Where is the crankshaft position sensor located on the Mercedes-Benz 272 engine?
2 Answers
The crankshaft position sensor on the Mercedes-Benz 272 engine is located on the transmission clutch housing, at the rear left side of the engine block. Working principle of the crankshaft position sensor: It determines the position of the crankshaft, specifically the crankshaft's rotation angle. It typically works in conjunction with the camshaft position sensor to establish the basic ignition timing. The sensor detects engine speed, piston top dead center position, and crankshaft rotation angle - these parameters are crucial for calculating the air-fuel ratio of the mixture and regulating ignition timing. Functions of the crankshaft position sensor: Detects engine speed (hence also called the speed sensor); detects piston top dead center position (thus also known as the top dead center sensor), including detecting top dead center signals for each cylinder for ignition control and the first cylinder's top dead center signal for sequential fuel injection control.
My old Mercedes-Benz C-Class is equipped with the M272 engine. The crankshaft position sensor is located on the side of the flywheel at the rear of the engine, a bit hidden under the rear cover plate. You need to look from underneath the car or the side corner of the engine bay to see it clearly. I remember last winter when the car suddenly wouldn't start, and after taking it for repairs, the technician diagnosed it as a faulty sensor right away. After replacing it, the engine ran smoothly again. Placing it there ensures accurate signal reading because it directly monitors the crankshaft's speed and position, helping the ECU adjust the fuel injection timing. If it fails, the car might stall or jerk, which can be very dangerous. During routine maintenance, it's advisable to regularly check if the sensor connector is loose to reduce the failure rate. On M272 models, locating the flywheel end basically means you've found the right spot.
