Car crankshaft sensor

Pulse generator is used in various vehicles systems. A pulse generator or induction generator uses the electromagnetic induction. In 1831, famous experimental physicist Michael Faraday began his great series of experiments in which he discovered electromagnetic induction. This principle is also used, for example, in the car system to measure the speed or the position of the crankshaft. This principle also helps to determine the position of the throttle and steering angle.

The pulse generator is installed in close proximity to moving parts such as toothed-wheel. When the wheel is moving, the voltage is generated. This voltage changes when a gap rotates through the magnetic field. By characteristic gaps, the exact position can be determined. A pulse generator consists of a coil and an iron core or a permanent magnet. Due to wear or a material defect may result in harm. The affected system often falls out completely. But sometimes there is not a defect, but only a setting error. For example, if the inductive is too far away from the gear, extends the generated voltage is not sufficient.

The replacement of pulse generator is not difficult, because this component is inserted very simple. However, the diagnostic process is not easy. With an ohmmeter can be tested if one pulse generator works properly. A Hall effect sensor, which can also be used as a crankshaft sensor, can be damaged by an ohmmeter. If you want to order a toothed belt, central locking, a wiper arm, a dipstick, an oil pump, a gear, an ignition cable or other car part, you can find it in our parts catalog or use “search” function.

How to detect malfunction of the crankshaft position sensor

This component should be diagnosed if there are symptoms of the contactless ignition system malfunction.

The most thorough inspection of the device can be made with the use of an oscilloscope. This requires corresponding conditions. You can also use a voltmeter by connecting it to the contacts of the sensor. A properly functioning Crank position sensor will have the voltage of 0.4 V to 11 V. Another method is connecting a reference device.

The service life of the component depends on the operating condition. Manufacturers indicate that the sensor is able to respond 107–108 times. This number is quite enough for the entire service life of the vehicle, if no mechanical damage or extraneous electromagnetic radiation occurs.

You may notice that the Crankshaft position sensor needs diagnostics by the following symptoms:

• the engine starts with difficulty;
• the engine misfires and stalls at idle;
• the engine is jerky at high RPM;
• reduced engine power.

The reasons of Crank position sensor malfunction

One of the most frequent malfunctions of the component it is its mechanical damage, due to unqualified repair of the nearby components. Loss of function of the sensor is caused by incorrect connection or exposure to strong electromagnetic fields. Loss of integrity of the cable or its sheath may be caused by the cooling fan or hot intake pipes of the exhaust manifold. By the way, increasing the working temperature of the engine is also one of the reasons of the crankshaft position sensor malfunction.

If the fastener is loosened or broken during operation, the component may be displaced and subjected to mechanical damage.

Short circuits in the internal circuitry of the Crank sensor may arise due to stripping the sheath or broken connecting wires.

Replacing the Crankshaft position sensor

This component is not subject to repair since it contains semiconductor compounds that interact in the magnetic field.

The location of this sensor complicates its replacement. Start with removing the ignition distributor cap and turning the crankshaft. Make sure that the mark on the timing system matches the mark on the crankshaft.

Next, unscrew the nuts that attach the ignition distributor, and using a light hammer start knocking out the pin that retains the coupling. Then unscrew attachment of the coupling, and remove it. Carefully disconnect terminals of the device to avoid damaging them. The last step is extracting the sensor from its housing by unscrewing the attaching nuts.