Crankshaft sensor
The crankshaft sensor or crankshaft position sensor, determines the position or the revolutions per minute (RPM) ? also known as the
rotational speed, of the crankshaft. A crankshaft sensor is located close to
the
flywheel in the bottom block of your car's engine. The
sensor consists of a coil and a magnet. Because of metal moves by the sensor, the
magnetic field in the coil changes. This creates an alternate current. The
control unit monitors and processes the data by the number of changes. This
information is then sent using an electrical signal to the engine control unit
(
ECU ), part of the engine management system of your car. The ECU uses this
information to control the
fuel injection and other engine parameters
Bad
crankshaft sensor symptoms
A poorly functioning or bad crankshaft sensor is,
generally speaking, easily recognisable and an easy subject for proper
analysis. On occasion it can be difficult, however, to determine whether the
problem is at the sensor from
camshaft or crankshaft. Both can be recognised by
vibrations in the engine. A vibrating engine indicates that the signals from
the sensor is not passing through sufficiently. If the crankshaft position
sensor is failing, you can recognize this by a number of symptoms. These
crankshaft sensor symptoms can be:
Engine light is on; Vibrations in the engine; Slow response from the
accelerator;
Erratic starting problems; Misfiring of the cylinder; Intermittent stalling; Backfiring; Uneven acceleration; Rough idling; Reduced mileage.
A failing engine because of a faulty crankshaft sensor
most often occurs when the engine is hot. If the engine is warmed up and fails,
chances are that if you try to start it, it will not immediately fire up again.
Often the engine will start running again when the engine has cooled down.
Problems with crankshaft sensor
There are various causes of why the crankshaft sensor is
failing. The most common cause is that the crankshaft position sensor is
damaged. Overheating from the engine may cause the plastic covering melts
away. Due to the damage, the crankshaft position sensor will disconnect from
ECU. From the moment the crankshaft sensor does not transmit a signal, ignition
is not possible. The engine will automatically stop functioning. There may also
be a mechanical defect in the crankshaft position sensor, which is often caused
by circuitry problems. A faulty voltage or loose, worn-out, or damaged wiring can
disrupt the signals sent to and from the crankshaft sensor, causing it to have
issues. For example, there may be a short circuit internally or a wire break
may have occurred. Contamination from metal chips can also lead to a bad
crankshaft sensor. If the crankshaft sensor fails, you need to have it
replaced.
Replacing
a crankshaft sensor
Unfortunately, you cannot repair a failing crankshaft
sensor. It is necessary to buy a new one and replace it. Luckily, however,
replacing a crankshaft sensor is easy which anyone can do themselves. Often the
sensor is easily reachable and assembled with just a bolt and a connection
plug. In some cases, though it can be a bit more difficult when for example the
crankshaft position sensor is hard to reach or the bolt won?t come off. In this
case, it is best to use some penetrating oil.
Buying a new crankshaft sensor
Buying a crankshaft position
sensor is quick and easy at Winparts. Enter your number plate or select your
car make, model and type of engine and the right sensors for your car will be
displayed. At Winparts UK you can also find other
sensors for your car, such as coolant sensors , speed sensors , ABS sensors and oil level sensors .
