Crankshaft sensor
Most modern car engines use a crankshaft sensor to monitor the engines crankshaft rotation. This sensor sends feedback information to the cars computer which then adjusts the ignition and fuel injector timing as engine demands change. When one of these sensors fails it can cause engine misfires, stalling while driving and stalling at idle.
- Idling engine it will just stall.
- Sensor will only working when the engine is cold and stop when the engine heats up.
- Issues starting the vehicle – the vehicle may have intermittent starting issues or may not start at all.
- your vehicle seems to run fine then the engine randomly cuts off
- You will hear a clicking noise as the belt rotates. This will wear down the crank sensor or break it completely.
- Crankwalk – Crankwalk is a term used to describe the problem of an engine’s crankshaft as it begins to slide around toward the belt side of the engine.
- Excessive heat – Excessive heat can cause numerous problems in an engine. If your engine is producing excessive heat from poor lubrication, ventilation or radiator problems, then the heat built up in the engine can reach a higher-than-normal temperature and cause the plastic casing of the crank sensor to melt or crack. If this happens the car will not start because the sensor cannot relay crankshaft information back to the computer.
- The wiring harness – This can be the result of improper voltage, ground or return circuit problems. Loose wiring, oil and debris can wear down the wiring harness, causing a disruption of voltage or wear and tear on the wiring itself. This can cause the sensor to fail repeatedly. You vehicle may crank but not stay started if this is the problem.
- Timing Belt Damage – If your timing belt was damaged in a collision or it snapped because of regular wear and tear, the belt can get wrapped around the crankshaft and damage numerous small parts and sensors.
- Testing this sensor’s intermittent failure can be difficult due to its ability to start working again. Though you can test the sensors resistance using a voltmeter the true way to test the sensor is to use an oscilloscope when the sensor is hot this is the only true way to test if the crankshaft sensor needs replacement.