Can You Still Drive with a Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor?
3 Answers
Crankshaft position sensor damage means the car cannot be driven anymore. When the crankshaft sensor is damaged, the rotation angle of the crankshaft cannot be determined, and the vehicle's computer does not receive signals from the crankshaft position sensor. To protect the engine, it stops fuel injection and ignition. Principle of the Crankshaft Position Sensor: The crankshaft position sensor is usually installed at the front end of the crankshaft (near the pulley), the rear end near the flywheel, or the middle of the crankshaft. In early models, it was also installed inside the distributor. It is one of the most important sensors in the control system. Function of the Crankshaft Position Sensor: Its functions include detecting engine speed, hence it is also called a speed sensor; detecting the top dead center position of the piston, thus also known as a top dead center sensor, including detecting the top dead center signals of each cylinder for ignition control and the top dead center signal of the first cylinder for sequential fuel injection control.
My friend's car once had a crankshaft position sensor failure. At first, the car could barely start, but then it suddenly stalled while driving, almost causing an accident on the highway. The crankshaft position sensor's role is to inform the engine control unit of the exact position of the crankshaft, controlling ignition and fuel injection. Once it fails, the engine loses this information, leading to incorrect ignition, and the car may run unsteadily or even completely break down. Driving under such conditions is not only dangerous but could also damage other components, such as spark plugs or the fuel system. My advice is not to risk driving, especially not on highways, and to find a reliable repair shop as soon as possible to inspect and replace the sensor, preventing minor issues from becoming major problems. Regular vehicle checks can help detect similar faults early.
As someone who has been driving for over a decade, I've encountered crankshaft position sensor failures a few times. The car might start briefly but will soon stall or fail to ignite. This component acts like the engine's eyes—without it, ignition timing can't be controlled accurately, leading to sudden power loss. Continuing to drive risks triggering chain reactions, such as engine shaking or internal damage, potentially doubling repair costs. In my case, I called a tow truck to the repair shop and spent some money replacing the sensor. Make it a habit to notice unusual sounds or starting difficulties during daily driving—early repairs save money and ensure safety. Never compromise safety by pushing through issues; always prioritize it.
