02 explorer crank sensor went bad replaced it but will not start. cleared code but never disconnected the battery. will that make a difference

yes, tacho also runs off that sensor.
I trust you disconnected the battery before you pulled the starter?
If not you may have fried a module or 2 and possibly even the computer.

Won,t hurt to try disconnecting the battery, but put a screw drive in a plug lead and see if it has spark when you hold it close to an earth while cranking.

If you have a OBD Code reader you can do a clear of the codes.
( if not then go to autozone and ask for them to clear-it's Free)
You may also just disconnect your battery for 5 mins and reconnect which may clear the codes.
Just clearing codes won't fix the problem if you really have a cam sensor gone bad,(this happens) this can make a car act bad.
Both the cam and Crank sensors report to the computer if they feel sick, then the computer stores the codes. IF the Cam Sensor needs replacing it's not so bad to replace BUT the Crank sensor is buried under the timing belt cover and that can take some doing, Either may be by a profession if you are not one. Parts could cost under $50 or so.Labor not bad for the cam BUT much more for The Crank sensor. It's always good to replace the Crank sensor if the timing belt Kit-and water pump is done.

Crankshaft position sensor maybe , throttle position sensor , coolant temp. sensor etc.... It could be a lot of thing's . Instead of buying this part an that part ,take it an have it diagnosed . To a good ASE certified repair shop . Unless you like buying unneeded parts .

Lets start at the beginning. You need to write down the actual trouble codes, then clear the codes, then see if they come back.
The codes that come back tell a mechanic what to check, not what to replace.
You may need to try a different shop to get the actual problem fixed.

Computers store codes, if a fault in a system is detected

You clear the codes after the repair is made,no resetting

All sensors have to remain connected & working as designed

First you check that the battery is good & has at least 12.6 volts
& holds that after cranking

Then you check for codes & go from there

Do you have fuel pressure at the engine?

Do you have spark while cranking?

The air ducting & MAF Sensor have to be in place?

bank 1 sensors you have 2 on exhaust bank 2 you have 2 sensors there are 4 02 sensors they range in cost of $75.00 each it will be much easier to replace one at a time. reset your computer each time by disconnecting the positive cable from your battery for 10 mins. each time. you can do this several times, or you can take it to mechanic that has code reader to tell you which is bad. $75.00 minumal cost. you can reset the computer in the truck by disconnecting the positive cable from the battery for 5 to 10 minutes,10 recommened. this will make the light go of, but if you have a bad 02 sensor it will come back on.your 02 sensors are in the exhaust system just behind the motor. hard to get to,need special tool to remove them,but you can purchase at autozone,or advance auto for $20.00 for the tool. the 02 sensors range in price $75.00 each to $85.00 and can go higher. you need to be sure which is bad. or be prepared to pay.hope this helps and thank you for choosingfixya.com. we are here 24/7 to assist thank you!

Hello dholland...The 2 most common stalling problems on this engine is a failing crankshaft position sensor, or a Powertrain Contol Module. Usually the stalling, and rough idle occur after engine warm up. You can inspect and clean the connector terminal to the crank sensor, sometimes this is the problem. Clear all fault codes. If codes return, then proceed with another scan and correction as needed. That would eliminate doubt.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove water pump pulley attaching bolts, then the serpentine belt and water pump pulley.
3. Disconnect sensor wiring connector and remove sensor retaining bolt.
4. Twist and pull sensor to remove.

Reverse procedure to install and prior to installing new sensor, lubricate sensor O-ring.

It is located under the water pump. Make sure when you remove the sensor that you rotate the crank shaft and look in the hole to make sure the pick up magnet is still in there. Sometimes they come loose and cause a no start or long crank. You will need to have the code cleared still.

The throttle body needs cleaning. It has some carbon build up, and when the battery went dead the computer lost its learned values, one of which is base throttle position. Now its reset back to factory specs, not accounting for a dirty throttle body. Seen it a million times