Originally Posted by
ala_xfire
Actually, there is not much that can go wrong with a crank sensor, after all it is simply a magnet rod with wires wrapped around it and molded into the plastic.
The most common problem with a CPS is the connector getting corroded.
The reason most here say "Go Bosch or stay home" is that the aftermarket knock-off CPS sensors have thinner connecting pins and the connector doesn't make complete contact.
JMHO, I'm sure many will disagree.
Its funny that you mentioned the width of the PINS. There is a significant difference in between the parts store ones and the Bosch/Hella.
One right out of the box difference I noticed was the pickup itself. The original CPS in my car was a Bosch, just out of curiosity I looked it over. On the Bosch/Carquest/Napa CPS, the pickup was what looked to be ground down but on the Hella from NW was more of a machined surface.
Either way, I checked out the connector just to make sure there weren't any parts missing or over stressed. Put in some dielectric grease and have been driving it since.