Crankshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

The crankshaft sensor is a magnetic switch that is used to provide the igntion module and the Electronic
Control Module (ECM) with the engine RPM and/or crankshaft position information much the same way as the High Energy Ignition (HEI) pick up coil.

The style of crankshaft sensor used and its function is determined by the engine application. Two types of sensors are presently being used: the magnetic type and the Hall Effect type.


These engines use a combination/dual crankshaft sensor. The sensor provides both the crankshaft RPM and the crank #1 TDC position information.


The harmonic balancer has a second interrupter ring which has only one window slot.