Crankshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Crank Angle Sensor:

PURPOSE
Provides crankshaft angle and engine RPM inputs to the EFC control unit (ECU).

LOCATION
The crank angle sensor is a magnetic pick-up coil sensing mechanism located in the distributor.

OPERATION
The crank angle sensor consists of the following components:
^ Distributor housing.
^ Reluctor with three triggers per cylinder.
^ Pick-up coil
As the reluctor turns, the triggers interupt the magnetic feild created by the pick-up coil. The pick-up coil in-turn sends a signal to the ECU. The signals sent to the ECU are as follows:
^ Trigger #1 - Turn on primary voltage to ignition coil.
^ Trigger #2 - Turn off primary voltage to ignition coil.
^ Trigger #3 - Turn on ignitor (fire the coil).