Cheap fix for broken crank sensor connectors

[85M6NH]

In the middle of a 1983 633CSI engine swap and my crank sensor connectors crumbled during disconnection. I fought with the idea of buying two new sensors $$$ - but decided to see if BMW sold the connector separately. They only sell the female connector. I popped it into Mouser and then was able to find "compatible products" and found the male connector. Price for two of the connectors was under $20 delivered to my door.

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/TE ... uR1Q%3D%3D

Here are some photos. -- Hope this helps!

[gadget73]

Nice. Does this come with the terminals as well or are the terminals and shell separate?

[BMWCCA2]

Good for you!

I don't think I've ever had a crank sensor last long enough to have the connectors degrade. My 535i has had both replaced in the last 6-months as each failed.

Anyone ever figure out what causes the normal sensor failure? Anyone tried to fix one?

[85M6NH]

Nice. Does this come with the terminals as well or are the terminals and shell separate?

Doesn't come with terminals.. You'd need a terminal kit or to re-use the original terminals. I'm sure the pins can be ordered.. I'll try to track those down and post them up.

[Mike W.]

Good for you!

I don't think I've ever had a crank sensor last long enough to have the connectors degrade. My 535i has had both replaced in the last 6-months as each failed.

Anyone ever figure out what causes the normal sensor failure? Anyone tried to fix one?

As far as I could tell, the ones on my 85 were original when I sold it with 330K on it. I know they hadn't been replaced in the 175-330 run I had it and they didn't look new when I bought the car.

Having a stock of used ones I suspect the failure point is at the connector. Guessing it's a crimped connection, I mean they're not going to solder it, and I found playing with used ones I could vary the resistance by flexing the cable by the top connector. Suggesting it wasn't a good crimped connection. Not saying that's the only possible failure mode, but a sample of 2 or 3 I tested which changed resistance as I flexed it indicated it was at the least common.

OP! Nice find. Sometimes you just have to look for stuff and it's not that hard to find, but if you assume you can't get it (as I would have) and don't look, you're not going to find it.

[BMWCCA2]

Having a stock of used ones I suspect the failure point is at the connector. Guessing it's a crimped connection, I mean they're not going to solder it, and I found playing with used ones I could vary the resistance by flexing the cable by the top connector. Suggesting it wasn't a good crimped connection. Not saying that's the only possible failure mode, but a sample of 2 or 3 I tested which changed resistance as I flexed it indicated it was at the least common.

Well, I never throw anything away so maybe some day I'll test that myself. Thanks.

[sroberts]

Thank OP, I was thinking about trying Sugru for my crumbled connectors, but for this price I'll replace the connector.

[tn535i]

I think the style of connector is often referred to as a Junior Power Timer if you are searching for them.