High Altitude Crank Sensor

[nitroxsteve]

I think I have read somewere they make a high altitude crank sensor for RENIX 4.0's at what altitude are these needed and how are they at sea level? I have found that at 3,000-3,500 feet it cranks alot longer than at lower elevations.

 

Thanks,

[jimoshel]

They're recommended for use at and above 5,000ft. Their main purpose is to advance the spark a couple degrees. Not recommended for lower altitudes altho I don't think it would hurt, or help anything.

[airspeed]

I did a search and found the thread.

 

http://comancheclub.com/topic/31256-renix-cps-alert/page__hl__high+altitude+cps

[cruiser54]

Yeah, that was my thread. Doesn't affect long crank times. OP, check your CPS outut using this:

 

Renix CPS Testing and Adjusting

 

Renix CPSs have to put out a strong enough signal to the ECU so that it will provide spark.

Most tests for the CPS suggest checking it for an ohms value. This is unreliable and can cause some wasted time and aggravation in your diagnosis of a no-start issue as the CPS will test good when in fact it is bad.

The problem with the ohms test is you can have the correct amount of resistance through the CPS but it isn’t generating enough voltage to trigger the ECU to provide spark.

Unplug the harness connector from the CPS. Using your voltmeter set on AC volts and probing both wires in the connector going to the CPS, crank the engine over. It won’t start with the CPS disconnected.

You should get a reading of .5 AC volts.

If you are down in the .35 AC volts range or lower on your meter reading, you can have intermittent crank/no-start conditions from your Renix Jeep. Some NEW CPSs (from the big box parts stores) have registered only .2 AC volts while reading the proper resistance!! That’s a definite no-start condition. Best to buy your CPS from Napa or the dealer.

Sometimes on a manual transmission equipped Renix Jeep there is an accumulation of debris on the tip of the CPS. It’s worn off clutch material and since the CPS is a magnet, the metal sticks to the tip of the CPS causing a reduced voltage signal. You MAY get by with cleaning the tip of the CPS off.

A little trick for increasing the output of your CPS is to drill out the upper mounting hole, or slot it so the CPS bracket rests on the bell housing when pushed down. Then, when mounting it, hold the CPS down as close to the flywheel as you can while tightening the bolts.

 

Revised 07-30-2012

[Eagle]

It's no longer available, for what it's worth. But they do help at sea level, if you don't drive hard. The Renix system allows lots of timing advance, and then retards it when the knock sensor senses ... knock. The high altitude CPS allows even more advance, which helps gas mileage at highway cruise if you're on moderately level terrain and not hauling a heavy load. The knock sensor takes care of any detonation issues under load, so it's totally transparent to the driver.