What is a Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensor?

Your vehicle’s crankshaft and camshaft position sensors enable smooth engine performance. When either of these sensors malfunctions, it can cause a series of problems that disrupt your car’s operation.

Understanding the Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensors

These sensors function as the communication line between your car’s engine and its computer system, ensuring everything runs harmoniously.

Definition and Function

• Crankshaft Position Sensor: Tracks the crankshaft’s rotation speed (RPM) and position, enabling precise fuel injection and ignition timing.
• Camshaft Position Sensor: Monitors the camshaft’s position to regulate valve timing, fuel delivery, and combustion cycles.

Together, these sensors keep your engine operating efficiently by sending real-time data to its computer. Without them, your car loses its ability to time key processes accurately.

Purpose and Importance

Both sensors control essential functions like ignition timing, fuel delivery, and valve operation. Accurate readings allow for peak efficiency and prevent issues like stalling or misfires. A malfunction in either sensor can significantly disrupt performance, emphasizing how critical they are for a properly functioning vehicle.

What are the Symptoms of a Bad Position Sensor?

A failing crankshaft or camshaft sensor can lead to noticeable issues that shouldn’t be ignored.

• Engine Misfires: When a sensor fails, incorrect timing can result in irregular fuel delivery, causing the engine to misfire or run roughly.
• Problems Starting the Vehicle: A faulty sensor may send weak or inaccurate signals to the computer, leading to trouble starting the engine—or preventing it from starting altogether.
• Unpredictable Stalling: Intermittent sensor failures can cause your car to stall unexpectedly while driving or idling. This is often one of the more dangerous symptoms.
• Check Engine Light: One of the most common indicators is the check engine light (CEL). A diagnostic scan may reveal specific fault codes pointing to a failing crankshaft or camshaft position sensor.
• Poor Acceleration and Performance: With incorrect data feeding into the engine system, you might notice sluggish acceleration or reduced power during drives.
• Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Faulty sensors can lead to inefficient fuel combustion, resulting in poor mileage and higher costs at the pump.

What Causes a Crank Position Sensor to Fail?

Understanding why these sensors fail can help you take preventive measures.

• Wear and Tear: Over time, normal aging and use can degrade sensor components, eventually causing them to fail.
• Heat Exposure: Excessive engine heat may damage sensitive electronics within the sensors, rendering them ineffective.
• Moisture and Dirt: Water intrusion or dirt buildup on the sensor can interfere with readings or corrode vital components.
• Wiring and Connection Issues: Damaged wiring or loose connections can disrupt signals between the sensor and engine control unit (ECU), mimicking sensor failure symptoms.
• Diagnosis and Troubleshooting: Mechanics use tools like OBD-II scanners to read trouble codes and multimeters to measure resistance levels in sensors. If you suspect a failing sensor, prompt diagnosis is key.

Cost of Replacing a Crank Position Sensor

Sensor replacement doesn’t have to break the bank, but costs vary based on several factors.

• Factors Affecting Cost: The make and model of your car, labor rates at repair shops, and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used all influence total expenses.
• Estimated Price Range: Replacing a crankshaft or camshaft sensor typically costs $200–$400 for mainstream vehicles. For luxury models with harder-to-access sensors, costs may reach $800 or more.
• DIY vs Professional Replacement: While DIY replacement is possible with basic knowledge and tools like an OBD-II scanner, professional service ensures proper installation. Incorrectly installing these sensors can lead to further issues down the road.

Fill out the form below to get in touch with our professional service team at Five Star Ford Stone Mountain, we’re happy to help.