One thing I discovered over the years I’ve owned a car and have been driving is that not all car parts/components are manufactured to last forever. A time will come when the parts will go bad due to one reason or the other. When that time comes, a fix or replacement should be made.
The crankshaft position sensor is one of those parts that may not last throughout the lifespan of your car. A time will come when it will start malfunctioning.
The issue could even start in the middle of no where and you will be looking for a way to at least temporary fix the crankshaft sensor so you can continue your journey. Well, this is why I decided to write this article.
Temporary Fix for Crankshaft Position Sensor?
Here’s how to temporarily fix a malfunctioning crankshaft position sensor:
1. By Cleaning the Sensor
The first temporary fix for crankshaft position sensor is by cleaning the sensor because, sometimes, debris or oil buildup can interfere with the sensor’s operation, causing it to malfunction.
However, cleaning the sensor will get rid of those dirt and debris allowing the sensor to go back to its original state and starts working again.
To do the cleaning, you need to start by locating the crankshaft position sensor in your vehicle. It is is usually found near the crankshaft itself, often behind or near the crankshaft pulley.
Once located, carefully disconnect the sensor from its wiring harness. Be careful not to damage the wiring or the sensor itself during this process.
Once its disconnected from the harness, use an electronic contact cleaner spray to clean the sensor thoroughly. Make sure that any debris or oil buildup is removed.
After the cleaning is thoroughly done, allow the sensor to dry completely before reconnecting it to the wiring harness.
I would suggest you disconnect your car battery before removing the sensor. You can reconnect the battery once the sensor is reconnected back to its harness.
2. By Adjusting the Crankshaft Position Sensor
Sometimes, a malfunctioning crankshaft position sensor may not be because it has gone bad. Sometimes, it could be that the sensor has moved from its original position for one reason or the other.
Therefore, if you suspect that the sensor has shifted slightly out of position, you can adjust it back to its right position to enable it to function the way it is meant to.
Provided you have the right tools and understand car mechanics, you can make this adjustment yourself:
- You can start by carefully loosen the mounting bolts or screws holding the sensor in place.
- Gently adjust the sensor back into its correct position relative to the crankshaft.
- Make sure to fasten the sensor securely in its adjusted position once you’re satisfied with the alignment.
3. By Checking the Wiring and Connections
The wiring connections attached to the crankshaft position sensor is very important that if anything is wrong with it, it will cause the sensor to malfunction.
You may think that the sensor itself is actually bad when its the wiring and its connections that is not properly connected.
- To temporary fix crankshaft position sensor in relation to wiring and connection issue, start by inspecting the wiring harness and connectors associated with the crankshaft position sensor.
- Look for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Most importantly damaged wiring and loose connections.
- Ensure that the wiring harness is securely connected to the sensor and that there are no breaks in the wires.
- If you find any issues with the wiring, fix them accordingly by repairing or replacing damaged components.
- If the connection is not securely made, reconnect it very well and see if that solves your problem.
4. By Tapping or Jiggling
Tapping and jiggling is another temporary fix for the crankshaft position sensor. You can use this means to temporary fix whatever is making the sensor to malfunction.
With the engine running, carefully tap or jiggle the crankshaft position sensor. This method can sometimes help re-establish contact or alignment if there’s a loose connection or a minor issue with the sensor’s positioning.
However, while doing the tapping and jiggling, be gentle to avoid causing further damage. You don’t want to end up damaging the sensor itself or the wirings simply because you tapped and jiggled way too much.
5. By Resetting the Engine Control Module
One of the things I’ve discovered over the years I’ve been driving is that sometimes, a car’s computer can throw code that is not actually a problem. That is why sometimes, some car mechanics will clear a fault to see if that code will come back.
The reason why your crankshaft position sensor is malfunctioning could be because of a fault code that was thrown by your car’s computer and simply resetting the the system may solve the problem.
- To reset the crankshaft position sensor, start by disconnecting the negative terminal of the vehicle’s battery.
- Leave it disconnected for a few minutes to allow the ECM to reset.
- Reconnect the battery terminal and start the vehicle.
This process may clear temporary sensor faults stored in the ECM’s memory. However, be aware that it will also reset other settings in your vehicle, such as radio presets and clock time. If you have your scanner with you, you can go ahead and use the scanner to do the reset.
These are how you can temporarily fix a malfunctioning crankshaft position sensor. By the time you try all these temporary fixes, the sensor should at least enable you drive the car to where you can permanently fix whatever is the cause of the problem.
Can You Fix a Crankshaft Position Sensor?
No, you cannot fix a damaged crankshaft position sensor. If a crankshaft position sensor is malfunctioning or has failed, it cannot be repaired and must be replaced with a new unit because the sensor itself is a complex electronic component with sensitive internal circuitry
However, attempting to repair a damaged or faulty crankshaft position sensor is not recommended because the sensor itself is an electronic device with precise internal components, repairing it would require specialized equipment and expertise, which may not be readily available to most individuals.
Even if you were able to diagnose and repair a fault in the sensor, there’s no guarantee that the repaired sensor would function reliably or accurately.
The sensor plays an important role in engine operation, and any compromise in its performance could lead to further issues or engine damage.
Moreover, it’s even more cost-effective and practical to replace the sensor with a new or refurbished unit rather than suffering yourself with repairs.
What Causes Crankshaft Position Sensor to Malfunction?
What causes your car’s crankshaft position sensor to malfunction or go bad are:
- Age and Wear: Like many automotive components, crankshaft position sensors can deteriorate over time due to regular wear and tear. As the sensor ages, its internal components may degrade, leading to diminished performance or failure.
- Exposure to Heat: Crankshaft position sensors are often located in the engine bay, where they are exposed to high temperatures generated by the engine. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause the sensor’s internal components to degrade or malfunction over time.
- Oil or Fluid Contamination: If there’s a leak in the engine that allows the oil or other fluids to come into contact with the crankshaft position sensor, it can lead to contamination and damage, thereby interfering with the sensor’s ability to accurately detect the position of the crankshaft.
- Electrical Issues: Problems with the sensor’s wiring harness or connectors can cause electrical issues that affect its performance. Loose connections, frayed wires, or corrosion can disrupt the flow of electrical signals between the sensor and the engine control module (ECM), leading to sensor failure.
- Mechanical Damage: The crankshaft position sensor is usually located near moving engine components, such as the crankshaft or timing chain. Mechanical damage from contact with these components, such as impact or vibration, can cause the sensor to fail prematurely.
- Poor Installation: Improper installation of the sensor can also contribute to premature failure. If the sensor is not positioned correctly or securely fastened, it may be more prone to damage from engine vibrations or other factors.
- Dirt and Debris: Environmental conditions such as excessive moisture, dirt, or road debris can also affect the longevity of the crankshaft position sensor. Moisture ingress or the accumulation of debris around the sensor can lead to corrosion or obstruction, impacting its performance.
- Manufacturer Defects: In some cases, a crankshaft position sensor may fail due to defects in manufacturing. This could include issues with the sensor’s design, materials, or assembly process.
Will an Engine Run Without a Crankshaft Position Sensor?
No, in many modern vehicles, an engine will not run without a functioning crankshaft position sensor because the sensor is important in the engine’s operation by monitoring the position and rotational speed of the crankshaft to enable the essential ECM to accurately control fuel injection timing and ignition timing.
Without input from the crankshaft position sensor not camshaft, the ECM may not be able to determine the correct timing for fuel injection and ignition, leading to an inability to start the engine or erratic engine behavior.
In some cases, the ECM may enter a “limp mode,” where it uses default values for timing and fuel delivery, but this results in reduced engine performance and efficiency.
Nevertheless, while there are some older vehicles that may be able to run without a crankshaft position sensor, they would likely rely on alternate methods for determining engine timing, such as a distributor or camshaft position sensor.
Overall, most modern vehicles utilize crankshaft position sensors as an important component of their engine management systems, so, the car will not run without it.
Conclusion
You can temporary fix a crankshaft position sensor by either cleaning the sensor or by adjusting the sensor to its rightful position.
You can also do this by checking the sensor’s wiring and connection, tapping and jiggling the sensor, and by resetting the ECM.
By the time you’re done trying this methods, you should be able to temporarily, if not permanently fix the crankshaft position sensor.
However, it’s important to remember that these temporary fixes are just that—temporary. They may help alleviate symptoms temporarily, but they won’t fix the major issue causing the sensor malfunction.
Therefore, for a permanent solution, it’s advisable to have the sensor inspected and repaired or replaced because driving with a malfunctioning sensor can lead to further damage to your vehicle and compromise safety.
