The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor generates an AC voltage signal as it detects a ferrous reluctor wheel, which is mounted on the crankshaft. This signal is used by the powertrain control module (PCM) to calculate engine speed and piston position for injector pulse width and ignition timing control.
The CKP sensor is a three-wire device located in the timing cover. The sensor is mounted to the timing case cover near the flywheel and held in place by two 10 mm bolts.
CKP Sensor Signal Interpretation
The CKP sensor generates a sine wave signal that is proportional to engine speed. The amplitude of the signal is about 1.2 volts peak-to-peak. The frequency of the signal varies from 0 to about 10 kHz, depending on engine speed.
The PCM uses the CKP sensor signal to calculate engine speed and piston position. The PCM does this by measuring the time between pulses on the CKP sensor signal. The time between pulses is called the "pulse width."
The PCM uses the pulse width to calculate engine speed. The engine speed is calculated by dividing the number of pulses per second by the number of cylinders.
The PCM also uses the pulse width to calculate piston position. The piston position is calculated by multiplying the pulse width by the crank angle at the current piston position.
Replacing the CKP Sensor
If the CKP sensor fails, the engine will not start. To replace the CKP sensor, follow these steps:
Disconnect the battery
Remove the timing cover upper bolts
Remove the serpentine belt
Remove the harmonic balancer
Remove the timing cover lower bolts
Remove the timing chain
Remove the camshaft sprocket
Remove the crankshaft sprocket
Remove the CKP sensor
Install the new CKP sensor
Tighten the CKP sensor to 10-12 ft-lbs
Install the crankshaft sprocket
Install the camshaft sprocket
Install the timing chain
Install the timing cover lower bolts
Install the serpentine belt
Install the timing cover upper bolts.
Install the battery
