There are two types of sensor used:
2 pin socket (magnetic - sine wave
output). One pin is 'ground' the other
is 'signal'. A voltmeter set to 2 volts
AC should measure a signal in the 0.2 to 2 volts range on the 'signal' pin.
3
pin socket (Hall effect, magneto - square wave form output). One pin is 'reference' (5volts), one pin is
'ground' and the third pin is 'signal'.
A DC voltage should be detectable in the 0.5 to 1.5 volt range from the
'signal' pin.
It is important that the voltage
measurement take place at start up when the engine is cold and again, 20
minutes later, when the engine has fully warmed up to operating temperature.
Often the voltage output from faulty sensors declines with temperature rise.
How to fix? Check the wiring for continuity and
that the electrical connection is clean and secure. Remove the CKP and clean off any dirt build up
on the tip.
If you strongly suspect the sensor as being at fault it is a relatively inexpensive device to replace.
Where is it located? the
crank sensor is located on the 'back' of the engine on the edge of the flywheel
housing above the starter motor mounting.
A common symptom is Hesitant acceleration,
acceleration ceiling - Miss-timed ignition due to a faulty CKP signal can be exacerbated by
increased engine speed. The engine maybe run evenly at idle but will fail to
accelerate properly at higher revs until the engine reaches a power ceiling
How to check? Often the voltage output from faulty CKP sensors declines with temperature rise so a car that seems to be fine initially can become erratic after 20 minutes. If the CKP has died completely there will be very high resistance
between the device's electrical connections = open
circuit. Furthermore spark delivery to
the plugs will be absent. First check that the electrical connection is clean
and secure; dirt or corrosion can impair an otherwise healthy CKP signal from
getting through. If the CKP suffers from
a drop in voltage associated with heat increase this can only be detectable
with a voltmeter or oscilloscope with a graphical display; an analogue display
voltmeter might just be able to show needle fluctuations due to voltage
variation output.
2 pin socket (magnetic - sine wave
output). One pin is 'ground' the other
is 'signal'. A voltmeter set to 2 volts
AC should measure a signal in the 0.2 to 2 volts range on the 'signal' pin.
3
pin socket (Hall effect, magneto - square wave form output). One pin is 'reference' (5volts), one pin is
'ground' and the third pin is 'signal'.
A DC voltage should be detectable in the 0.5 to 1.5 volt range from the
'signal' pin.
It is important that the voltage
measurement take place at start up when the engine is cold and again, 20
minutes later, when the engine has fully warmed up to operating temperature.
How to fix? Check the wiring for continuity and
that the electrical connection is clean and secure. Remove the CKP and clean off any dirt build up
on the tip.
If you strongly
suspect the crank sensor as being at fault it is a relatively inexpensive device
to replace.
Symptoms of faulty crank position sensor
How to check? If the CKP has died completely there will be very high resistance
between the device's electrical connections associated with the open
circuit. Furthermore spark delivery to
the plugs will be absent. First check that the electrical connection is clean
and secure; dirt or corrosion can impair an otherwise healthy CKP signal from
getting through. If the CKP suffers from
a drop in voltage associated with heat increase this can only be detectable
with a voltmeter or oscilloscope with a graphical display; an analogue display
voltmeter might just be able to show needle fluctuations due to voltage
variation output.
2 pin socket (magnetic - sine wave
output). One pin is 'ground' the other
is 'signal'. A voltmeter set to 2 volts
AC should measure a signal in the 0.2 to 2 volts range on the 'signal' pin.
3
pin socket (Hall effect, magneto - square wave form output). One pin is 'reference' (5volts), one pin is
'ground' and the third pin is 'signal'.
A DC voltage should be detectable in the 0.5 to 1.5 volt range from the
'signal' pin.
It is important that the voltage measurement take place at start up when the engine is cold and again, 20 minutes later, when the engine has fully warmed up to operating temperature. Often the voltage output from faulty sensors declines with temperature rise.
2 pin socket (magnetic - sine wave
output). One pin is 'ground' the other
is 'signal'. A voltmeter set to 2 volts
AC (note well) should measure a signal in the 0.2 to 2 volts range on the 'signal' pin.
3
pin socket (Hall effect, magneto - square wave form output). One pin is 'reference' (5volts), one pin is
'ground' and the third pin is 'signal'.
A DC voltage (again note well) should be detectable in the 0.5 to 1.5 volt range from the
'signal' pin.
It is important that the voltage measurement take place at start up when the engine is cold and again, 20 minutes later, when the engine has fully warmed up to operating temperature. If there is a marked decline in voltage output between hot and cold, replace the CKP. If all looks well apply this diagnostic to the cam position sensor CMP (it works in exactly the same way)
If the CKP has died
completely there will be very high resistance between the device's electrical
connections associated with the open circuit.
Furthermore spark delivery to the plugs will be absent. First check that
the electrical connection is clean and secure; dirt or corrosion can impair an
otherwise healthy CKP signal from getting through. If the CKP suffers from a drop in voltage
associated with heat increase this can only be detectable with a voltmeter or
oscilloscope with a graphical display; an analogue display voltmeter might just
be able to show needle fluctuations due to voltage variation output.
Look at the electrical connector with the CKP:
2 pin socket (magnetic - sine wave
output). One pin is 'ground' the other
is 'signal'. A voltmeter set to 2 volts
AC should measure a signal in the 0.2 to 2 volts range on the 'signal' pin.
3
pin socket (Hall effect, magneto - square wave form output). One pin is 'reference' (5volts), one pin is
'ground' and the third pin is 'signal'.
A DC voltage should be detectable in the 0.5 to 1.5 volt range from the
'signal' pin.
It is important that the voltage
measurement take place at start up when the engine is cold and again, 20
minutes later, when the engine has fully warmed up to operating temperature.
Often the voltage output from faulty sensors declines with temperature rise.
How to fix? Check the wiring for continuity and
that the electrical connection is clean and secure. Remove the CKP and clean off any dirt build up
on the tip.
If you strongly
suspect the crank sensor as being at fault it is a relatively inexpensive device
to replace.
If the above does not solve the issue I would carry out the exact same diagnostic on the cam position sensor. In fact it is not a bad idea to at least test the cam sensor at the same time as testing the crank sensor as they work on very similar principles and are prone to the same faults. Time spent diagnosing the problem can reduce the amount you spend in dollars on spare parts.
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