Some cats can go on either way but some can't did you put it on the right way
Are all parts installed correctly, are they the correct parts?
Does the LSS have a 3.8L engine? If so, the crank sensor is behind the crank pulley/harmonic damper.
In most cases the crank pulley bolts to the balancer so the crank pulley would not be the same as the harmonic balancer.
The crank sensor on a 2001 Malibu is located on the bottom of the engine near the crank shaft. It monitors the rotation and speed of the crank shaft.
It appears that the Ford Aerostar with 3.0 engine does not have a crank position sensor, but the 4.0 engine does have one.
crank sensor
the crank sensor is behind the harmonic balancer
sounds like you broke the crank sensor that is mounted right behind the balancer.
The crank sensor is located behind the Harmonic balancer. Try not to break the rubber within the Harmonic balancer when removing or on the safe side replace both the Crank sensor and the Harmonic balancer ( the big pulley on the bottom - most part of the engine.)
The crank shaft sensor is located on front of block above the harmonic balance wheel (bottom pulley on front of engine). This is easiest to get at from underneath the vehicle.
crank shaft sensor With the limited information you have provided, I would have to say, that you have found the "Crank" sensor.
Behind the harmonic balancer.
by the harmonic balancer
Does the LSS have a 3.8L engine? If so, the crank sensor is behind the crank pulley/harmonic damper.
if you have a code w/ cam to crank reference then yes. if only a crank sensor issue the no
behind the harmonic balancer.
the cam positioning sensor is located on the front of the engine block, above the harmonic balance pulley. easiest to get at this from underneath the vehicle,and to change the snsor, nothing else needs to be removed to get at it.
To replace the crank sensor you have to remove the harmonic balance taking special attention not to damage the pulley or the cam shaft. Remove the two 10mm retaining screws