Where is the crankshaft position sensor on a 2000 Nissan Xterra?

Answer 1

It is one of the most difficult sensors to reach, and must be removed prior to taking out the transmission. I know from experience that if you try to remove the tranny with it still in there, not only will it prevent you from pulling it off, it will be pinched by the flywheel and have to be replaced. It is attached to the bell housing of the transmission, one bolt holds it in there. It is very close to where the tranny meets the engine, at about the 3 O'clock position if you were facing the car from the front. There is a small metal bracket attached by the same bolt as well. You can't really reach it, or even see it without a mirror and light from the top of the engine bay. If you have small hands, you can reach up working with both hands from underneath the drivers side, where the tranny is bolted to the engine, with a small combo wrench in one hand, feeling and guiding for the location of the bolt with the other. You have to reach all the way around to the upper part of the transmission bell housing. Clearance is minimal, so you may have greater success if you remove the drivers side exhaust manifold and piping. You might even try removing the cross member supporting the tranny, in attempt to gain a few more inches in clearance. I'll probably just take it to a professional if mine ever needs changing again.