled off but its doing this now and I can maybe get it started and go a block before it does it again. All signs and symptoms are pointing to a bad crank sensor. I want to replace the sensor but am having a hell of a time getting the bolt off. Does anyone have any advice for how to get enough force to get that bolt off? I don't have an air gun so would like to try to save the expense and get this off myself. I feel like it is impossible.... I tried for hours yesterday and the whole engine moves when I try to force it off. I am using a wrench with a 4 foot bar attached and still nothing... can I try to hit it with a hammer while torquing it and maybe get it to loosen enough to come off? I know how to replace the part just need advice on this darn bolt. Also when I do finally get this thing off will I need a new bolt? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Here check this out for some help on your problem. Best of luck https://www.gmforum.com/t279066/

It is sometimes possible to do it the the starter. Can be dangerous though, so please take this information as a warning and not what should be done unless you are aware of the implications.

I've had to lock the ratchet/breaker bar against the frame and hit the starter. Quick tap though and ensure you have disconnected the wiring harness to the ICM to keep the car from starting.

The bolt is technically a TTY or stretching bolt. I have never bought another bolt and reuse them w/o worry.

Thanks a lot... I had already seen that posted thread and it has a lot of good info in it. It just sounds easier than it has actually been. This is an easy repair so its frustrating that a bolt is in my way... think I will try to have my wife and brother to help me. I might just need more manpower and maybe tapping with the hammer while applying force to the bolt... I am cautious about using the starter but will keep that in mind as a last resort. Any more ideas please feel free to let me know and I will update if I get this dang thing off.

Alrighty... finally got that bolt off... now I am off to the parts store for a HB puller and new sensor... phew! that was a tight bolt!

The bolts you'll need that aren't in the HB puller kit are M6 x 1.00 x at least 75-80mm in length.

I dunno why ...but they did it to all of us. :)

lol, ya... autozone didnt carry bolts that long and the guy at the counter acted like I was crazy to need them to be so long. I found some at Lowes... Got the part changed out and everything back on the car... fired right up! Took it for a spin and so far so good, no stalling. Really hope this is the end of the stall and intermittent no start... it is such a frustrating and nervewracking problem to deal with! Thanks for your help :)

Ok, I am back... the car stalled again today in traffic. I am not sure what to look at next... it does seem like it is getting very hot though! Thermostat? I am just at a loss so any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!