Temporary Fix For Crankshaft Position Sensor: The 3 Easiest Methods!

We bet many of you don’t know how to deal with a failing crankshaft position sensor and usually be stranded on the roadside. Indeed, many car drivers don’t even know the existence of this device and what it does. Today, Driverevolve will discuss the basics of a crankshaft position sensor, common causes of a bad one, and the temporary fix for crankshaft position sensor. 

What Is A Crankshaft Position Sensor? 

These sensors are gadgets that track the placement and measure the rotational pace of the crankshaft in gas and diesel inbuilt combustors. Your car’s ECU will use such information to regulate the schedule of fuel injectors and other vehicle features. 

Without a crankshaft position sensor, the crankshaft message will disappear, which might cause the engine to stop working immediately.

So, where is the crankshaft position sensor located? 

The placement of your crankshaft position sensor differs from car to car. As it must be near your crankshaft, it is usually on the front undersurface of your motor. On a few models, it is fixed to the scheduling lid or installed at the back or side of the engine.

What Causes Crankshaft Sensor To Go Bad? 

Exposure To Extreme Temperatures 

Because of its location inside the engine, this detector is frequently swamped in high temperatures from the motor and its neighboring parts.

There is a tiny circuit system within the crankshaft detector with electrical copper wires, all covered in plastic. When the temperatures get extreme, it completely melts the crank sensing device’s plastic cover, causing circuitry damage in the long run.

Problems With The Wiring Harness 

The wire harness connects the crankshaft detector to the car’s controllers – the ECU – to communicate measured data. Although it is built to withstand brutal environments, a faulty circuitry thread can affect the crankshaft sensor. Alternatively, the device may still function normally, but it cannot send information back to the electronic control unit.

The wiring harness may have come disconnected from its socket, or it may have deteriorated and broken down. Any clutter in the engine compartment, such as grease or impurities, might take its toll on the cabling over time. Overall, it could contribute to the inaccurate voltage being operated inside the mechanism or problems with the crankshaft detector’s return loop.

Circuitry Issues 

The circuit board within the crankshaft detector is also subject to deterioration. It depends on the health of motorized and digital parts to transmit data back to the controller. The circuitry is susceptible to disturbances; thus, a slight collision could cause damage to its cables.

Maybe it has deteriorated and is short-circuiting, or it has fallen away from its sockets. Inaccurate – that is, too little or too much – power output sent via power cables could also impair the device’s status. These can cause the still-operational crankshaft detector to wear out quicker and inevitably screw up completely.

Broken Timing Belt 

The timing harness, also known as the timing system, is in charge of syncing the activities of the driveshaft on top and the crankshaft on the bottom.  

The prolonged deterioration is powerful enough to break it; thus, frequent check-ups and servicing are advisable. Another possible case is that the timing string snaps due to a crash. No doubt, any lousy timing belt symptoms are worth careful supervision.

When it snaps, the return power may be powerful enough to encase the strap or loop around the crank sensing device. The pressure placed on the plastic detector is sufficient to snap it.

If this is not the case, expect the broken belt or loop to affect the detector while moving at high velocity. This effect, once again, is more than enough to shake it or induce significant damage to the device.

Still, some may need clarification on the timing belt and serpentine belt.

The Temporary Fixes For Crankshaft Position Sensor 

There are a couple of things you might try to address the issue temporarily. It is essential to mention that those techniques will only get your car to your desired location; they will not provide a long-term solution because you can’t repair the detector.

If your crankshaft position sensor is compromised, it must be replaced as soon as possible.

Shut The Vehicle Down

This technique will be used if the vehicle begins to jerk or if there is an unexpected pop-up on the console center and the engine light alert appears.

In either scenario, turn off the car and investigate what went awry. A failure in the crankshaft position detector is most likely to blame for the issue.

Turning off the car allows the operating motor to halt and stop working. Afterward, switch on the vehicle for a few minutes, and it should operate smoothly again.

Disconnect the Crankshaft Position Sensor

If your vehicle doesn’t start due to a faulty crankshaft position detector, you might detach the device and restart the engine. The car could start by utilizing its default routing.

Refuel Your Car 

A faulty crankshaft position detector will result in a rise in gas mileage. The greater the jump in fuel economy, the less gasoline is available inside the car’s gas tank.

To avoid an unexpected run out of gasoline in the car, visit your local refueling facility and refuel it. This will help you reach your desired location. However, keep in mind that this strategy is quite costly, especially if you use it for an extended period.

Cooling

A faulty crankshaft position sensor might result in extreme temperatures in the engine. Overheating engines might cause car failures. Cooling your automobile sufficiently will allow it to operate for a prolonged period. 

5 Best Replacement Crankshaft Position Sensors In 2023 

Crankshaft position sensors are among the most important components of your car as defective ones can cause your vehicle to stop working immediately. Thus, whenever you spot a malfunctioning sensor, it’s advisable to replace it with a new one right away. 

If taking your car to the store for a professional replacement isn’t your thing and you’re somewhat mechanically inclined, it’s also a good idea to get a replacement sensor and change it yourself. Below, Driverevolve has put together a list of 5 best products (hand-tested by us) and their detailed reviews.

	Specs	Best For
Bosch 0261210170 Original Equipment Crankshaft Position Sensor	Manufacturer: ‎Bosch – Brand: ‎Bosch Automotive – Item Weight: 0.001 ounces – Product Dimensions: ‎0.83 x 0.91 x 1.81 inches	Best Overall
CPS Crankshaft Position Sensor 12596851	Manufacturer: SFY – Brand: SFY – Item Weight: ‎1.76 ounces – Package Dimensions: ‎3.03 x 2.24 x 1.85 inches	Best Value
Genuine Hyundai 39180-2B000 Crankshaft Position Sensor	Manufacturer: HyundaiBrand: ‎HYUNDAIItem Weight: ‎0.32 ouncesPackage Dimensions: ‎6.26 x 3.43 x 1.06 inches	Easiest To Install
ACDelco GM Original Equipment 213-354 Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor	Manufacturer: ACDelco – Brand: ‎ACDelco – Item Weight: 1.44 ounces – Product Dimensions: ‎3.4 x 2.8 x 1.4 inches	Most Precise
Motorcraft DY922 Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor	Manufacturer: ‎Motorcraft – Brand: Motorcraft – Item Weight: ‎1.51 ounces – Product Dimensions: ‎2.88 x 2.22 x 3.64 inches	Most Durable

Bosch 0261210170 Original Equipment Crankshaft Position Sensor – Best Overall

Regarding crankshaft position sensors, the Bosch 0261210170 Crankshaft Position Sensor is a top contender because of its high quality and unique twist-insensitive installation.

What we love the most is that these sensors allow users to utilize them in a wide range of operating conditions. This provides a wide functional temperature range that is resistant to both high and low temperatures, guaranteeing a long-lasting lifespan.

After installing your Bosch 0261210170 Position Sensor, you can rest assured that your car now has improved fuel efficiency and reduced emission levels. Indeed, your car will experience top-notch performance, excellent fuel economy, and minimal emissions owing to this sensor’s pinpoint controls and high durability.

Pros:

• This device is the finest option for your gasoline and ignition systems, and it is manufactured by a trusted manufacturer.
• Excellent product that will extend the life of your motor.
• Superb craftsmanship combined with a sturdy design.
• With its adaptability, it can function in a wide range of temperatures to provide optimal services for your vehicle.
• It takes no more than 15 minutes to set up, which is a snap.

Cons:

• It’s not the ideal option for Mercedes vehicles.

CPS Crankshaft Position Sensor 12596851 – Best Value

Since it is simple to set up and can serve as a direct replacement for a broken OEM, this CPS Crankshaft Position Sensor has to be one of the strongest candidates on this ranking. Do not waste your money on ill-fitting or non-functioning products; this one is designed just for your vehicle.

This CPS Crankshaft Position Sensor provides the fuel injection system with precise timing data, allowing them to effectively inject gasoline into your motor. You can also feel at ease knowing that these devices have an exceptionally long lifespan.

Pros:

• Very simple to set up, and it could function as a drop-in replacement for the original components.
• An economical, highly helpful, and straightforwardly accessible device.
• No shims are necessary, since the fit is just perfect.
• Quick delivery.

Cons:

• Some buyers have complained about the customer service.

Genuine Hyundai 39180-2B000 Crankshaft Position Sensor – Easiest To Install

True to form, there is no substitute for an authentic Hyundai Crankshaft Position Sensor rather than itself.

This OEM component guarantees premium performance every time it’s used. This one is tailored to accommodate your automobile, so you won’t have to spend time on ill-fitting or low-quality alternatives.

This original Hyundai Crankshaft Position Sensor will snap right into place with no adjustments required. Since a car is a valuable asset that should be safeguarded at all times, it’s great that you won’t have to waste hours searching for a tool that might do the trick.

Pros:

• It’s compatible with pretty much any car out there and gets the job done.
• It’s built to last and features top-tier workmanship.
• A simple sensor that installs in your vehicle in a snap.
• There are no reported problems or delays in operation.

Cons:

• At high velocities, issues can emerge in some vehicles.

ACDelco GM Original Equipment 213-354 Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor – Most Precise

ACDelco’s Crankshaft Position Sensors are precision instruments for tracking the crankshaft’s rotational speed and location. If you want to keep your car running like new, this is one of the best options available anywhere in the world because it was made specifically for your model by the manufacturer.

Your engine unit uses the information from the sensor to calculate the quantity of gasoline injected and the correct ignition timing, which is crucial to your car’s working mechanism. This ACDelco crankshaft position sensor promises accuracy and precision, so you’ll also experience optimal performance. 

These crank sensors were designed to work perfectly with your GM car, and their precision fits will provide you with the highest efficiency level.

Pros:

• It’s a crucial device that helps your car perform well on the street.
• A cost-saving, genuinely useful, and easily accessible device that you can change or fix easily.
• Produced with a vehicle-specific fit type, so it fits perfectly and serves its intended purpose admirably.

Cons:

• There are no inscriptions or other information on the package.

Motorcraft DY922 Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor – The Most Durable

Motorcraft DY922 Engine crankshaft position sensor will last you a good while and do a good job. Indeed, if you’re in the market for a quality crankshaft position sensor, look no further; these are among the best in the industry, offering superior performance compared to faulty or counterfeit alternatives.

You can rest assured that the Motorcraft DY922 Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor will perform flawlessly under any circumstances. High-quality manufacturing standards guarantee its durability over time (even under harsh conditions, it could last for 5-6 years). They’re strong and resistant and, thus, won’t call for lots of maintenance, making them an excellent investment.

Pros:

• It ensures your vehicle will last longer and perform better than ever before.
• The use of premium materials.
• To put your mind at ease, it aids in preventing car weariness.
• You can use it in the harshest of environments.

Cons:

• It’s not simple to install because you might have to take off the air conditioner’s compressor.

Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost 

Frankly, your crankshaft position detector is not a part you can easily fix if something goes wrong. On a positive note, the expense of a replacement isn’t outrageously costly. 

In most cases, a crank sensor replacement will charge between $120 and $300 (similar to the tie rod end replacement cost) in components and service costs. This is relatively affordable compared to the high heater replacement cost.

Indeed, the device itself costs from $75 to $120 and is easily found on the racks of most automotive parts shops. You could save a few bucks by purchasing a secondhand but excellently functional detector.

FAQs

Wrapping Up 

Hopefully, today’s post has helped you understand the crankshaft position sensor, its usage and importance, the 6 common causes of a broken one, and the temporary fix for crankshaft position sensor if it fails. 

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