Crank Position Sensor isn't coming out!

[anth929]

My crank position sensor on my 1999 996 Carrera started going back so I ordered a new one and went ahead to change it. It seemed like an easy enough DIY but once I got to removing the sensor it wouldn't budge. I've tried everything including pulling with all my strengths using pliers but it hasn't moved an inch. I'm out of ideas and since it seems from my quick research that I'm the only one to have this issue I'm a bit worried. Do you guys have any ideas on what I should try???

 

 

[Ahsai]

With the hold down bolt removed, can you rotate the sensor a bit? The sensor has a striaght shank so it should pull striaght out.

[JFP in PA]

We see this when the sensor has come into contact with the flywheel, buggering the head of the unit.  Your only choice may be to grasp it with pliers and twist back and forth until it pops free.  Normally, these things just pop right out as Duncan has noted.

[anth929]

I've tried twisting back and forth with pliers and even prying on the top piece where the bolt goes in with a screw driver but it won't rotate at all. Its properly seized in there! I've also tried spraying it down with liquid wrench hoping it would help loosen it up but that hasn't worked... 

[Ahsai]

Sounds like it's banged up pretty badly inside. If it is, I wonder if you have to remove the transmission to address the issues inside anyway.

[DBJoe996]

Get a bigger hammer!  What I mean is you may have to try to rotate it by banging on it with a hammer to unfreeze it.  It is plastic in a metal hole, so eventually it will move.