Working Principles of Crankshaft Sensor and its Failed Signs in Car

For achieving the rotational energy of the car, the internal combustion engine fully depends on the crankshaft. Thus, the crankshaft of your car is used to convert the linear energy into rotational energy. As it gives the power to the wheels below the car and spin the wheels forward and allow the car to move in that direction. However, the crankshaft position sensor of your car is simply used to detect the spinning speed of the crankshaft.

Working principle of the crankshaft sensor

As the crankshaft sensor determine the spinning rate of the crankshaft, then it can send the information to the ECU refereed as engine control unit of the car. The information sent by the crankshaft sensor determine the timing of the fuel injection system and ignition system which is usually regulated by the engine control unit. The timing fixed by the sensor for producing a proper amount of power to the engine.

For the whole process, the crankshaft uses the gearwheel, timing chain and a belt to drive the camshaft. In other hands, the engine will depend on the camshaft for appropriately operating the exhaust valves at proper time. If they are not operated properly, then it will cause several issues in the exhaust system and affects the functionality of the crankshaft. Through the crankshaft position sensor, the ECU get to know about the real position and functionality of the crankshaft by judging its speed.

Failed crankshaft sensor signs of car

As it concludes that the internal combustion engine has a properly functional crankshaft position sensor. Only due to the help of position sensor the engine control unit receives the proper information about the current position and speed of the crankshaft in your car. If the crankshaft sensor of your car is damaged, then it will impact the functionality of the engine as well as the performance of the car. Here the points help you to determine the failed crankshaft sensor of your car.

Sluggish engine performance

If your car has a failed crankshaft position sensor, then it’s obvious that the ECU unable to know about the correct position of crankshaft or cylinders. As a result, due to the lack of accurate information the control unit sustain the operation as well as the performance of the engine. In this circumstances, whenever you step on the gas pedal a bit harder, your engine will hesitate and sometimes not responding at all.

Check engine light

The engine control unit constantly communicating with the crankshaft position sensor. If it is failed, then the computer can receive the wrong information about the speed of the crankshaft as well as its position. As a result, it will affect the functionality of the engine and lead to activate the check engine light on the dashboard. The illumination of the check engine light is the common symptom of a failed crankshaft position sensor.

Staring issues in a car

When the crankshaft position sensor of your car is damaged, then the engine control unit will notify automatically. In this way, the engine control unit will get a malfunctioned code from the sensor that can indicate the issues related to the functionality of the sensor. As a result, you will face difficulties while starting the car and functioning the engine. If you don’t resolve the issues on time, then you unable to start the engine at all.

Vibrations in engine

When the crankshaft position sensor of your car is damaged, then the engine control unit unable to handle and manage the crankshaft properly. As a result, the engine will extensively vibrate in your car while moving. You will feel these vibrations in your car while sinking into the steering wheel when you hold it with your hands.

Engine stalling

Often it happens when you are driving along your engine stop running suddenly which is called as the engine stalling and happen very frequently due to failed crankshaft position sensor. If you don’t replace the failed crankshaft position sensor of your car, then your engine will stop working. In this situation, there is no alternative option to repair it. So, take it to your mechanic for replacing the sensor as well.

Conclusion

Apart from the above points, the failed crankshaft position sensor unable to transmit the piston position data accurately to the engine control unit. As a result, misfiring of the engine occurs in the chamber cylinder. So, when you experience any of the mentioned signs in your car, then take your car to a reputed mechanic to diagnose the problem.