well caleb- this statement is both true and un-true.
while they are required to be operational for the motor to start- these sensors are not set paramiter sensors, they are variable- meaning that in thier rpm range, they change voltages, much like a proper working MAF.
a clean with just a rag, no solvents, would be worth a few mins
ok, i was just going off of my dad's car. he has a 95 eagle talon TSI. it had a bad knock sensor and it wouldnt even start. but i guess thats because it was completely bad, not just a dirty or bad connection. i was also told on the supra forum that the cam position sensor connectors are very finaky. i'm gonna check into those and the crank sensor wires and see if things need to be cleaned or have some bad wires.