What is the Role of Crankshaft Sensor in a Car?
The crankshaft position sensor is a multifunctional sensor using which we set the ignition timing, detect engine RPM, and calibrate the position of the engine crankshaft in a precise manner. There is no need to calibrate the distributor timing manually as the crankcase sensor exceptionally handles this job.
What is the Exact Location of the Crankshaft Position Sensor?
The exact location of the crankshaft sensor depends on the model you own. It is obvious that it would be present near the crankshaft generally found at the underside of the engine. You would also find it mounted to the timing cover, or in some cases, it is present at the rear side of the engine.
What are the Signs of a Bad Crankshaft Sensor?
Due to two possible reasons, the crankshaft position sensor replacement issues are the only way to resolve them. Let’s look at these issues in detail:
Overheating Engine: The engine’s excessive heat builds up, ultimately leading to crankshaft sensor damage, and the plastic covering starts melting.
Circuitry Issues: Damaged or worn-out wiring can impede the signals moving to and fro from the sensor, resulting in crankshaft issues.
Driving with a problematic sensor poses a threat to an individual’s life. It might get you into expensive repairs and halt the working of the car completely. If you notice any of the following symptoms in your crankshaft position sensor, take your car to the mechanic and get the issues resolved from him:
Issues Starting the Car
Starting the vehicle is a hassle, especially in the case of a bad crankshaft sensor. The crankshaft position sensor handles both the position and the speed of the crankshaft. Issues in the sensor lead to making the car start intermittently or is unable to start at all.
Intermittent Stalling
Intermittent stalling is another issue that takes place due to a bad crankshaft sensor. Problem with the sensor or the wiring makes the crankshaft signal cut off, ultimately resulting in engine stalling. This situation takes place due to wiring issues and needs a crankshaft position sensor replacement.
Illuminating Check Engine Light
An illuminating check engine light clearly indicates that there are issues with the crankshaft sensor. The car’s computer helps us detect the sensor problems, and the trouble codes present on the computer must be checked thoroughly.
Unevenly Accelerated Car
Inaccurate input generated by the sensor affects the engine control unit adjustments related to spark timings and fuel injector as the speed of the engine surges. As a result, slow or uneven acceleration takes place due to lack of accuracy, and maintaining a constant speed is a hassle for many.
Vibrating or Misfiring Engine
Have you felt or heard the car’s engine stuttering it is possibly due to misfiring engines from a bad crankshaft sensor position. With a bad sensor, it is impossible to find the exact position of the piston in the cylinder resulting in an engine misfire. These issues also take place due to inaccurate spark plug timings, and in case of the spark plug checks out completely, it is possibly due to the crankshaft sensor.
Decreased Gas Mileage
Not obtaining accurate information from the crankshaft position sensor reduces the fuel pump’s gas pumping ability into the engine. The engine starts using more fuel, thereby resulting in reduced fuel economy. The insufficient fuel economy occurs due to other problems, but if it is due to the sensor, take the car to the mechanic and get the crankshaft position sensor replaced.
Determine the underlying cause as an automotive technician can find the root cause for you. If the condition worsens, get a new one, find the crankshaft sensor position, and replace it as soon as possible.
What Does Error P0335 Mean?
The PO235 error simply indicates issues with the crankshaft sensor.
How Much Does a Crankshaft Position Sensor Cost?
The average cost of a crankshaft position sensor lies between $195 to $221.Labor charges are levied separately and lie between $99 to $125, while the part cost is about $96.Apart from this, additional parts might need repair and will be charged separately. Save money on expensive repairs by purchasing the sensor from the renowned car part store ‘The Auto Parts Shop‘ that brings excellent quality products at nominal prices.
The Bottom Line
Perform the crankshaft sensor replacement as not doing so would lead to expensive repairs that would burn a hole in your pocket. Instead, purchase your own sensor and fix it on your own with the DIY videos. However, if you don’t want to take any risks with your car, let the mechanic do the job for you.