It is difficult to perform this procedure with the engine in the car because of limited clearance and therefore if a lot of work is expected to be done on the sensor, then one may have to remove the engine altogether. On the cars of the 2008 and prior years, the process will start with disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery, loosening the lug nuts of the right front wheel, lifting the vehicle with jackstands, and then finally removing the wheel. Siphon out this engine oil, then remove the drivebelt and tensioner, and the valve covers, then remove the alternator and its mounting bracket, the crankshaft pulley, and the coolant expansion tank, and finally siphon out the cooling system. You will have to unplug the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors, remove the oil pan and if necessary the air conditioning compressor to gain clearance. Slowly unscrew and unbolt the timing cover quite carefully and while doing this ensure that you mark or note down the positions of the bolts. Take out and throw away the gaskets, check/scrub all the sealing surfaces and replace the crankshaft seal if there is need for it. Implement the RTV sealant and put a new front cover gasket, place the cover back and tighten the fasteners in the right manner and order. Fit the drivebelt, then the oil pan, the crankshaft pulley and reconnect the wiring harnesses. The process of removal is fairly similar for 2009 and later models; first, the negative battery terminal and wheel are taken off, the crankshaft pulley is also removed, followed by the alternator, the drivebelt tensioner, and sensors, the pan and front cover are removed as well. Remove and clean sealing surfaces to ensure a proper fit then reinstall the crankshaft and install a new seal to the block, put new gasket, and RTV and tighten in reverse order. Then, replenish the crankcase oil, power steering and cooling systems fluids, reconnect the battery and run the engine in an effort to inspect for leaks, reprogram the idle and fuel trim of the Powertrain Control Module to get the best operation from the car.
