Symptoms of a Faulty or Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor
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Common symptoms of a bad crankshaft position sensor include trouble starting the vehicle, intermittent engine shutdowns, and the Check Engine light coming on.
The crankshaft position sensor is an engine management component that can be found on almost all modern vehicles with internal combustion engines. It monitors the position and speed of rotation of the crankshaft and sends information to the engine control unit so that it can make appropriate adjustments depending on operating conditions. RPM and crankshaft position are among the most important parameters used in engine control calculations, and many engines cannot run if the crankshaft position sensor does not provide an accurate signal.
Problems with the crankshaft position sensor can be related to several problems. 2 common reasons include:
Overheating of the engine. Excessive heat buildup in the engine can damage the crankshaft sensor due to melted plastic coating.
Schema problems. Faulty voltage or loose, worn, or damaged wiring can interfere with the signals sent to and from the crankshaft sensor, causing problems with it.
Driving with a faulty crankshaft position sensor can be difficult and potentially dangerous. This can result in permanent damage to the vehicle and costly repairs, or even cause the vehicle to stop working altogether. Typically, a problematic crankshaft position sensor causes any of the following 7 symptoms, which alert the driver to a potential problem that needs to be addressed.
1. Problems with starting the car
The most common symptom associated with a bad or defective crankshaft position sensor is difficult vehicle starting. The crankshaft position sensor monitors the position and speed of the crankshaft and other parameters that play an important role in starting the engine. If there is a problem with the crankshaft position sensor, the vehicle may have intermittent starting problems or not start at all.
2. Intermittent stop
Another symptom commonly associated with a problematic crankshaft position sensor is intermittent engine stalling. If the crankshaft position sensor or its wiring has any problems, it can cause the crankshaft signal to go off while the engine is running, which can cause the engine to stall. This is usually a sign of a wiring problem. However, a faulty crankshaft position sensor can also cause this symptom.
3. The Check Engine light comes on
Another issue related to the crankshaft position sensor is the Check Engine light being on. If the computer detects a problem with the crankshaft position sensor signal, it will activate the Check Engine light to alert the driver to the problem. The Check Engine light can also be caused by a number of other problems. It is highly recommended that you scan your computer for trouble codes.
4. Uneven acceleration
Due to inaccurate data from the crankshaft position sensor, the engine control unit cannot adjust the ignition timing and fuel injection as the engine speed increases. Slow or uneven acceleration can be the result of a lack of precision and make it difficult to maintain a constant speed.
5. Misfire or engine vibration
If you feel or hear a momentary braking in the engine, this may be a sign of misfiring in the cylinders due to a faulty crankshaft position sensor. A faulty crankshaft position sensor cannot provide correct information about the position of the piston in the engine, resulting in a misfire in the cylinder. This can also happen due to incorrect spark plug timing, but if the spark plug is checked, then the crankshaft sensor is probably the cause.
6. Rough idle and/or engine vibration
Another symptom of a crankshaft position sensor problem is rough idle. While idling at a red traffic light or at any other stop, you may notice a rattle or vibration from the engine. When this happens it means that the sensor is not tracking the position of the crankshaft resulting in vibrations affecting the overall power of the engine. Shaking can also interfere with engine mileage tracking. Any unusual vibrations should be checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
7. Reduced gas mileage
Without accurate timing information from the crankshaft position sensor, the fuel injectors will not efficiently pump gasoline into the engine. The engine will consume more gasoline than it needs on short and long trips, reducing overall fuel economy. Have a mechanic check the sensor as poor fuel economy can be caused by other problems as well.
The crankshaft position sensor is critical to proper engine operation and performance due to the vital signal it provides to engine calculations. Problems with the crankshaft sensor can quickly lead to problems affecting vehicle handling. For this reason, if you suspect that your crankshaft position sensor is having problems, have a professional check your vehicle immediately. They can diagnose your vehicle and replace the crankshaft position sensor if necessary.
