What to do after replacing crankshaft sensor when this task is expensive and difficult?
Understanding this is important to sidestep potential problems and make sure the new sensor can stand the test of time.
It is also useful to help the ECU (or engine control unit) to manage the fuel injection and ignition timing.
So, you should do several critical things to help it work smoothly in the engine. This article will provide essential tips on keeping your engine in good condition after the replacement.
Keep reading to explore the effective tips on what you should do after replacing your crankshaft sensor.
What Is A Crankshaft Sensor?
It is the electronic device in an internal diesel or petrol combustion engine to measure the crankshaft position.
After measurement, it will send the electrical signals to the automotive computer to identify the engine cylinder piston’s position.
Also, it displays the location of the rotational crankshaft velocity.
Engine control module structures utilize these statistics to manipulate ignition machine timing, gasoline injection, and different engine parameters.
What To Do After Replacing Crankshaft Sensor?
After replacing this device, you must remove the code and check the crankshaft sensor installation. Below is a detailed guide on what you should do after the replacement.
Clear The Code Manually With OBD-2 Diagnostic Scanner
The first important thing you need to note after replacing an old, poor, or faulty crankshaft position sensor is that you must reprogram it if necessary.
Next, remove the trouble codes in the engine’s controller.
But, if you apply a car scanner with OBD-2 diagnostics, you don’t need to reprogram it. The ECM will relearn the pulse timing.
However, in some cases, the ECM calls for reprogramming with an OBD-2 diagnostic scanner.
Installing a new crankshaft position sensor on your car can cause the trouble code to go away, leaving you thinking it disappeared.
However, it may appear one more time. Thus, you should clear the engine codes with an OBD-2 diagnostic scanner to ensure the correct sensor installation.
Check If The Crankshaft Sensor Installation Is Correct
If the crankshaft sensor installation is incorrect, it can cause your vehicle to suffer then.
One of the necessary things you must do after changing this electrical device is check the position of the crankshaft to determine if its installation is proper.
It is better to find the proper way to change the crankshaft sensor. Track and monitor the crankshaft installation process. If there is any mistake, correcting it may allow you to solve the problem.
Inspect the Electrical Connector And Push It To Hear A Click
You also inspect the electrical connector if a new crankshaft sensor installation is over. The code reappears after manually clearing it using an OBD-2 scanner tool. Push it in firmly until it clicks.
This is because the connection setup may not be correct.
If your vehicle still shows the error code after inspecting the connectors, you should install and use another new crankshaft sensor. The new sensor may be at fault as well.
Drive Carefully And Slowly + Avoid Aggressive Maneuvers
You also need to break it to get the optimum performance for your car. Following these simple tips is useful and quick to install your new crankshaft position sensor properly.
First, you should drive carefully and slowly for the first few miles. Second, it is crucial to avoid stop-and-go traffic.
The final thing you should remember is to restrict aggressive or sudden maneuvers. With these useful tips, you will allow your new engine crankshaft sensor to perform at its best.
What Are Problems After Replacing Crankshaft Position Sensor?
Your vehicle can face some common problems after having the replaced crankshaft position sensor. One of them is the wreaking havoc acceleration due to the poor voltage signals from the ECU.
Besides, your engine can overspeed or get seriously damaged. Your automobile might not start or stall.
Thus, checking the total engine and its performance after changing the new crankshaft is necessary to keep your vehicle in the best condition.
How To Reset Crankshaft Position Sensor No Start After Replacing?
After replacing the new crankshaft, you can reset it with the easy methods below.
Reset With Scanner
Step 1: Make the system scanner connect to your vehicle’s computer. Note that free-error codes are left in the previous sensor’s memory.
Step 2: Park your car in a secure place. Apply the emergency brakes until you see the parking brake light turning on, close the hood and lock the car’s steering drive wheel.
Step 3: Start your vehicle. Keeping coolant levels optimal and engine oil around 158 F is best.
Step 4: Choose “Case.”
Step 5: Start the car’s engine and step on the pedal.
Step 6: Follow the scanner’s instructions.
Step 7: After finishing step 6, the engine will idle. You should also inspect for DTC P1336 or trouble codes.
Reset Without Scanner
You can also have the crankshaft relearn without scanner. Follow these simple steps to complete this process.
Step 1: Turn all car accessories off and crank up your engine.
Step 2: Leave the car’s engine in “Park or Neutral” mode for about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Speed the car up to 55 mph and hold that engine speed for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Maintain speed for an additional 50 secs.
Step 5: Reduce your car’s rotational speed to 45 km/h and hold for about 1 minute. Repeat the decelerating cycle 4 times, each lasting 25 seconds.
Between these deceleration cycles, it may return to 45 km/h within 15 seconds. Do not step on the brake while decelerating.
Step 6: Accelerate your vehicle to 55 km/h and hold for about 2 minutes.
Step 7: Let your vehicle idle for about 2 minutes. Besides, you must set the transmission in Neutral or Drive with the pressed clutch.
FAQs
How To Replace A Crankshaft Sensor?
Disconnect the Car’s Battery
You need to disconnect the automotive battery when operating inside the engine to prevent a short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical syste.
Also, take out the key battery pack on hybrid cars and disable the plug.
Disable Sensor Access
Remove the sensor access when its location is behind the starter motor.
Locate the Sensor
Continue locating the cam sensor with the help of the transmission cooling line. It can be on the block’s side where the electrical connector appears, but it is difficult to see.
Remove the Electrical Connector
Once this is done, gently pull the connector away from the sensor. After removal, inspect the connector to clean rust or change the pigtail if necessary. This issue alone can stall the engine.
Take Out the Sensor Mounting Screws
Use a small socket wrench, turn the screw counterclockwise to remove it, and set it aside.
Remove the Sensor
Due to the long shaft of the crank sensor, it may be difficult to remove as it can get stuck in the block. Insert a small pick or standard screwdriver underneath to push the sensor mounting tabs.
Install a New Crankshaft Sensor
Change crankshaft position sensor by inserting the new one straight into the sensor connection hole, aligning the holes in the mounting plate and the block’s holes.
Then hand-tighten the mounting screw by turning it clockwise, but do not overtighten.
Press the electrical connector into place until it clicks.
Reconnect the Battery
Once done, remove the vehicle from the jack stands, reconnect the negative automotive battery wire, and start your drive.
Does A Crankshaft Sensor Have To Be Programmed?
No, it does not. After replacement, you should clear the code to double-check if it can return.
What Happens If You Don’t Relearn Crankshaft Position Sensor?
The biggest problem is your vehicle won’t start. Besides, the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) also endures a bad effect because it completely changes your driving experience.
You can cope with other problems such as overspeed, heating engine, or poor performance if you don’t relearn it. Click here for more details and ways to improve it.
What Are the Causes Of A Car Won’t Start After Replacing Crankshaft Position Sensor?
The first cause is a faulty or poor camshaft sensor that malfunctions or stops working. The defective sensor can not send an expected signal of the pulsating voltage for the trigger wheel’s tooth.
So, ECM can not identify the crankshaft speed and ignition timing. Because of this reason, your vehicle won’t start.
The improper crankshaft sensor installation is also to blame for the vehicle not starting.
Another trigger is the poor wiring connector and harness to the crankshaft sensor.
When the connector is dirty or rusty, it can not transmit signals from the CKP sensor to PCM. So, your vehicle won’t start, also.
Losing the car’s battery terminals is the final culprit that can make your car won’t start. Thus, you should check and reconnect them.
Conclusion
We’ve covered what to do after replacing crankshaft sensor with a detailed guide and useful information.
Despite being hard and expensive, this task is important if you want to avoid serious issues with your vehicle.
Following the proper procedures before restarting your vehicle in this article can restrict costly repairs and save time to maintain your car in the best condition.
Also, this article helped you understand how to manually reset the no-start crankshaft sensor, which is essential after the crankshaft sensor replacement.