What is the crankshaft position sensor?
The engine crankshaft is a key component in an internal combustion engine that converts the engine’s power from the engines pistons and connecting rods (conrods) to rotational energy. The crankshaft position sensor (or crank sensor / crank angle position sensor) is used in to monitor the rotational speed and position of the engine’s crankshaft.
The crankshaft position sensor constantly monitors the rotations of the crankshaft. It then sends this data to your car’s electronic control unit (or ECU). The engine ECU uses this information to make adjustments to your engine’s performance. This allows for optimum engine fuel economy, engine power, and exhaust emission conditions.
Causes of a faulty crankshaft position sensor / crank angle position sensor:
Common causes of a faulty crankshaft position sensor include:
- Damaged wiring to or from the crank angle position sensor.
- Internal problems in the crank shaft / angle position sensor causing inaccurate readings.
- Damage to the crankshaft itself, resulting in the crankshaft wheel hitting the crank shaft position / crank angle sensor.
Symptoms of a faulty crankshaft / crank angle position sensor:
Check engine light is on – If your car’s ECU detects irregular signals from the crankshaft / crank angle position sensor, the check engine light (CEL) will turn on. When the check engine light is turned on, a fault code will be saved to your diagnostic system, which can be read with a fault code reader or scan tool.
Engine light diagnostics in Hamilton >
Trouble starting your car – A faulty crankshaft position / crank angle position sensor can prevent the car from starting. This is because the crankshaft information detected by the sensor plays an important role in starting your car. When this is the case, your car may only sometimes turn on, or not turn on at all. Crankshaft / Crank angle position sensors can often fail when the engine is hot, and then when the engine cools down they can sometimes start working again.
Stalling engine – If you notice that your car is stalling for no apparent reason, it could be due to a faulty crankshaft positioning sensor. Issues with the crank angle sensor can prevent proper signals reaching the engine ECU, and therefore your engine in controlled incorrectly causing your car engine to stall.
Problems accelerating and increased fuel consumption – A faulty crankshaft position sensor can stop your car’s computer from being able to make the correct adjustments. This translates to reduced engine power and poor fuel economy.
More about diagnosing a faulty crankshaft positioning sensor >
New Crankshaft Position Sensor / Crank Angle Sensor & Repairs in Hamilton
Is your car’s crankshaft position sensor in need of diagnostics or replacement? If so, we can help!
At Grimmer Motors, our qualified and talented mechanics can examine, diagnose, repair and replace your crankshaft position sensor / crank angle position sensor. This will allow for improved engine performance, and better engine reliability. Our trusted mechanics use advanced diagnostic tools to determine whether the crankshaft sensor is the problem. This allows us to diagnose and repair the problem as quickly as possible.
For new crankshaft positioning sensors, diagnostics, repairs and replacements in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!