Crankshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Crankshaft Position Sensor:

COMPONENT OPERATION
The Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) is located in the front engine cover and is perpendicular to the crankshaft target wheel. The air gap between the sensor and the wheel is preset and not adjustable. The target wheel has three slots 6O° apart and is keyed to the crankshaft. As the target wheel rotates, the slots passing by the sensor create a change in the magnetic field of the sensor which results in an induced voltage pulse. One revolution of the crankshaft will result in three pulses (3x signal). Based on these pulses, the Vehicle Control Module (VCM-A) is able to determine crankshaft position and engine speed. The VCM-A will then activate the fuel injector and provide spark to the distributor. The relation between the crankshaft position sensor and the target wheel is crucial. The sensor must be exactly perpendicular to the target wheel with the correct air gap.