Your crankshaft position sensor is an integral part of the engine that helps control ignition and fuel injection. If the sensor is faulty, it can cause your engine to misfire or not operate as it should. This is why learning basic maintenance for this sensor is so important.
To reset the crankshaft position sensor, start by connecting a scan tool. If everything looks good, set the parking brake and obstruct the wheels. Put the car in the ON position, then select crankshaft diagnosis on your scanner. Start the engine, then follow the scanner instructions.
This article will show you how to reset the crankshaft position sensor in your car. This simple procedure can be done in less than 30 minutes. We’ll also discuss what to do if the reset doesn’t work.
1. Connect a Scanner
This is going to make or break your whole operation. If you don’t have a scanner, get one now because you need it to reset the crankshaft position sensor. You can get one at any auto parts store or online.
Once you have it, connect it to your car’s diagnostic port. This is usually located under the dash on the driver’s side.
The idea is to check for codes your car might have thrown at your computer. If you don’t have any, that’s great! You don’t have to do anything because your car is good to go.
If you have codes, specifically the P1336 code, it means your crankshaft position sensor needs to be fixed. This is why you’re here, so don’t worry! We’ll show you how to fix it.
2. Set the Parking Brake and Obstruct the Wheels
This keeps your car immobile and ensures that it doesn’t go anywhere while working on it, keeping you safe. The last thing you want is your car to roll away while you’re under the hood.
So, set the parking brake and put something behind the tires so they can’t roll. This can be anything from a couple of bricks to another car. Just ensure that it’s heavy enough that your vehicle can’t move it.
However, you have to be extra cautious with electronic parking brakes. If your car has one, make sure you set it and then put the car in gear. This will make sure the car is engaged and will not accidentally roll backward.
While you’re at it, be sure to close the hood, so nothing falls on you while you’re working. I have seen people get seriously injured because something fell through the engine bay while they were under it.
3. Put the Ignition in ON Position
The next step is to put the key in the ignition and turn it to the ON position. This will engage all the electronic components in your car.
However, the engine has to be at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) for the crankshaft position sensor to work correctly. If not, the sensor will give you an inaccurate reading, and your car won’t run properly.
There are a few things you can do to bring the engine up to temperature. For example, you can drive the car around for a while or let it idle in the driveway. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a space heater to warm up the engine.
4. Select Crankshaft Position Variation Learn Procedure
Once the engine is at the right temperature, it’s time to select the Crankshaft Position Variation Learn Procedure on your scanner.
- You’ll find it under the crankshaft position menu.
- Once you find it, select it and follow the on-screen instructions.
- One of the instructions will be to run the engine. This is how the sensor will learn the position of the crankshaft.
When it comes to choosing the right scanner, there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind:
- You must ensure the scanner is compatible with your car.
- Not all scanners have the crankshaft positioning function, so check before buying one.
The last thing you want is to get a scanner that can’t do what you need it to do! For example, if you can get a premium scan tool that goes beyond basic functions, by all means, get it. I have seen some cheap scanners that can’t even read codes, let alone reset the crankshaft position sensor.
5. Start the Engine and Follow the Instructions on Screen
Once you have everything set up, it’s time to start the engine and ensure the car is in parking or neutral gear. The instructions will vary depending on the scanner you’re using. Follow the instructions below:
- Most scanners will ask you to rev the engine a few times and then hold it at a certain RPM. This is how the sensor will learn the best position of the crankshaft.
- Once the procedure is complete, the scanner will tell you to turn off the engine.
- After that, you can disconnect the scanner and put everything back together.
That’s it! You have reset the crankshaft position sensor, and your car should run properly again.
What To Do if You Are Still Having Trouble After the Crankshaft Reset
Things don’t always go according to plan, and sometimes the crankshaft position sensor will still give you trouble even after resetting it.
If this happens, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.
- The first thing you should check is all the connections. Make sure everything is plugged in correctly, and there are no loose wires.
- If everything looks good, the next thing you can do is check the crankshaft position sensor itself. Sometimes it fails and needs to be replaced.
- If you’re still having issues, you should consider taking your vehicle to a mechanic. They will quickly be able to diagnose the problem and fix it for you.
Can You Relearn Your Crankshaft Sensor Without a Scanner?
You can relearn your crankshaft sensor without a scanner, but it won’t be easy.
The first thing you need to do is find the correct procedure for your car. This can be tricky because there are so many different makes and models. You can contact your manufacturer for more information.
Once you find the proper procedure, you’ll need access to a garage or somewhere with a car hoist. Once you have everything you need, follow the process carefully. The slightest mistake could damage your engine, so be extra careful.
If you’re still having trouble, take your car to a mechanic and have them do it for you. It will probably cost you a tidy sum of money, but it will be worth it in the end.
How Much Does It Cost To Relearn a Crankshaft Position Sensor?
If you take your car to a mechanic, they’ll charge you for their time. The average price is around $100, but depending on the mechanic and your car brand, it can be more or less.
If you decide to do it yourself, your only cost will be that of the scanner. Most of them are around $100, but you can find them for less if you look around. The best part about this DIY route is that you get to keep the tool!
Either way, it will be a cheap fix and definitely better than buying a new engine! Additionally, if you learn how to do it properly, you’ll save yourself a lot of money in the long run.
When To Get a New Crankshaft Sensor
There are a couple of tell-tale signs that you need a new crankshaft sensor:
- The vehicle’s check engine light is illuminated. This is usually the first indication that there is an issue. If you plug in the scanner, it should display an error code that says the crankshaft sensor is bad.
- Your car is having trouble starting. If it takes longer than usual to start up in warm temperatures or it doesn’t start at all, there’s a good chance there’s something wrong with the crankshaft sensor.
- Your car is idling roughly. This can result from many different things, but it’s worth checking the crankshaft sensor just in case.
If you are experiencing any of the above problems, you should take your car to a mechanic for a thorough inspection. Your mechanic is the best person to tell you for certain if you need a new sensor or not.
Final Thoughts
If you are still having trouble after trying these tips, don’t worry! You can do plenty of other things to try and fix the problem. The best thing you can do is take your car to a mechanic and have them look at it. They will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it for you.
If all else fails, you can always replace the sensor yourself (although it is not going to be easy). So keep going – with a little effort, you should be able to get your car running properly again!
