{"id":8440,"date":"2020-09-15T01:22:27","date_gmt":"2020-09-15T08:22:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carupgrade.co\/?p=8440"},"modified":"2020-11-12T16:24:56","modified_gmt":"2020-11-13T00:24:56","slug":"bad-crankshaft-sensor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carupgrade.co\/blog\/bad-crankshaft-sensor\/","title":{"rendered":"Bad Crankshaft Sensor: Symptoms And How To Replace It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You will find a crankshaft position sensor in all modern-day vehicles. It is basically a component to monitor the rotational speed and position of the crankshaft. A report is sent to the engine control unit in the same way to make appropriate adjustments in case of malfunctioning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many symptoms of a crankshaft position sensor failure that a car owner would know and must watch out for. Many models of engine stop to function altogether if the component fails to send signals properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Crankshaft Sensor Failure Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Speed and position are the two key parameters of the crankshaft that a car\u2019s computer utilizes for calculations and engine management. This will help you understand the importance of a sensor to work properly without a glitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s have a look at some of the crankshaft position sensor failure symptoms so you can take action timely, in case you notice such symptoms in your vehicle (I hope you don\u2019t).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.      Engine Light On<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The engine light can turn on due to a number of reasons, one of which is the sensor problem. It is also a symptom of the crankshaft position sensor issue. It might stop working due to sometimes overheating which will make the engine light to turn on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this happens to you, try cooling down the engine for a while so the sensor is also cooled down and the light may go off. If this doesn\u2019t help, visit a mechanic to get an overall checkup of your car\u2019s computer to determine the source of the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.      Engine Vibrations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The main cause is usually engine vibrations. Failure of the sensor means the crankshaft position isn\u2019t being monitored, causing heavy vibrations in the engine. As a result, the juddering will affect engine power and mess up with the mileage recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.      Slow Response of Accelerator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, the accelerators might not deliver abrupt responses. If there is an issue with the sensor, the correct information won\u2019t be sent regarding the cylinders\u2019 position. The gap in receiving data and adapting changes makes the engine suffer. This is the reason why the accelerator fails to provide any real-time response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.      Erratic Starting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is among the most serious symptoms of the crankshaft position sensor. A malfunction code is received by the computer when the sensor is gone completely. It starts with difficulty in the beginning and leaving the car dead if it doesn\u2019t get fixed. The problem of starting can be a result of electrical connections or issues with the circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.      Cylinder Misfiring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is a common response to issues with the sensor. A failing sensor also fails to provide accurate information about the position of the piston, causing cylinder misfiring. Any issue with the spark plug also draws a similar response. Nevertheless, if the issue remains after handling all other issues, the culprit has to be the sensor only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.      Stalling and Backfiring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another issue that may indicate a problem with the sensor is this, wherein the engine may go off suddenly. The car will be running, but after some time, the engine will turn off on its own, with misfiring occurring in the same way. If these signs are constantly ignored, the engine will permanently shut off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Testing a Crankshaft Position Sensor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If any of these symptoms occur in your vehicle, it is time to check the sensor to see if it is the cause of the problem. There are a few steps you can take to test the sensor before calling experts to test the voltage output. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After having tested the voltage output, you can compare the measured values with the specifications in the manual. It is an easy way to find that the crankshaft sensor is not working properly. The connection of the voltmeter and the wires on the sensor connector can detect if the voltmeter is equipped with the right probes, which is a needle multimeter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a digital multimeter adjusted to millivolt range, start the engine and check the value according to the manufacturer\u2019s specifications. If the vehicle manual indicates the specified resistance value, you can check the sensor without cranking the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Replace a Crankshaft Sensor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are confident about your car fixing skills, then we would recommend you to try replacing the crankshaft sensor yourself. However, if you are unsure that you do not have the tools or enough space for repair, it is best to let an expert who knows the basic steps to take care of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n