Crankshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR




The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor (1) is located in the front cover of the cylinder block near the crankshaft pulley. The CKP sensor is actually two separate sensors, located 22.5 degrees apart, within the same housing. Both CKP sensor A and CKP sensor B function the same and provide an AC signal that increases in both frequency and amplitude as the engine speed increases. The CKP sensor signal is sent to the PCM in order to indicate the RPM and the crankshaft position. The PCM uses the information from both CKP sensors in order to perform the following functions:
- Determine engine speed
- Determine accurate crankshaft position
- Calculate ignition system and fuel injection timing
- Provide continued engine operation even when one sensor fails
- Report engine misfire-when used with CMP sensor input