Crankshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
Engine speed and crankshaft position are provided through the crankshaft position sensor, The sensor generates pulses that are the input sent to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM interprets the sensor input to determine the crankshaft position. The PCM then uses this position, along with other inputs, to determine injector sequence and ignition timing.

The sensor is a hall effect device combined with an internal magnet. It is also sensitive to steel within a certain distance from it.

Sensor Operation:

The flywheel/drive plate has groups of notches at its outer edge. There are three sets of double notches and three sets of single notches.

The notches cause a pulse to be generated when they pass under the sensor. The pulses are the input to the PCM.

The engine Will not operate if the PCM does not receive a crankshaft position sensor input.

CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR-PCM INPUT
This sensor is a hall effect device that detects notches in the flywheel (manual transmission) or flexplate (automatic transmission).

This sensor is used to indicate to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) that a spark and or fuel injection event is to be required. The output from this sensor, in conjunction with the camshaft position sensor signal, is used to differentiate between fuel injection and spark events. It is also used to synchronize the fuel injectors with their respective cylinders.

Crankshaft Position Sensor:

The sensor is bolted to the cylinder block near the rear of the right cylinder head.

Refer to Ignition System for more crankshaft position sensor information.

The engine will not operate if the PCM does not receive a crankshaft position sensor input.