Crankshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

PURPOSE
The signal from the Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor is used to determine crankshaft angle, engine speed, and basic timing.

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) also uses the signal from the Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor combined with the input signal from the camshaft position sensor to properly synchronize injection.

Crankshaft Timing Slots:

OPERATION
The crankshaft position sensor is a hall effect switch that detect slots transmission drive plate.

The notches cause a pulse to be generated when they pass under the sensor. The pulses are input to the PCM. For each engine revolution there are 3 groups of 4 pulses generated.

The trailing edge of the fourth slot is used to determine basic timing.

If PCM does not sense input from the crankshaft position sensor, PCM will deactivate ASD and fuel pump relay, interrupting voltage to fuel pump, fuel injectors, and ignition coil, (no start condition).