Why does the crankshaft position sensor fail?
2 Answers
Causes of crankshaft position sensor failure: 1. Electromagnetic induction - The fault of the electromagnetic induction crankshaft position sensor results in the engine failing to start. When checking the engine condition, it is found that delayed ignition is the actual cause of the engine's failure to start; 2. Hall effect type crankshaft position sensor - This sensor is responsible for sequential fuel injection, ignition timing, and knock control in the engine. When it fails, the transmitted signal falls outside the normal range; 3. Photoelectric crankshaft sensor - The fault manifests as poor engine acceleration, stalling during startup, and sometimes high-voltage sparks. The reason is poor performance of the ignition system, leading to weak high-voltage sparks.
I've driven quite a few cars before and encountered situations where the crankshaft position sensor failed, causing the car not to start. There are several common reasons for its failure: first, natural aging, just like any electronic component degrading over time; second, excessive vibration and impact causing the sensor to become loose and damaging internal components; third, excessive engine compartment temperature or oil seepage leading to water ingress and short circuits due to poor sensor sealing; fourth, electrical issues like poor connector contact or wiring damaged by rodents. That time my car was parked in a damp underground garage, and the sensor failed after getting wet, requiring some effort to repair. Regular maintenance like avoiding aggressive driving and cleaning the engine compartment can extend its lifespan, but once it fails, it's best to have it checked at a professional shop.
