2003 Montero Sport Crank Posistion Sensor Access
 

I recently purchased a 2003 RWD Montero Sport S with a 3.0 and RWD. My starter failed but I stupidly blamed the battery and replaced it. My stupity continued as I installed the battery backwards and fried some things. I corrected the battery and replaced the starter, but the car would crank but not start. an OBD scan gave no data so I assumed a failed ECM. I replaced the ECM with a matching immobilizer and key switch housing. A scan was inconclusive but a chat with an AI app said most likely culprit is the Crank angle position sensor. I have a new one and dove into project removing everything in my path to the sensor. I have completed almost removals but the crankshaft pulley is still in my way. I bought a specialty tool from an eBay vendor to hold the pulley so I can remove the bolt. The tool doesnt fit my pulley as it was supposed to. To further complicate things the crankshaft pulley bolt seems loose as it will move a quarter turn in either direction and it appears not to be correct as it is a simple hex head and it is not seated against the pulley face but rather is sticking out even withe the pulley edge. I have plenty of remorse for my errors and have admitted to my stupid mistakes. That said how should I proceed from here? How did you do it? Can I replace the sensor without removing the pulley? Is my crank bolt incorrect? Thanks in advance.

I believe you can get the sendor replaced without removing the tomibg timing sprocket but you still need to remove the harmonic balancer to get to it.
Since your bolt is moving around you should get it out and reace it with a new one.