What are the symptoms of a faulty crankshaft sensor?
2 Answers
The symptoms of a faulty crankshaft sensor are: inability to determine the crankshaft's rotation angle, the engine control unit not receiving signals from the crankshaft position sensor, and as a protective measure, the engine will not ignite or inject fuel. The car will exhibit signs such as no high-voltage electricity, no fuel injection, and failure to start. A clear indicator is the illumination of the engine warning light on the dashboard. For engines with a distributor, the crankshaft sensor is typically installed inside the distributor. For engines without a distributor, the crankshaft sensor is usually mounted on the transmission clutch housing, located at the rear left side of the engine block. The crankshaft position sensor is a crucial component of the engine assembly. During routine vehicle maintenance and repairs, it is essential not to overlook the inspection of the crankshaft position sensor to prevent unexpected failures.
When the crankshaft sensor fails, it can cause a series of issues that make the car operate abnormally. If I encountered this situation, I might find that the engine is difficult to start or won't start at all. This is because the crankshaft sensor is responsible for monitoring the speed and position of the crankshaft, and if it fails, the electronic control unit cannot ignite the engine properly. While driving, the car may shake as if it's about to stall, the tachometer might jump erratically, or there could be a noticeable loss of power. I've seen similar issues before—the engine warning light on the dashboard comes on, and sometimes the car suddenly loses power during acceleration, making it unsafe to drive. In severe cases, the car might stall while driving, increasing the risk of an accident. It's recommended to check it as soon as possible, use a diagnostic tool to read the fault codes, and replacing the sensor usually solves the problem. Delaying repairs could damage other components like spark plugs or the fuel pump. Regular maintenance and paying attention to early warning signs can prevent major issues.
