Crankshaft Position Sensor
The Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor is located at the rear left side of the engine. The sensor is located in a hole in the lower timing chain cover and is secured with a screw. The sensor receives a reference voltage from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Two further connections to the PCM provide ground and signal output.
The CKP sensor is positioned adjacent to the reluctor ring, which is an integral part of the drive plate. On vehicles with automatic transmission and the dual mass flywheel on vehicles with manual transmission. The reluctor ring has 58 teeth and a section where two teeth are missing. The sensor is a Hall effect sensor which uses the missing teeth on the reluctor wheel to determine the crankshaft position and rotational speed.
The CKP sensor is a Hall effect sensor which produces a square wave signal, the frequency of which is proportional to engine speed. The sensor measures the magnetic field variation induced by the reluctor ring.
If a fault occurs with the CKP sensor, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is registered in the PCM. The engine will continue to operate using data from the Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor until the fault has been corrected.
The PCM uses the signal from the CKP sensor for the following functions:
- Synchronization
- Determine fuel injection timing
- Produce an engine speed signal which is broadcast on the FlexRay for use by other systems.