What Are the Symptoms of a Faulty Vehicle RPM Sensor?
2 Answers
Engine speed sensor failure manifests the following symptoms: 1. Unstable engine idle; 2. Momentary stalling or engine shutdown during vehicle startup or deceleration to stop; 3. Reduced engine acceleration performance; 4. Deviation in speed display on the instrument panel; 5. Illumination of the engine warning light. The RPM sensor is typically mounted on the distributor or engine, detecting the crankshaft's rotational angle. Malfunction disrupts the ignition system operation, rendering the engine inoperative. As most RPM sensors are magnetic pulse-type generating weak electrical signals, diagnosis can be performed using a multimeter or oscilloscope.
Last time my car's speed sensor broke down, it was a terrible experience. Symptoms included difficulty starting the engine, having to try multiple times to ignite it each time, and sometimes it just wouldn't start at all. While driving, the tachometer needle wouldn't move or would jump erratically, making it impossible to see the current RPM. The car would also stall inexplicably, especially when accelerating, feeling underpowered and sluggish. Fuel consumption was noticeably higher than usual, and the engine warning light on the dashboard stayed constantly lit, requiring manual checks to ease the anxiety. When this sensor fails, the entire engine system is affected, and if not repaired promptly, it could damage other components and increase repair costs. After discovering the issue, I immediately went to a professional shop to replace it. Now during regular maintenance, I pay extra attention to the sensor's condition to avoid breakdowns on the road.
