So you’ve just bought yourself a new car and picked up a used one off the lot to drive. Congratulations! The next step is to figure out what’s wrong with it. Driving a car with a bad crankshaft sensor can lead to serious problems, so it’s important to take care of it.
What is a Crankshaft Sensor?
A crankshaft sensor is a sensor that monitors the position of the crankshaft. This sensor helps the engine to run smoothly by detecting when the crankshaft is not rotating properly. When this happens, the engine will not be able to build up power and will eventually fail.
How Does a Crankshaft Sensor Work?
A crankshaft sensor is a small device that sits on the crankshaft of your car. It monitors the position of the crankshaft, and if something is wrong with it, it will signal the engine computer to stop or change gears. Crankshaft sensors are important because they can prevent serious engine problems from occurring.
Crankshaft sensors usually fail due to wear and tear. If they’re not replaced regularly, they can actually break down and cause your car to start making weird noises or not run at all. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your car checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.
If you’re thinking about replacing your crankshaft sensor, make sure to do it in a timely manner so you don’t end up having any problems with your car.
What are the Symptoms of a Crankshaft Sensor Failure?
If you’re experiencing one or more of the following problems, your crankshaft sensor is most likely failing and you should consider having it replaced:
1. Your car won’t start
2. Trouble with the engine idling
3. Poor fuel economy
4. Rough idle
5. Hesitation or loss of power when accelerating
6. Coughing or rattling during acceleration or deceleration
7. Compression or noise when trying to accelerate
How to Fix a Crankshaft Sensor If It’s Failed
If your car has a bad crankshaft sensor, you’ll need to replace it. Here’s how to do it:
1. Park your car in a safe location and turn off the ignition.
2. Remove the Crankshaft Sensor Cover by prying it upwards with a flathead screwdriver.
3. Locate the crankshaft sensor (it’s usually blue and has a black connector) and disconnect the electrical connector.
4. Clean the area around the crankshaft sensor with rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip, then reattach the electrical connector using an adhesive tape or zip-ties.
5. Replace the crankshaft sensor by gently pressing it into place while turning the engine on with the ignition off.
Conclusion
Crankshaft sensors are important parts of your car’s engine and if they go bad, it can cause a lot of problems. If you’re having trouble starting your car or if it just won’t run right, there’s a good chance that the crankshaft sensor is the culprit. If you think your crankshaft sensor is bad, it’s best to get it replaced as soon as possible.