Any time I've had an issue with a crank sensor it set a code. The crank sensor should not have any effect on the check engine light, but it could trigger a fuel pump shutdown if there was no signal from it to the computer with in the time frame the computer requires seeing the motor is cranking.

Doesn't the engine harness plug into the body harness over on the trans dipstick side of the motor, in the back corner? Maybe a bad connector in that plug, or a broken wire there? Another area I would look at is the wiring at the bottom of the under hood fuse box, a bad connection at the auto shutdown relay would not set off a light or a code, it would just give you a crank and no start. With the miles and the fact it has lived in your area this long would make every wire connection, or any place the harness makes a sharp bend a possible problem area. Gene