Crankshaft position sensor: how it works, symptoms, problems

The crankshaft position sensor measures the rotation speed (RPMs) and the precise position of the engine crankshaft. Without a crankshaft position sensor the engine wouldn't start. In some cars, the sensor is installed close to the main pulley (harmonic balancer) like in this Ford in the photo. In other cars, the sensor could be installed at the transmission bell housing, or in the engine cylinder block, as in the photo below. In the technical literature, the crankshaft position sensor is abbreviated to CKP
How the crankshaft position sensor works
The crankshaft position sensor is positioned so that teeth on the reluctor ring attached to the crankshaft pass close to the sensor tip. The reluctor ring has one or more teeth missing to provide the engine computer (PCM) with the reference point to the crankshaft position.
As the crankshaft rotates, the sensor produces a pulsed voltage signal, where each pulse corresponds to the tooth on the reluctor ring. The photo below shows the actual signal from the crankshaft position sensor with the engine idling. In this vehicle, the reluctor ring is made with two missing teeth, as you can notice on the graph.

The PCM uses the signal from the crankshaft position sensor to determine at what time to produce the spark and in which cylinder. The signal from the crankshaft position is also used to monitor if any of the cylinders misfires.
Crankshaft position sensor signal Crankshaft position sensor signal on the oscilloscope screen.
If the signal from the sensor is missing, there will be no spark and fuel injectors won't operate.

The two most common types are the magnetic sensors with a pick-up coil that produce A/C voltage and the Hall-effect sensors that produce a digital square wave signal as in the photo above. Modern cars use the Hall-effect sensors. A pick-up coil type sensor has a two-pin connector. The Hall-effect sensor has a three-pin connector (reference voltage, ground and signal).
Crankshaft position sensor problems
Crankshaft position sensor Crankshaft position sensor
The most common OBDII code related to the crankshaft position sensor is P0335 - Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit. In some cars (e.g. Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Chevy, Hyundai, Kia) this code is often caused by a failed sensor itself, although there could be other reasons, such as wiring or connector issues, damaged reluctor ring, etc.

In some cars, the intermittent stalling can also be caused by a problem with the crankshaft position sensor wiring. For example, if if the sensor wires are not secured properly, they could rub against some metal part and short out, which can cause intermittent stalling.

The Chrysler bulletin 09-004-07 describes a problem with some 2005-2007 Jeep and Chrysler models where a failed crankshaft position sensor can cause a no-start problem. The sensor will need to be replaced with an updated part to correct the problem.

[zainaslam]

keep it up you are great
it is very helpful that you give a description.

[atillakaya]

Does it make a sound when the engine is cold? I have 3 3-cylinder bike and making knocking sounds. The sound still coming but I use a bike 3000km only make sound when bike is really cold.

[seanmartin]

I have 2012 Ford fusion SE took vrank shaft sensor off and installed again with a new programmed pcm no spark and now pcm is locked i dk what to do now