Many types of sensors are installed in modern vehicles, which perform different types of work, so that the engine of the vehicle can provide better performance and the various functions related to it can perform better.
One of the most important sensors among all these vehicle sensors is discussed in this article today and is called the crankshaft position sensor. Through this post, you will get detailed information about the crankshaft position sensor.
The crankshaft position sensor is an important device in the internal combustion engine that monitors the position and speed of the crankshaft and sends a signal of the crankshaft position and speed to the ECU.
The ECU determines the proper fuel mixture and ignition timing for engine operation based on this signal. This sensor sends signals to the ECM to control fuel injection and ignition timing. The crankshaft position sensor is usually a small sensor. This sensor works on a magnetic wave to detect the position and speed of the crankshaft while the engine is running.
The CPS sends the sensor signal to the ECM, which uses it to determine when to inject fuel and when to fire the spark plug in order to successfully ignite the fuel mixture in the engine’s internal combustion chamber.
A crankshaft position sensor usually works on the basis of a magnetic field. This is a type of magnetic sensor. This sensor is mounted near the crankshaft of the engine and sends a signal to the vehicle’s ECM to monitor the position and speed of the crankshaft.
As the crankshaft of the engine rotates, it generates a magnetic field, and these magnetic waves are detected by the sensor. The CPS sensor then sends a signal of the crankshaft position and speed to the Engine Control Module.
The ECM controls fuel injection and spark plug timing based on this received information, ensuring the proper fuel mixture ratios and timing are in place to keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently. In fact, based on signals from monitoring crankshaft position and speed, the ECM adjusts the firing order of the fuel mixtures to ensure that they are firing at the correct times.
The location of the crankshaft position sensor usually depends on the model and size of the vehicle. But in all vehicles, the crankshaft position sensor is installed near the crankshaft.
The location of which may vary depending on the engine. As in many vehicles, the crankshaft position sensor is mounted above the timing cover and in some models of vehicles, the crankshaft position sensor is mounted on the rear or side of the engine.
In many vehicles, the crankshaft position sensor is mounted on the transmission bell cover. So that it detects the rotational speed of the engine through the flywheel of the clutch plate and provides a signal about the rotational speed of the engine to the ECM module unit.
There are three types of crankshaft sensors commonly used in vehicles, which are as follows:
1. Inductive
This type of crankshaft position sensor usually uses a magnet that is mounted on the engine block, near the flywheel of the clutch plate, or very close to the crank shaft. It sends a message to the ECU about the current state of engine rotation.
2. Hall Effect
This sensor also responds with a notch. This sensor makes digital signal instead of ac signal and it is turned on or off by the notch sensor. This sensor sends a communication signal between the engine and the ECU.
3. AC Output Sensor
The output of an AC output sensor is different from that of other sensors because it is an AC voltage signal. The exciter coil, which is placed near the rotating disc. receives a very high frequency between 150 and 2500 cycles per second from the onboard controller and a signal specifying the position of the first cylinder is sent to the onboard controller. Some Vauxhall ECOTEC engines use this type of sensor.
The most common symptoms of a bad crankshaft position sensor are a check engine light, engine starting issues, engine stalling, uneven acceleration, misfiring, rough idle, poor fuel mileage, or an unresponsive RPM gauge.
Let us take a detailed look at the saymptoms of a faulty crankshaft position sensor.
1. Check Engine Warning Light
Check Engine Light Comes On Most Common Symptom Of Bad Crankshaft Position Sensor. The crankshaft position sensor is an engine management tool. It monitors the position and rotational speed of the crankshaft and sends that information to the engine control unit so that the control unit can make appropriate adjustments based on operating conditions.
Crankshaft speed and position are some of the most important parameters used in engine management calculations, and many engines may not run if the crankshaft position sensor is not providing accurate signals on this engine and if any kind of fault occurs in the crank position sensor.
So first of all, the check engine light shows in the cluster meter of the vehicle as a warning, which gives the driver an indication of any defect in the vehicle. By scanning the vehicle with a digital scanner, the fault is detected correctly.
2. Engine Starting Problem
The vehicle crankshaft position sensor monitors the position and speed of the crankshaft and other parameters, which play an important role while starting the engine. if there is a problem with the crankshaft position sensor.
So the vehicle may have intermittent starting issues or it may not start at all. If your faulty crankshaft position sensor is extremely bad, Synchronization You may have trouble starting your vehicle. Also, you may have difficulty keeping it running.
3. Engine Intermittent Stalling
You must be driving with one day and suddenly your engine stops running suddenly. And even if the engine of the vehicle is started in some way, the engine will stop repeatedly while shaking.
And in many cases there may be a slight change in the starting soundof the engine by this problem. This could also be a sign of a wiring problem for the crankshaft position sensor. Also, the crankshaft position sensor of the vehicle’s engine can also fail if it is too bad.
4. Engine Uneven Acceleration Problem
Many times, when you step on the gas pedal to accelerate. So you may encounter uneven acceleration. Crankshaft position sensor sends to ECM module.
Accordingly, the vehicle’s ECM module sends the firing mixture to the engine, which is maintained with the proper timing. But if you have a bad crankshaft position sensor, there will be a delay in the time it takes for the engine control unit to receive this information.This means that every time you try to depress the gas pedal, incorrect input from the crankshaft position sensor will result in hesitation in acceleration rather than immediate response.
The Engine Control Unit cannot make adjustments to spark timing and fuel injection and the engine speed is increasing slowly or unevenly. Acceleration can result from a lack of accuracy, and this can make it difficult to maintain a steady pace.
5. Engine Misfiring Issue
This could be a sign of a misfiring cylinder in the engine from a bad crankshaft position sensor. A failed crankshaft position sensor can and will give incorrect information about crankshaft position and speed. Cylinder misfiring in the engine can also be caused by faulty spark plugs and incorrect timing adjustments. But if the spark plugs are fine, the crankshaft position sensor is likely the source of the misfire.
6. RPM Meter Not Working
If any error occurs in the crankshaft position sensor in the engine, there could be a wiring problem with the crankshaft position sensor. So your vehicle’s RPM meter will not wake up. Due to this, you will not be able to find out the RPM of the engine. because the engine’s RPM meter works directly with the crankshaft position sensor.
7. Fuel Injector Power Pulse Effected
Vehicle fuel injectors work on two principles: fuel pressure and power supply, through which the ECM model of the vehicle allows the injector to spray fuel according to the position of the piston in the cylinder.
The pulse power supply at the injector via the ECM is usually supplied at 1 to 2.8 volts. The power supply to the fuel injectors is received by the ECM with the help of the crankshaft position sensor. if the crankshaft position sensor is defective or a wiring supply has been cut. So the pulse power supply will not come to the injectors.
8. Engine Rough Idle
The engine vibrates when there is a crankshaft position sensor problem. This means, that the sensor is not monitoring the position of the crankshaft. which can cause vibration. which may affect the overall engine power.
The shaking may also interfere with engine tracking or mileage. Any normal vibration that occurs when idling should be inspected to see, if this problem is causing the crankshaft position sensor or for no other reason.
9. Poor Fuel Mileage
Low gas mileage is due to a lack of accurate timing information from the crankshaft position sensor, and the fuel injector will not pump gas into the engine efficiently. The engine will use more gas to drive short and longer distances than it needs. Due to this, your vehicle will provide low or poor mileage.
10. Poor Engine Performance
The purpose of the crankshaft position sensor is to measure the position of the crankshaft. This is a very important measurement. The crankshaft position sensor sends this measurement to the electronic control unit, which uses it to optimize your engine’s performance over time.
Now if there is a problem with the crankshaft position sensor. So it will give incorrect crankshaft position information to the vehicle’s ECM or no signal at all. This can cause the vehicle’s ECM to not send the proper amount of fuel mixture to the engine and cause the engine to misfire. Due to this problem, the engine starts losing power.
How To Detect Crankshaft Position Sensor Malfunction?
For this, first of all, if you find any of the symptoms mentioned above in your vehicle and the performance of your vehicle deteriorates, then you have to get the system of your vehicle scanned with the help of a digital scanner. After scanning the vehicle, you will get information about the crankshaft position sensor.
In which you will see the trouble code related to the crankshaft position sensor. You can tell if the crankshaft position sensor is faulty by looking at the trouble code. Replace the bad crankshaft position sensor with a new one.
Crankshaft Position Sensor OBD-II Trouble Codes
A worn or failing crankshaft can cause a variety of trouble codes to display on the digital scanner device. The meaning of these trouble codes for the crankshaft position sensor is as follows:
P0335 – Crankshaft Position Sensor No Signal
P0336 – Crankshaft Position Sensor Wrong Signal
P0337 – Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Low
P0338 – Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit High
P0339 – Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent
Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost
The replacement cost of the crankshaft position sensor can be anywhere from $130 to $300. Because CPS sensor costs can range from 85$ to 140$ and mechanic labor costs can range from $50 to $160. However, the cost to replace the crankshaft position sensor depends on the vehicle model, size and mechanic’s location.
FAQ’s
Q. Where is the crankshaft position sensor located?
The crankshaft sensor is mounted on the engine block of the vehicle. The crankshaft position sensor is located in line with the teeth of the crank fly wheel of the engine. The crankshaft position sensor can usually be located near the timing cover or oil chamber of the engine.
Q. What is the working function of crankshaft position sensor?
The purpose of the crankshaft position sensor is to sense the rotational speed of the engine crank and send a crank position signal to the ECU module of the engine. Accordingly, the ECU releases the timing of ignition and fuel injection according to the position of the pistons in the engine. so that the fuel combustion process can be completed properly in the combustion chamber of the engine.
Q. What is Mean “A” Circuit Malfunction (Bank1)?
This code indicates that the crank shaft position sensor of the vehicle’s ECU is not detecting the rotation speed of the engine crank, due to which the ECU of the engine is unable to do the ignition timing and fuel injection according to the timing of engine crank speed.
