If you’re like most of us, you could use a break from time to time. Maybe you hit the gym, or took a much-needed vacation, but now you’re face to face with looming deadlines and an inbox that’s overflowing. Maybe your car won’t start. Maybe you left your headlights on at home…. Whatever the reason may be, it can feel like everything is coming down on top of you at once. And if you’re unlucky, something as simple as a crank sensor failure could cause your car to shut off in traffic – potentially causing serious injury or even death.
What is a Crank Sensor?
A crank sensor is a type of sensor that uses the rotation of a engine’s crankshaft to detect engine rpm. When the engine speed falls below a certain threshold, the sensor triggers an electrical signal that tells the engine control module (ECM) to decrease fuel or air injection. This can cause the car to “shut off.”
Crank sensors are relatively common and are usually located on the front of the engine. If yours has gone bad, it may cause the car to “shut off” while driving. In most cases, replacing the crank sensor will fix the problem. However, if your car has other suspected problems (e.g., low oil pressure), you’ll need to consult a mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.
How does a Crank Sensor Work?
A crank sensor is a device that sits on the crankshaft of a car. It helps the car to know when the engine is turning and sends a signal to the control module in the car. If the sensor detects that something is wrong with the engine, it will send a signal to the control module to shut down the engine.
What to do if your Car Shut Off Because of a Crank Sensor?
If your car has a crank sensor, it is likely that the sensor malfunctioned and caused the car to shut off. In order to diagnose the issue, you will need to remove the car’s main fuse box. Once you have accessed the fuse box, use an illuminated magnifying glass to look for the crank sensor. If you find the sensor, remove it from the vehicle and test it to see if the problem has been resolved. If not, you may need to replace the sensor.
Conclusion
When we are driving, our engine is running and the car is moving. This continuous motion keeps the battery charged and let’s us use our car’s features like air conditioning and windows. However, if a crank sensor fails, the car won’t be able to start because the crank will not turn the engine over. If you’re ever experiencing this problem, it’s important to bring your vehicle in for service as soon as possible so that the issue can be corrected.