What happens if your crankshaft position sensor goes bad

By Tsukasa Azuma

Last updated Jan 06, 2021

0 comments

All the modern vehicles have the crankshaft position sensor. It is a component for monitoring the crankshaft’s rotational speed and position. It also sends a report to the engine control unit so that the latter can make the right adjustments should anything is malfunctioning. There are several failure crankshaft position sensor symptoms that you should pay attention to. Many engine models stop functioning if this component fails to send accurate signals.

The Most Common Failure Crankshaft Position Sensor Symptoms

The speed and position of the crankshaft are two key parameters that the car’s computer uses for engine management calculations. So, you may understand how important it is for the sensor to work without any glitch. Let’s learn about some crankshaft position sensor failure symptoms so that you can take action when there’s a problem.

1. Check Engine Light Is On

It can come on for various reasons and sensor problem is one of crankshaft position sensor symptoms. Sometimes, it stops working due to overheating and causes the check engine light to turn on. In that case, cooling down the engine for some time will cool off the sensor too and turn the light off. Otherwise, you will need a mechanic to check the car’s computer to determine the source of the trouble.

>> Buy a high-quality used car at best deal from Japanese authorized dealers here <<

2. Vibrations in the Engine

A failed sensor means no monitoring for the crankshaft position. It causes the engine to start vibrating heavily. Ultimately, the juddering can affect the engine power and mess with the recording of mileage.

3. Slow Response from the Accelerator

If the sensor is facing any trouble, it won’t send correct information about the position of the cylinders. It means there will be a gap between the computer receiving data and applying it. For this reason, the accelerator hesitates and does not give a real-time response.

     SEE MORE:

• Easy Ways to Reset the Check Engine Light
• 5 Warning Signs for Car Hard Starting Problems

4. Erratic Starting

It’s one of the most serious crankshaft position sensor symptoms. The computer receives a malfunction code when the sensor is completely gone. The symptom starts with difficulty in starting and leaves the car dead one day if you don’t get it fixed. The starting problem could be the result of electrical connection or circuit problems too.

5. Misfiring of the Cylinder

It’s a common response when your car experiences some crankshaft position sensor symptoms. Failing sensor cannot provide correct information about the piston position, causing one of the cylinders to misfire. An issue with the spark plug will also draw the same response. However, if the problem persists after handling all the other issues, the sensor is likely to be the culprit.

6. Stalling and Backfiring

It’s another issue that indicates a malfunction of the sensor, and one of the crankshaft position sensor symptoms. In this case, your car will still run but the engine will turn off after some time. The misfiring will also occur the same way. If you keep ignoring the signs, the engine will shut off permanently.

How to test Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensors? Check out the video below:

If you have any question about Crankshaft Position Sensor, don’t hesitate to give us a comment in the box below, our auto experts will answer it for you. 

How do I know if my crankshaft position sensor is bad?

What happens if you drive with a bad crankshaft position sensor?