Crankshaft and camshaft position sensors are part of a vehicle’s engine and are responsible for rotation. A faulty sensor can prevent your car from moving; it will make noise, but it won’t start. You may experience loss of power in the engine, misfires, and there may be no spark when starting the engine.
In many cases, a car can run with a faulty sensor, but it shouldn’t, as it only worsens the dangers. If you don’t address it, you risk having to perform costly repairs, and the engine may also suffer permanent damage. Now let’s move on to “testing the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors.”
How to test crankshaft and camshaft position sensors?
Well, testing the sensors is the solution once you’ve identified the correct category. By category, it means whether it’s a 2-wire or 3-wire type. You can check by looking at the connector to see if it includes two or three wires. Let’s find out the testing process for both mechanisms.
1. Testing a two-wire sensor
- In the two-wire system (magnetic type), you first need to perform the resistance test. Take the multimeter and set it to AC voltage. Also check the connector and make sure there’s no dirt or mud inside.
- To continue with the crankshaft position sensor test, have someone turn the ignition key; do not start the engine.
- Now, take the probe or the metal part and touch it to the ground while the other touches the sensor wires. If you see current flowing, it’s a good sign.
- Now restart the engine and this time, check the signal. Take the probes and place them on one of the sensor wires and touch the other wire with the other. The reader will display the result, and here it must match the specifications in the manual. If there’s a signal, you’re good to go; otherwise, maintenance is needed.
2. Testing a three-wire sensor
- Now move on to the crankshaft position sensor test for three wires if that’s what you have. First identify the three wires as the power, ground, and signal wires. Use your vehicle’s repair manual and you can easily distinguish the three wires.
- This time, take the multimeter and set it to DC voltage. Similarly, turn the ignition key without starting the engine.
- You get the black probe that you need to connect to ground and the other to the power cable. The reading will display and must match the specifications as written in your manual.
- Start the engine. Connect the signal wire to the red probe and the ground wire to the black probe. If the measured values are lower than the mentioned specification, it’s a faulty sensor.
Conclusion
Do not drive with faulty crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. Instead, use these methods and test the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors once you know the type of sensors. If symptoms are detected, take the car to the center or call the home service provider.