What are the symptoms of a failing crankshaft position sensor

What are the symptoms of a failing crankshaft position sensor

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The crank position sensor, sometimes referred to as the crankshaft position sensor, is a small plug found on motor vehicles that monitors the speed at which the crankshaft is rotating. This information is relayed through the vehicle’s computer, which then uses it to calculate ignition timing. Crankshaft sensors may go bad because of faulty construction or high mileage on the vehicle.

No Ignition

If a crankshaft position sensor goes bad, no signal will be transmitted to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module, or the car’s computer), which will result in a failure to start. The crankshaft position sensor can be checked by a mechanic with a special tool that will test the sensor to see if it is responsible for the problem.

Stalling

If the crank position sensor is going bad but still functional at times, the vehicle may start normally but then fail to start on a different occasion. In some cases, the vehicle may start and run fine, but then shut down without warning while driving.

Engine Light

If the crankshaft position sensor is going bad, the “Check engine” light may come on. Depending on the vehicle, a faulty crank position sensor could also result in error codes near the tachometer when the key is turned to the “On” position three times.

References

Writer Bio

Based in New England, Quinn Marshall began her writing career in 2004. She was a featured writer for Laptop Logic and contributes to publications such as "Smashing Magazine."

By Tsukasa Azuma

Last updated Jan 06, 2021

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All the modern vehicles have the crankshaft position sensor. It is a component for monitoring the crankshaft’s rotational speed and position. It also sends a report to the engine control unit so that the latter can make the right adjustments should anything is malfunctioning. There are several failure crankshaft position sensor symptoms that you should pay attention to. Many engine models stop functioning if this component fails to send accurate signals.

The Most Common Failure Crankshaft Position Sensor Symptoms

The speed and position of the crankshaft are two key parameters that the car’s computer uses for engine management calculations. So, you may understand how important it is for the sensor to work without any glitch. Let’s learn about some crankshaft position sensor failure symptoms so that you can take action when there’s a problem.

1. Check Engine Light Is On

What are the symptoms of a failing crankshaft position sensor
Check engine light comes on if the sensor is overheated. (photo source: Auto Net TV)

It can come on for various reasons and sensor problem is one of crankshaft position sensor symptoms. Sometimes, it stops working due to overheating and causes the check engine light to turn on. In that case, cooling down the engine for some time will cool off the sensor too and turn the light off. Otherwise, you will need a mechanic to check the car’s computer to determine the source of the trouble.

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2. Vibrations in the Engine

What are the symptoms of a failing crankshaft position sensor
Vibration from engine is usually the cause (photo source: piqsels)

A failed sensor means no monitoring for the crankshaft position. It causes the engine to start vibrating heavily. Ultimately, the juddering can affect the engine power and mess with the recording of mileage.

3. Slow Response from the Accelerator

What are the symptoms of a failing crankshaft position sensor
The accelerators sometime cannot follow up (photo source: quebec95)

If the sensor is facing any trouble, it won’t send correct information about the position of the cylinders. It means there will be a gap between the computer receiving data and applying it. For this reason, the accelerator hesitates and does not give a real-time response.

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4. Erratic Starting

What are the symptoms of a failing crankshaft position sensor
One of the most serious crankshaft position sensor symptoms (photo source: Christopher Brummett)

It’s one of the most serious crankshaft position sensor symptoms. The computer receives a malfunction code when the sensor is completely gone. The symptom starts with difficulty in starting and leaves the car dead one day if you don’t get it fixed. The starting problem could be the result of electrical connection or circuit problems too.

5. Misfiring of the Cylinder

What are the symptoms of a failing crankshaft position sensor
Misfiring cylinder is a common response to sensor problems. (photo source: Escondido German and Tesla Auto/Youtube)

It’s a common response when your car experiences some crankshaft position sensor symptoms. Failing sensor cannot provide correct information about the piston position, causing one of the cylinders to misfire. An issue with the spark plug will also draw the same response. However, if the problem persists after handling all the other issues, the sensor is likely to be the culprit.

6. Stalling and Backfiring

It’s another issue that indicates a malfunction of the sensor, and one of the crankshaft position sensor symptoms. In this case, your car will still run but the engine will turn off after some time. The misfiring will also occur the same way. If you keep ignoring the signs, the engine will shut off permanently.

How to test Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensors? Check out the video below:

If you have any question about Crankshaft Position Sensor, don’t hesitate to give us a comment in the box below, our auto experts will answer it for you. 

How can you tell if a crank sensor is bad?

5 Signs of a Failing Crank Sensor.
Crank Sensor Problems Could Make it Hard to Start Car. One sign that your crankshaft sensor might be failing is if you find it hard to start your vehicle. ... .
Engine Vibration Issues. ... .
Fuel Economy Slippage. ... .
Uneven Acceleration. ... .
Check Engine Light On..

Can a car run without a crankshaft position sensor?

The crankshaft position sensor is the most important of all engine management sensors, and the engine will absolutely not run without it.

What is the most common problem with crankshaft sensor?

Misfiring of the Cylinder It's a common response when your car experiences some crankshaft position sensor symptoms. Failing sensor cannot provide correct information about the piston position, causing one of the cylinders to misfire.