Crankshaft Position Sensor Malfunction Issue?
2 Answers
Below is an introduction regarding crankshaft position sensor malfunction issues: 1. Fault Principle: The Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) is a magnetic induction sensor. The target wheel on the crankshaft has 58 teeth slots, each spaced 6 degrees apart. The last tooth slot is wider, used to generate a synchronization pulse. When the crankshaft rotates, the teeth slots in the magneto-resistive rotor alter the sensor's magnetic field, generating induced voltage pulses to identify the crankshaft's rotational direction. 2. Symptom Manifestation: If the crankshaft position sensor is damaged, the engine control unit cannot receive the reference signal during startup, preventing the ignition coil from generating high voltage. If the engine is not started within 2 seconds of turning on the ignition switch, the engine control unit cuts off the control voltage to the fuel pump relay, stopping power supply to both the fuel pump and ignition coil, resulting in the vehicle's inability to start.
A faulty crankshaft position sensor can cause various strange issues with the vehicle. I've personally experienced this - the car would have difficulty starting or even fail to start, and it would suddenly stall while driving, especially noticeable when climbing hills or accelerating. The engine warning light on the dashboard is a common indicator, sometimes accompanied by engine shaking or unstable idling. This sensor actually monitors the crankshaft's speed and position, providing data to the control unit to regulate ignition and fuel injection. Once it malfunctions, the entire system gets disrupted. If you notice these symptoms in your car, it's best to get it checked at a repair shop as soon as possible. The diagnostic process isn't complicated - mechanics will use a scanner to read fault codes and a multimeter to measure the sensor's resistance. If confirmed faulty, simply replacing it will solve the problem. It's located at the front of the engine near the pulley, quite visible actually. Don't delay the repair, as it might lead to more severe engine damage, such as catalytic converter failure or other serious problems.