Wondering if many of you replaced the crank position sensor BEFORE it needs to be done? or resoldered the contacts on the RCM module before its necessary? or any of the other potential common problems.... Thanks guys!

 

Do the RCM and sticky key fix now! At 50k, I would replace CPS for sure.

 

Open the RCM and compare the three middle relay coils to the outer two relay coils. If the middle ones are much darker than the outer, you may want to have me refurbish your RCM before the relays fail.
Email tighed1@hotmail.com for the details.

 

I personally replace my CPS every 3 or 4 years as preventive maintenance. When it comes to the RCM, it seems the ones manufactured before 2007 are the most problematic with the soldering joints/relays. You can see the date of manufacture on the RCM, the year is the first number if I am not mistaken not like a typical date in the US. If it is your daily driver, then it is best to buy a new one and send your old one for repair or if you get a good deal on a used one then send it for repair.

 

'My' 05 Roadster is coming to live with me next weekend... just planning on things to do with it during the non-driven winter months.... Ive got minimal info on what has been done prior to my friend acquiring ownership in 2015 (was shipped from CA to WI at that time) I do know the key does have issues...:-)

 

I'd replace the CPS and keep the existing as a backup. I'd buy a spare Standard Motor Products RCM to keep in the car as that can be swapped out without tools if you get stuck somewhere. I'd also buy and keep a spare Cam Shaft position sensor on hand. Has it ever had the brake fluid and coolant changed? If not I'd do those right away as you don't want the engine and brake system rusting and failing from the inside out. I'm personally not a fan of going crazy with preventative maintenance when it comes to replacing perfectly good working parts. Going down that road it's very easy to end up with a trunk or garage full of perfectly good spare parts and an empty wallet or purse. As another posted... DO THE STICKY KEY FIX NOW as if it hasn't been done it's just a matter of time for most before that ignition is gonna give you problems and it can be a big PITA if it locks up to the point you can't turn the key. Video on Sticky Key Fix... 40k views of this video says it all.

 

I had the secondary air pump code so had the RCM rebuilt as well as replacing both the camshaft and crankshaft position sensor‘s and keeping the originals as spares. I also had all of the fluids and filters changed as well as new spark plugs, serpentine belt and a complete brake job. I thought I needed a blower motor resistor so I replace that as well but it seems my problem lies elsewhere. If you plan to keep the car long-term it is worth doing preventative maintenance. I do have several good spare parts and an empty wallet but that is better than ending up stranded somewhere with an even emptier Wallet.

 

Any one of the common problems can go Murphy on you at any time. If you are the average driver you scratch your head, call a tow truck and give him your address or your favorite garage.

*Incurring an hours diagnostics (way optimistic)
*an hours labor
*the invoice cost of part

Just this one breakdown has cost more than the 4 most problematic fixes plus a code reader.

Preventative maintenance is preventative spending.

 

Saving for later.

 

My motto is why fix something like the CPS when it is still working, it has no moving parts to fail and you may replace it with a part that fails next month.
Do the sticky key fix if it has not all ready been done.
Check out the RCM for poor solder joints and burnt contacts.
Carry spare crank shaft and cam shaft sensors and a spare RCM in the trunk and tools to change the CPS’s.
With no spare tire it is wise to carry a puncture repair kit, do not use the tire foam.