Common crankshaft position sensor symptoms

What is a Crankshaft Position Sensor?

A Crankshaft Position Sensor is a device in a car that monitors the position and speed of the crankshaft, and the part of the engine that turns the pistons. The sensor provides data to the engine control unit(ECU) to control the ignition timing, fuel injection, and other engine parameters. A malfunctioning crankshaft position sensor leads to various engine performance issues, and it also prevents the engine from running altogether.

This article will tell you about the common symptoms of crankshaft position sensors which help you to identify the problem before it turns into a more significant issue.

Most Common Crankshaft Position Sensor Symptoms.

1. Engine Misfires - A faulty crankshaft position can cause irregular fuel injection timing leading to engine misfires or rough idling.
2. Check Engine light - The most immediate sign is to check engine light up on the dashboard. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) will indicate a problem with the crankshaft position sensor.
3. Poor Fuel Economy - A bad crankshaft results in poor fuel combustion, it happens due to engine timing being off.
4. Engine Stalling - The engine may randomly stall especially when the vehicle is coming to a stop.
5. Vibration in the Engine - vibration caused in the engine due to poor condition of the crankshaft sensor or also causes the en -gine to run unevenly.
6. Poor Acceleration - A faulty sensor can disturb the engine’s performance which reduces the power and slows the acceleration.
7. Starting Issues - If the engine may struggle to start, or may not start at all. This is because the sensor is important for delivering the information needed during ignition.

What is RPM? Why does this matter?

RPM stands for revolution per minute and measures how fast the engine rotates.

Problems with the crankshaft position sensor are noticeable at specific RPM ranges. The 1500-2000 RPM range is important because many engines operate during normal driving conditions. It's often the transition range between idle and higher engine speeds, so any issues with sensor accuracy can be resolved during this time.

Causes of Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure.

There are many reasons behind the failure of the crankshaft position sensor :

Wear and Tear

The crankshaft sensor wears out over time, unlike any engine component they are not able to survive the harsh conditions inside the engine bay, such as exposure to heat and vibrations. Prolonged use will automatically degrade the sensor’s functionality, which causes inaccurate readings.

Wiring Issues

Damaged wiring is also an issue with the failure of the crankshaft position sensor. If the wires that were connecting the sensor to the ECU are shorted, it can lead to random issues with engine performance which were noticeable between 1500-2000 RPM.

Dirt and Debris

The sensors are exposed to various contaminants such as oil, grime, and debris over time. This can disrupt the ability of sensors to accurately read the position of the crankshaft, which results in the issues mentioned earlier.

Magnet Weakening

The Magnetic Field helps in detecting the rotation of the crankshaft, so the weakening of the magnetic field reduces the ability to detect the crankshaft’s position accurately.

Solutions to Crankshaft Position Sensor Problems

Sensor Replacement

For faulty sensor replacement is the best option as damage or wear in the sensors decreases the performance of the engine to the optimal level. So, to restore this replace it.

Check and Replace the Sensor

Inspecting the wires for any signs of corrosion, wear, or damage is a must at the time of faulty wiring, replacement, or repair.

Check and replace wiring

Inspecting the wires for any signs of corrosion, wear or damage is must for resolving the issues of replacing and repairing wires.

Clean the Sensor

In some cases, simple cleaning can resolve many issues, such as removing built-up debris or oil can allow the sensor to function correctly again.

Conclusion

The crankshaft position sensor is a critical component of your vehicle’s engine management system. The crankshaft position sensor helps to monitor the engine. Issues with this sensor, particularly noticeable between 1500-2000 RPM, can lead to poor performance, rough idling, and increased fuel consumption but by quickly responding, noticing, and understanding such symptoms and addressing them, you can prevent damage to your engine and can make your driving smooth.

If you suspect a malfunction in your crankshaft sensor then quickly contact the professional mechanic. Your expensive repairs can be cut down if you repair your vehicle timely for an efficient and smooth drive.