Can your truck run without a Crankshaft Position Sensor?

Published by

Ray Yu

September 25,2023

Where Is the Crankshaft Position Sensor Located?

The location of the Crankshaft Position Sensor can vary from one truck to another. Obviously it must be close to the crankshaft, so it is most often located on the front underside of the engine. It can usually be found mounted to the timing cover. Sometimes it may be mounted at the rear or the side of the engine. Sometimes the Crankshaft Position Sensor measures the speed of the clutch flywheel to determine the speed of the crankshaft. In these cases, the sensor is mounted to the bell housing of the transmission.

What Does A Crankshaft Position Sensor Do?

The Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP sensor or CPS) is one of several sensors that keep your engine running smoothly. It measures the position of the crankshaft (for which it is sometimes called the crank angle sensor or CAS), as well as the rotational speed of the crankshaft (for which it is sometimes called the engine speed sensor, ESS, or the RPM sensor). The Crankshaft Position Sensor relays this information to the truck's onboard computer, the engine control unit (ECU). The ECU uses that info, along with inputs from other sensors, to control systems like ignition timing and fuel injection. This keeps all the parts of the engine well timed and working in concert. The Crankshaft Position Sensor is essential to a smooth-operating engine.

Why the Crankshaft Position Sensor Goes Bad?

Overheating Engine. The excessive build-up of heat in the engine can lead to crankshaft sensor damage by melting the plastic covering.Circuitry Problems. Faulty voltage or loose, worn-out, or damaged wiring can disrupt the signals sent to and from the crankshaft sensor, causing it to have issues.

The Crankshaft Position Sensor is the most important of all engine management sensors, and the engine will absolutely not run without it. Driving with a failing Crankshaft Position Sensor can be difficult and potentially dangerous. It could lead to long-term truck damage and expensive repairs, or even stop the car from working at all.