How To Test Crankshaft And Camshaft Position Sensors

The Crankshaft and Camshaft position sensors are part of a vehicle’s engine and responsible for making the rotation. A malfunctioning sensor can keep your car from making a move; it would make noise, but it won’t start. You may experience a loss of power in the engine, misfiring, and there may be no spark while starting the engine.

In many cases, a car can be driven with a faulty sensor but it should not as it leads to more danger only. Leaving untreated means, you would end up with expensive repairs, and the engine can get permanent damage as well. Let’s move further on ‘test crankshaft and camshaft position sensors.’

How To Test Crankshaft And Camshaft Position Sensors?

know more about Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensors — This is how a sensor look like

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Well, testing the sensors is the way out once you find out the right category. By category, it means whether it is a 2 wire type of 3. You can check out by seeing the connector if it includes two or three wires. Let’s find out the testing process for both of the mechanisms.

1. Testing A Two-Wire Sensor

In the two wire system – the magnetic type, you need to do the resistance test first. Take the multi meter and set it to AC volts. Check for the connector as well and make sure no dirt or mud is in there.
Continuing to the crank position sensor test, ask someone to turn the ignition key on; do not start the engine.
Now, take the probe or the metal part and touch it to the ground whereas the other one with the sensor wires. If you see the current flowing on, it is a good sign.
Now start the engine again, and this time, check for the signal. Take the probes and get them to any of the sensor wires and touch the other one to the other wire. The reader will display the result, and here it needs to match with the manual specifications. If there is a signal, you are good to go; otherwise, it requires maintenance.

For more tips, explore the Maintenance Tips section.

2. Testing A Three-Wire Sensor

Now, come to the three wire signal crankshaft position sensor test if this is what you have. Identify three of the wires first for being the power, ground, and signal wires. Use your vehicle repair manual, and you would be able to distinguish the three wires easily.
This time, take the multi meter and set DC volts there. Similarly, turn the ignition key on without turning on the engine.
You get the black probe that you need to touch to the ground and the other one to the power wire. The reading will show up that needs to match with the specification as written in your manual.
Start the engine. Take the signal wire to touch with the red probe and the ground wire to the black probe. If the readings are lower than the mentioned specification, it is a bad sensor.

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Conclusion

Do not drive with a malfunctioning Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensors. Instead, use these methods and test crankshaft and camshaft position sensors once you know the type of the sensors. If any symptoms are found, take the car to the center or call the service provider home.