How to Replace the Crankshaft Sensor – (Detect & Replace)

Hello, people! This guide is all about fun. You’ll learn how to replace the crankshaft sensor today. We all know what the crankshaft is! It is a rotating machine element and is instructed by a crank mechanism. The crankshaft consists of some cranks, crankpins, and sensors. Our article is all about the crankshaft’s angle sensor. This is the sensor that helps to detect the rotation of the crankshaft. The crankshaft angle sensor works only when the engine is on. Besides, the sensor maintains a PCM computer by which it triggers the fuel injection and ignition system. You get to see the crank sensor beside the block or below the block.

How To Replace The Crankshaft Sensor [Quick Way]

To replace the crankshaft sensor, you will need to locate the sensor, which is typically located near the crankshaft pulley or flywheel. You will then need to remove the old sensor and install the new one, making sure to properly secure it in place. If you are not familiar with this repair, it is recommended to have a mechanic perform the replacement.

How to detect if to replace the crankshaft sensor?

You can call it a crankshaft sensor or crank sensor! Whatever, the sensor has its hall effect for different purposes. Maximum enthusiasts are not concerned about the crankshaft sensor until the engine cracks! We check the sensor only when our engine doesn’t get started, or it starts running poorly, right? Once you have taken your car to the auto repair shop, the mechanic tells you that you need a new one. It would be a great invention if the car owners made a signal that tells you about a repair or replacement shortly. It would be fine, yeah? How to detect if to replace the crankshaft sensor

Even though it is tough to understand replacing the crankshaft sensor until the engine dies, we have planned to tell you a little bit about detecting crankshaft sensor replacement.  

The crankshaft sensor is mounted near the crankshaft. I have mentioned in the introduction to a PCM computer. The computer notices an engine on how fast it runs and commands the control unit to ignite the air-fuel mixture. In some engines, the computer command to inject fuel. All engines with their distributor fewer ignition systems have the crankshaft position sensor. 

Once the crack sensor is disturbed, they won’t set the ignition timing, cause engine problems, and stop the car running. Engine stalling is one of the main symptoms of a disturbed sensor. You’ll see the check-engine light triggered through the engine stalling process. A crack sensor leads the engine with difficulty, and your vehicle’s acceleration is affected through this. Plus, excessive heat is a frequent reason to identify the crack sensor fail. You should not indulge these symptoms as the symptoms happen for the faulty electrical wiring and connections. 

Indeed, a lousy sensor does not trigger the check-engine-light. Be mindful of checking the sensors with a diagnostic scanner or multimeter and be sure about replacing them. A professional mechanic does the same before replacing the crankshaft sensor. Get it done on your own!

How much does it cost to replace the crankshaft sensor?

Will you take your car into a garage and get your crankshaft position sensor replaced shortly? Well, you have to go through a cost! Don’t consider replacing the sensor without a penny until you’re a mechanic. The cost of replacing a crankshaft sensor depends on the make, model, and sensor location. As we have said earlier in this guide about the sensor’s structure, they can be out in the open or buried under the starter. The crankshaft sensors have a price between $10.00 – $50.00. Click here to check the prominent ignition system on Amazon. The labor cost of replacing the crankshaft sensor is between $100.00 and $200.00.

How to replace the crankshaft sensor? [Step by Step Guide]

Now, let’s get started to replace the crankshaft sensor. Firstly, it is essential to locate the sensor of the engine. You get the sensor at the lower level. Be careful of replacing the new sensor with the existing sensor. You may need jacking up the car and wear protective gloves and goggles to do this! We nail the process of crankshaft sensor replacement in 8 amazing ways. Get a look below:

  • At the first aim, you have to disconnect the battery. We recommend disconnecting the battery source when working with the electrical components of the engine. If not disconnected from the battery, you may face a bad short circuit to the car’s engine. It may shock your body anyway. Besides the battery system, be mindful of removing the disarm plug from the primary battery source. Check the owner’s manual to identify the electrical source.
  • The crankshaft sensor is usually located behind the starter motor. You can remove the starter motor and get access to the crank sensor. It is smart to use a flashlight to do your job more authentically. Who wants to work under the car in the dark? Make clear access to the crank sensor. Have you seen the sensor location? My experience says that the sensor is a little tough to identify. It is hidden behind the cooling lines but on the side of the block. The electrical connector makes the job more attached! However, you can find it! The crankshaft angle remains oily. You can mark it by appearance.
  • After locating the crank sensor successfully, your job is to clean the sensor with a small amount of carburetor cleaner. Then, you get to start on the job. An electrical connector holds the sensor. The connector looks like a plastic clip. You can push it down and release the sensor from the connector. I have experienced the connector little harsh by the plastic clip due to the weather pack seal. Don’t worry! You may get it easy to release from the sensor. The main reason for a stuck connector is having water in it and gradually affected by the corrosion so that it becomes tough to separate the sensor terminals. If you feel any rust in the connector system, you’re recommended to change it! It can be a big problem to cause your engine crank.
  • The next step is to remove the sensor mounting bolt. Maximum crankshaft sensors are engineered with one mount bolt of almost 10mm. You can use a small wrench to open up the bolt. It will do your work more efficiently.
  • What’s next after removing the sensor mount bolt? Now, you have to approach removing the crank sensor. It is a little bit difficult, although they’ll be removed through a standard screwdriver! Take a standard pick or screwdriver and wedge the sensor mounting to make it lose. Do it sensibly because of the sensor’s structure. The sensors have a sensitive part inside the block. Whatever does the sensor looks quite loose? Take it out. 
  • You will see an ‘O’ ring on the sensor. It is fair to replace the new sensor with the O ring. Maximum new sensors come with an ‘O’ ring shape. Anyway, have the new Crankshaft sensor matched the structure? Wipe off the mounting tabs if any oil is seen through the old sensor. You’re recommended to purchase the right sized angle sensor from reliable manufacturers.
  • In the last process, we should install the new crank position sensor. Let’s know how to do it! Take a towel and wash the entire position sensor port. You have to seal the new sensor O ring then. It is unfortunate to get some motor oil inside the port. Do not spray carburetor cleaner inside the port. Instead of that, please clean the port with a shop towel. It will aid the cleaning process thoroughly. 
  • Now, ensure the new crank sensor into the sensor port! You’ve to push the sensor into place and align the mounting plate in the block. Then, insert the mounting bolt on the block and screw the bolt clockwise around the thread. It will be better lubricating the O ring seal. You can use WD-40 for the process. If not lubricated, you have a high chance of damaging the seal and causing an oil leak. Using an electrical connector, you can ensure a successful installation. You are all finished! Remove the jack stands off and reconnect the battery by its negative cable. Happy replacing!

Conclusion

In this guide, we have tried showing you’re replacing the crankshaft position sensor. You must have got an entire solution to the question ‘how to replace crankshaft sensor?’ Do you know the reasons that cause your car to more engine cranks? Once in a lifetime, if your car’s engine starts failing, you should diagnose the crankshaft sensor hurriedly. A mechanic will do it for you. If you behave like a mechanic and get rid of a pretty expensive program, you should follow the steps our experts have written for you above! Hopefully, it helps you with a quality replacement that you can do yourself! Best of luck! 

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