What is a Crank Sensor?

“Crankshaft sensor” or “camshaft sensor” is a term often used in the automotive industry. This sensor is a key component that provides information to a car’s engine control unit (ECU). It is usually focused on determining the rotational motions and timing received from the engine.

The crankshaft sensor is usually mounted on the crankshaft (camshaft) and detects the rotational motions in the engine. This sensor works with the gear or a specific pattern on the crankshaft to determine how fast the engine is turning and the crankshaft position. This information is used to regulate the engine’s operating timing and to control the engine’s performance, such as fuel injection and the ignition process.

The functions of the crankshaft sensor may include:

Timing Control: Determines the crankshaft position so that the pistons in the engine can fire and inject fuel at the correct time.

Fuel Injection: Determines when the injectors open and close to deliver the correct amount of fuel to the engine.

Ignition Control: Regulates the ignition timing by directing the ignition coils.

Engine Speed ​​Information: Provides information on how fast the engine is turning.

When the crank sensor fails or does not work properly, the performance of the engine can be adversely affected. This can lead to the engine not working properly, running erratically or the risk of the vehicle stalling. Therefore, it is important to regularly maintain and replace important sensors such as the crank sensor if necessary.

What are the Symptoms of Crank Sensor Failure?

When the crank sensor fails or does not work properly, various symptoms can occur in the vehicle. These symptoms may reflect situations where the crank sensor is not providing accurate information to the engine control unit (ECU). Here are the symptoms of crank sensor failure:

Engine Running Irregularly:

One of the most common symptoms is that the engine is running irregularly. Missing or incorrect ignitions during combustion can cause the engine to shake, shake and run unsteadily.

Engine Cutting Out or Not Starting:

A crank sensor failure can lead to sudden engine cuts or the vehicle not starting due to the lack of accurate information received from the engine.

Hard Starting:

When the vehicle is attempted to be started, the engine is forced to start or cannot be started for a long time can be a symptom of crank sensor failure.

Decreased Fuel Economy:

Since the crank sensor affects the proper operation of the injection and ignition systems, a decrease in the vehicle’s fuel economy can be a symptom.

Vehicle Shaking:

There may be vibrations in the vehicle due to incorrectly timed ignition. These vibrations are usually more noticeable at low speeds.

Check Engine Light Illumination:

When the ECU detects a crank sensor fault, it is possible for the “Check Engine Light” to illuminate on the control panel on the vehicle.

Vehicle Acceleration Problems:

A crank sensor fault can prevent the vehicle from accelerating properly or providing power.

Sudden Engine Stop:

The engine may suddenly stop due to incorrect timing or irregular ignition. This can occur in the case of a crank sensor fault.

In the case of a crank sensor fault, it is important to take the vehicle to an auto repair shop and replace the crank sensor if necessary. These symptoms can lead to serious problems for driving safety and vehicle performance.

What Does a Crank Sensor Do?

A crank sensor is a sensor that provides important information to a car’s engine control unit (ECU). This sensor is used to determine the rotational movements and timing in the engine. The basic functions of the crank sensor are as follows:

Timing Control:

The crank sensor controls the timing of the engine by detecting the rotational movements of the crankshaft (camshaft) in the engine. It determines the position of the crankshaft for the correct ignition and fuel injection of the pistons inside the engine.

Fuel Injection Control:

It determines the opening and closing time of the injectors to deliver the correct amount of fuel to the engine. The crank sensor sends signals to the fuel injection system at the correct time, ensuring that the fuel is sprayed efficiently.

Ignition Control:

It regulates the ignition timing by directing the ignition coils. When the combustion process does not occur at the correct time, engine performance can be adversely affected. The crank sensor provides information about this to the ignition system.

Engine Speed ​​Information:

The crank sensor determines the engine speed based on the rotational movements in the engine. This information is transmitted to the engine control unit and used to regulate the performance of the engine when necessary.

Automatic Transmission Control (Optional):

In some vehicles, the crank sensor can also provide information to the automatic transmission control system. This information can affect the timing of gear changes.

The crank sensor plays a critical role in the proper operation and optimum performance of the engine. It is important for the crank sensor to provide accurate and reliable information to ensure the engine runs smoothly and optimize fuel economy. If the crank sensor fails or sends incorrect information, the vehicle performance may cause a drop in engine speed, irregular operation and other problems. Therefore, regular maintenance of the crank sensor and replacement if necessary is important.