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[Rog]

I see them mentioned her quite often, and some years ago I needed a new one on an Omega that wouldnt start.

Is this something that should be replaced routinely ? Do they wear out or something, or just go wrong ?

Should I consider getting mine replaced "just in case" ?

From what I see here, if it goes, then you are driving nowhere. I don't want that to happen on a German autobhan or something. 

[RobG]

Keep a spare in the boot

[Rog]

Keep a spare in the boot

So it's something that can be very easily and quickly changed ? Bearing in mind that I have zero technical skill and do not do any of my own maintenance whatsoever ?

I suppose my question is if I should get my garage to change it "in case" ?

[RobG]

False economy to change parts that aren`t broke. Straightforward to change, torx socket & jack

[Rog]

False economy to change parts that aren`t broke. Straightforward to change, torx socket & jack

I don't agree. I do change parts that aren't broke if it means that I don't get stuck on a motorway somewhere, possibly abroad. Also I certainly would not jack the car up and even attempt to replace it at night on a German autobahn even if I knew how to do it or what it even looked like.

Sorry, but my question remains unanswered.

[Andy B]

False economy to change parts that aren`t broke. Straightforward to change, torx socket & jack

I don't agree. I do change parts that aren't broke if it means that I don't get stuck on a motorway somewhere, possibly abroad. Also I certainly would not jack the car up and even attempt to replace it at night on a German autobahn even if I knew how to do it or what it even looked like.

Sorry, but my question remains unanswered.

It's your call as to whether you need/want to change a part that's working OK. I see your point though, it's easier to change it at home when you have the time/etc than in the cold & wet at the side of the road. I do keep a new spare in my boot though, & when the recovery bloke arrived, I gave him the fault code & the spare crank sensor!     

[ajsphead]

Crank sensors are not the most reliable of components. If it isn't broken, don't change it. If you do change it on the basis of age/mileage, the new one may fail before your old one would have done. Also, always use genuine GM sensors but remember that even they fail randomly.

Keep a spare one in the boot. It's a 15 minute job to do including jacking, so even if you do break down and are towed to a garage it's a very quick fix.

[Rog]

Andy B  &  ajsphead

Ok. That answers my question. Thanks

Leave it alone, but get a GM spare - in case 

Cheers 

[RobG]

False economy to change parts that aren`t broke. Straightforward to change, torx socket & jack

I don't agree. I do change parts that aren't broke if it means that I don't get stuck on a motorway somewhere, possibly abroad. Also I certainly would not jack the car up and even attempt to replace it at night on a German autobahn even if I knew how to do it or what it even looked like.

Sorry, but my question remains unanswered.

Why ask

[albitz]

Alternatively - the reason they go wrong is due to the wiring being routed very close to the exhaust manifold. Once replaced,and the wiring routed away from the heat they don't tend to go wrong again (have a quick read of the guide Rog).
You could fit a new one to the engine and leave the old one where it is,but not connected at either end,if you don't mind spending out for it.
Then,in the unlikely event of the new one giving trouble,the old one is still on the car,and hopefully will still be useable,for the short term at least.
Personally,I carry a spare in the boot like most others seem to.

[dbdb]

Crank sensor (and cable) on my 2.5V outlasted the car (198K miles and 14 years).  That was a car that was always left in the open, not cosseted in some garage. 

Undeniably crank sensors fail but it may be that it is the cable that fails,  perhaps due to being interfered with or, in the case of secondary sensors going, not fitted and secured perfectly.

Worth keeping a spare because of the low cost, ease of fitting and the seriousness of a failure.  I wouldn't replace one unecessarily though, it is probably as likely to fail as the old one, more so if you don't fit the cable perfectly.

[Webby the Bear]

not being argumentative but I really don't think its a 15 minute job. just getting to the connector and re-routing the new one would be a PITA imo.

[Rog]

My original question here was if I should get it replaced just in case - by my garage, not me. I have no intention of even thinking about doing it myself.

My conclusions are

1. No, I don't get it done "just in case". They don't wear out, they just fail.

2. Keep one in the car, so if it does go wrong then at least I have one for someone else to fit. Even if it is a garage in Germany or France.

Question answered    Thanks 

[Webby the Bear]

My original question here was if I should get it replaced just in case - by my garage, not me. I have no intention of even thinking about doing it myself.
My conclusions are

1. No, I don't get it done "just in case". They don't wear out, they just fail.

2. Keep one in the car, so if it does go wrong then at least I have one for someone else to fit. Even if it is a garage in Germany or France.

Question answered    Thanks 

I know. I was just remarking on a comment regarding the fitment time 

[YZ250]

not being argumentative but I really don't think its a 15 minute job. just getting to the connector and re-routing the new one would be a PITA imo.

I've turned my top connector around Webby, so that it pokes out under the scuttle. It's then fed over the brake pipes and down to the block. Longest job would be bunging a trolley jack under the left side, crawling under it and fitting block end connector and screw.