97 Astro crankshaft position sensor

Yes they do.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Crankshaft+position+sensor+on+97+oldsmobile+silhouette

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Here's a link to what your crankshaft sensor looks like. Duralast Crankshaft Position Sensor SU4127 ReadReviews onDuralast SU4127 The Crankshaft Position Sensoris located: Under hood, center, upper engine area, mounted in front passenger side of engine block.Here's another link on replacing your sensor.
Repair Guides Electronic Engine Controls Crankshaft Position ckp Sensor...

Will it only crank with the starter shorted, and not with the key?

The sensor is located at the back of the engine in a protected area and out of reach.


For its location and sensor diagram,lick the link below:-----

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/11/1997-rover-200-crankshaft-sensor.html

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These will help.
Thanks.

www.repairsurge.com

P1345 is "Crankshaft position sensor / Camshaft position sensor correlation"

Code P1345 determines if the distributor is installed incorrectly, or if a mechanical malfunction is present in the engine. The light will trigger when the engine is running and the camshaft sensor reference pulse is not detected at a correct relative position with the crankshaft pulse. Most likely causes for this Chevy check engine light code include a faulty crankshaft position sensor, a wiring concern or an improperly installed distributor. A quick check on the crankshaft sensor is to monitor the RPM value with a scan tool while revving up the engine. If the reading is close to twice the expected RPM, then the sensor is likely faulty. There are other less likely concerns possible, such as base engine or computer related issues, but these involve more in depth testing. I hope this information is useful.

Your talking about an astro van right? If so the timing is not adjustable. It is set by the computer, using various sensors, like the crankshaft position sensor, the throttle position sensor and others.

The check engine light doesn't have to come on with a bad crank sensor ,your vehicle has two , one for lower rpm an one for higher speeds . A&B
The two crankshaft sensors are located on the front bank (BANK 2) of the engine block between cylinders 4 and 6. Crankshaft position A sensor is located in the upper crankcase and crankshaft position B sensor is located in the lower crankcase. Both sensors extend into the crankcase and are sealed to the engine block with O-rings. The crankshaft position sensors are not adjustable.

It could be the Crankshaft Position Sensor, if you want another guess.

crank shaft sen. is easy enough to change.its mounted near timing chain cover,cam sen.is somewhat harder,its in the distributor,id doubt that both are defect