How to Test Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensors

[@bryanbird7221]

You can tell when someone truly understands a subject because he can explain it in layman terms. Well done and thanks for the channel.

[@chriscusick6890]

I absolutely agree with that statement!

[@karenthomson9749]

Some topics are too complex to explain in layman’s terms... eg methods of molcular cell biology. But in this case I agree.

[@ramilacilo435]

Sorry.But I dont understand how he test.I did not see where it he connect in outlet in AC in magnetic sensor.And in 3 wire also I did not where he connect it.Only reading I see

[@chureyes4373]

Q

[@jamuthedamager1464]

I really like the idea of being able to test everything with a basic multi-meter. This is great.

[@Foodie_888]

Very helpful video. Subbed! I will use this video to check out my dad's 2011 Altima. He said it went into limp mode driving to the supermarket this morning. I want to make sure he has a safe car to drive since he is 75.

[@rudedoggonzo4521]

You are the man Mr Wrench! It's like family showing me how to do this because you don't miss a thing. Like for family sake.

[@broncogirl8232]

Thank you very much for another informative video. I see it’s 8 years old, it’s like you recorded it yesterday! Simple and to the point!

[@Dagwood1776]

Finally a decent explanation. I have seen numerous videos on this matter. It all came together in my head after yours. Thank you.

[@Montrealeasy]

Brooo my mind just fully unlocked my missing key to understand how to diagnose electrical problems

[@Montrealeasy]

Thanks

[@daniellizarde4588]

You are a life saver. I have a 06 Subaru inpreza 2.5 turbo and it was breaking my head for 3 weeks. Thank you. You have no clue

[@frontlinemedia4270]

Great info. But when these sensors warm up, can be a fail. Do you recommend a mileage replace for these parts, b/c lets face it, nothing lasts forever

[@RELOADINGandSHOOTING]

No nonsense off topic crap that I see on other videos... straight to the point and no BS... thank you sir! Awesome videos!!!

[@DM-rp7ps]

Explained very well. Even an old school Holley carb guy and FI - ECU novice like me understood. Thank You!

[@chuckauble5635]

Just want to say thanks your video was step by step explanations were good and at a beginners level. You do a good job.

[@QualifiedProfessionalHan-bi9qk]

Let me say you are extremely good at explaining things and in a reasonable amount of time. THANK YOU for not telling a story about your girlfriends dogs new trick when I went there to find out how to fix a flat. All made up however if you want to give information to assist people who may not know just do that. I think you are the first person that has been clear to the point and not confusing. I am very well knowledgeable on automotive troubleshooting and your information is good and anyone should be able to to follow you direction with ease as well you cover all angles. I don't see how anyone could not comprehend your info even more so if they watch a couple times if new to the work. I rarely leave any comments check my profile but I feel that even though you may know you are doing a great job keep it up and more so all the people who are on limited funds that you are helping is awesome!

[@louiediana2]

Excellent info & teaching skills! Love your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your talents & conveying in such an easy to understand way for us laymen. Much appreciated by all!

[@lizardking8388]

The three wire hall effect sensors can still be bad if you're just measuring the changing voltage. You should carefully measure their static voltages as well. You should put the meter on DC volts and measure the signal wire with the ignition on, but without starting it. The voltage should be in one of two states, High state (5 or 12 volts) and Low state (0 volts). If you turn the motor by hand using a breaker bar on the crankshaft bolt it will cycle through these two states. The important thing here is that when it's in its low state, that it is very close to 0V. If you measure something like 0.120 volts, it means that your sensor is failing and should be replaced. If this happens, you will get random misfires. You should also make sure the voltage is reaching very close to the source voltage. Put one probe on the source wire and the other on the signal wire. The difference should be very small, like 0.02 volts. With these hall effect sensors, you can do this check with a new one without installing it and using that as a baseline. Simply connect it to the connector and make the same measurements; you could put something metal like a screwdriver near the sensor to put it into an activated state. I had this same problem myself. The engine ran great but I had random misfire codes pop up. The CPS signal looked good on an oscilloscope. After replacing the wires, plugs, coils, power transistor and even cleaning the carbon out of the ignition switch I was still having this intermittent problem. I took a closer look at the static voltages of the CPS and that was the problem. It was measuring 0.162v on the low state. The new one measured 0.026v.

[@davidgranger8498]

Where were last week?

[@Lex-pq9bl]

What about if i only get 4.996 volts as i rotate the engine by hand? Means the sensor is stuck in one position?

[@thedahlins]

Wow! Good info, much appreciated!

[@linamarie84]

Why don't you make your own video then rather than doing this? Why ?

[@sophiagoodwin9214]

Oh, wow, at first I thought this was the typical "mechanic in his garage"-type video which, while quite useful, are usual really low quality and mostly talking (and a ton of noise in the background) and little showing, but this is really high grade with a bunch of stuff prepared beforehand to teach us better. Good job!!

[@chrisvill54]

this guy is awesome, he has lots of very educational videos. he has taught me many useful things

[@samann74]

chrisvill54 me too

[@jimmuller4992]

I agree he is a great teacher

[@MustangMedic]

Cool

[@chriscusick6890]

I'll second that!

[@NDLAP66]

Each used car I get and need help, your videos get me through it, and the advice is good on any model. Thanks for the lessons.

[@atomicdmt8763]

thanks! i recently put in a NEW (but bad) CKP sensor and its apparently shorted internally- screwing up my fuel level gauge, ignition coil/ignitor(?) and setting off a host of other selonoids- et al! I cleaned all grounds, rebuilt my fuse box, new ECU, cleaned everything........no changes UNTIL i just now decided to swap back in the old CKP sensor. All the electrical clicking, etc went away immediately and Im not going thru the KEY RELEARN process for the new ECU.

[@aedwards4496]

Perfect!!! straight to the point with no long drawn out pointless/useless spiel. You do some great videos, thanks

[@JUKE179r]

Great info! Land Rover Discovery 2 Crankshaft position sensors are notorious for failing... right in the middle of traffic.

[@CycloneCyd]

Crank and cam position sensors generally are notorious for failing, but let's be honest, Land Rovers are notorious going back 30+ years for electrical reliability (well, lack of to be more precise). Long may it continue (and it will)

[@abelramos5695]

thanks for sharing this video! I have a 1995 c220 and sometimes starts sometimes not, I replaced the original Crankshaft pos. sensor and this is my next original sensor from 1995 to replace. This 2 wires camshaft sensor has a resistance of 890 ohms ( half of the one you show here), do you think this is a very low value for this sensor? thank you !

[@konstantin-big]

If you can read 2-3 volt AC then it's not problem

[@robertvincent5678]

Love your videos man !!! Being a mechanic myself the only thing I seen that could be not right.... When you were showing continuity,, I'd you have a 18 gauge wire with say 41 strands of wire in it, if 40 of those wires are broke or curroded your multimeter will show continuity. But will not carry enough current to operate the sensor. Need to show testing the wire with a couple Amp test light, depending on the circuit. Should make a video about load testing wires 👌

[@brianmenendez]

I replaced my 2003 sprinter cam position sensor, works better than ever, I had crank but no start issues when the van was hot. $20 part with only 2 bolts.

[@jordandeford1653]

i found this video by accident however it is useful for ppl who dont know what they are doing or are doing general repairs on sensors. great explanation.

[@MenacingRabbit]

I like your mc patch.

[@mx1616]

This video is more helpful than I can say. I'm currently having a crank-no-start issue and by George i cannot figure it out. Time to do these tests. I've got the 3-wire - mitsu evo 7. Thanks RAW. God bless you.

[@KhalidMehmood-qh7no]

Man i became auto mechanic watching your videos. You are the BOSS. Stay blessed.

[@jamesnededog5934]

Thank you.. You are a true subject matter expert. No guessing on a three wire.. Simple test.. wire, crank, scan the multimeter for a voltage signal.. Thank you.. Thank. Made it simple.. Have a great day..

[@john-martin]

Straight to the point and simply put. Thanks

[@ederlindorfe65]

Thank you for your quick and precise videos, you have helped me in many issues.

[@CENTAUR559]

I was told that my CPS is possibly failing.. But here is my sittuation. There is no check engine light and the car starts fine but has rough idling in the heat or after the 1st trip? So if you drive in the morning to get gas there is no issues, but after you start up your car again (2nd trip) it starts idling low or bad. I have an AC adapter that reads voltage and at stops/red lights it drops below 12v.

[@Kwilson3828]

RW....you mentioned testing the crank shaft position sensor and that one of the two connections should show ground. My 2015 Hyundai genesis Coupe 3.8 liter 2 pin connection for the crank position sensor has 2.17 volts at both female connections. Is it possible that newer models cars would be this way?? Thanks for the great videos!

[@everardocamacho5063]

Great video my friend, well explained, but you did not showed the wiring hook up on the bench testing? Can you explain us please, thank you cheers from Ontario ca, take care you and the family

[@glasser2819]

you are amazing at explaining complex German automotive techs

[@crustysailor8570]

So the second sensor he tests, when he puts the paperclips on it are we assuming he plugs the sensor back into the car but doesn’t connect the pins to the wiring harnesses since he has them hooked up to his tester unit? Or does he hook it up to both his tester unit and the cars wiring harness?

[@codycastro8083]

Bro straight up thank you so much. You literally explain it super easy.

[@lordmcted]

the picture quality on this video is excellent

[@tazaxx21]

Great description on how to test the CPS.. thanks!

[@neilwilliams5814]

2006 Impala LT 3.9. The sensor that is on my car is plastic( the part that goes into the hole on the engine).This is like the first one you showed on your video. It also has a small rubber grommet. When I put the sensor in the hole and tighten it, it's still a little wabbly. Will that affect it's performance? Awesome video. Thanks so much.

[@4pitts1burgh28]

Great video man. Way to explain the volt meter function. What if your engine is running fine then shuts off. After about 5 minutes it fires back up with no issues. But will repeat. I've already replaced the ignition module to no effect. This is a 2.5L Ford 4 cylinder

[@tonydavila2606]

4PITTS1BURGH2 plugged catalytic converter.

[@4pitts1burgh28]

@@tonydavila2606 you're the 1st to say that. Thanks i'l look into that. So if i turn it off right after I'm done and try to turn it back on it won't start until i let it cool down.

[@tonydavila2606]

4PITTS1BURGH2 yeah if it’s clogged and restricts the air flow it will choke the engine and when you turn it off it’ll slowly leak out then it’ll run again until it chokes the engine. Basically like trying to run with your nose plugged. Let me know what you find!

[@mrbrownkayumangi]

Hi, I have a 1996 lexus ls400 crank but not start, does my car have crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensor or just one?

[@MrCudaguy71]

Thank you for the very detailed step by step explanation

[@MrDalegray]

Thank you so much for making this video. My 2004 Dodge Durango 5.7 Hemi died on me and now it barely runs and smokes really bad . Hoping this sensor is the problem. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

[@jorgevasquez-lz4be]

you videos are the top of the line!!!!!!!!!!you are a amazing teacher!!!!!!!!!!!

[@briankhargrove]

Great video. I've been trying to fix my Tahoe that has p0336 error code and have watch all you videos to try to help. I've replaced the sensor, wiring, control module for coil, and the coil and still can't get any spark. Something odd is going on because I have power to all different components but its like the sensor is not able to read the signal when the metal cog/notch rotates past inside the timing cover.

[@alabasterfantasia1762]

If you change these sensors, do you have to do a re-learn procedure on the car? I have a 2008 Saturn Vue (3.6L). If you do have to re-learn, can it be done by a DIYer? Or is it something that a dealer needs to do with specialized equipment?

[@supertramp6011]

Great video. Is this similar for testing throttle position sensors,or the potentiometer (?) at the gas pedal?

[@qrs3658]

This is a very good video. very simplified. now i have a question. how can you tell which color wire is the 12v wire if you have the harness out of the car.

[@markrundel972]

I have a 96 Nissan Pathfinder four-wheel drive I called the transmission and transfer case doesn't realize that. Cam sensor was connected to the bellhousing hold it down now I'm not sure which wire goes where does it matter on a two-prong cam sensor wire

[@dvcavall]

Helpful video, but what if you have both codes, which happened to my sons 2003 Mitsubishi evo. I have heard that a bad alternator diode, or even a weak battery could be the cause?

[@cespaillat11]

Hello. Thanks for the informative video. I'm getting zero value during idle and if I rev up then I get negative values from my intake camshaft position sensor. Is this normal? Exhaust camshaft sensor always have a positive value. BMW 535i XD. Thank you.

[@richardsilva5134]

If I am not understanding correctly please let me know but I believe the testing that you are trying to achieve is testing the input voltage make sure the ground is good and then also the signal. But is there a way I can test the sensor by itself is there a resistance test I can do on it perhaps test on one of the terminals can I jump the terminals and should it read anything with the connector unplugged?

[@micahpowers1586]

Did you ground the connection wire as well for the test?

[@Supremfreak4Djl]

I have an 03 ram 1500 that would run fine for about 20 minutes and start to spit and sputter with NO CODES. I had a hell of time with crank shaft sensor. Swapped out both cam and crank and everything seems fine.. I used this video for a reference for my issues. Idk why dodge makes it so hard to find out what's wrong. Thanks for the help

[@sureshparekh6847]

You are the best.. I replace timing belt and car wouldn't start.. By mistake, I had pinch the crank position sensor wire.. as per your testing technical help me to check my CPS.. thanks

[@jmb-bj9gs]

Thanks friend for all your videos and help. I have a 2000olds intrigue. And i might have to replace crank sensor . But i also need to do a relearn . What kind of scan tool can i use that can program relearns? Any suggestions as far as brand or type ? Thanks

[@jaimesantiago1751]

Hi.Do I need the cars gear for the test or can I use any piece of metal?I will truly appreciate if you answer.THANKS

[@markjamison9771]

Excellent video clear and concise explanation that the layman can understand, well done

[@iskandarakhtar4510]

Good video...im testing my crankshaft sensor with 3 wire follow yr guide in rhis video...no reading at all...cant find voltage ,ground & signal wire...this mean my sensor not function?replace new one?

[@rubbermallet3873]

👌you as a teacher is incredibly easy to learn your methods; thanks 😁👍

[@Chris-kj9ou]

Master tech here, great info and how-to for anyone to understand, he is a good technician.

[@micthegreasemonkey2918]

he is so easy to understand the way he explain things u just get it !

[@boscoseitzer7193]

Yes very informative video, I am replacing a sensor I bought today but now I will test both the ones in my porsche first

[@Davpana]

Very difficult to understand for a non english man due to the fast speech..in any way this is the better video i have encountered for this purpose, thanks a lot.

[@chriscusick6890]

You seem to be doing pretty good writing english.

[@HandyTim]

You always explain in Great detail thanks for your hard work

[@frundlemud]

Clear and made simple ta.

[@AmanLalria]

Great video. I find that alot of problems can be made easier with a good diagnosis method, like yours :)

[@tankweathers]

Thanks for the information in this video and others. A lot of mechanics won't tell you this stuff so you'll have to go to them for overpriced repairs. Thanks again and keep up the great work.

[@DM-rp7ps]

Sometimes repairs are expensive, not always intentionally overpriced. It costs a LOT in overhead to hang a shingle out and open a legit business. I can't ask a guy to give up his day to fix my stuff for the same price I could and make no money to pay the light bill, taxes and tool truck bill plus house and feed their family on short days when they get home by dinner. They won't be around long. There are scalpers out there and I have no defense or respect for them. Cheers!

[@корокоро-ч8щ]

Good lesson. So do u know how to check also ECU with Multimeter?

[@ericjs961]

Hey there.. great video. My car has issues starting when the engine is cold. Take several (LOTS) tries and it will finally start. Once it warms up, no more starting issues. 1993 Volvo 240 Wagon

[@Joe_334]

Eric J Simmons how long has it been since you changed your battery of your vehicle? I just changed my battery because it needed to be charged a bit before starting up. It would click instead of starting up.

[@hellhellya1]

Hardy Joe it clicked because you had a bad terminal connection

[@hellhellya1]

Check your coil packs

[@curtcharlson5838]

Its a volvo

[@stanknudson2683]

the best i have seen, and i been working on cars most of my life,thank you

[@rudysison9010]

When you test the 2 wire camshaft sensor, do you have both points connected? When ran the cam pulley to get the readings.

[@williamgrissom9022]

To add a bit, if you have an older engine (say 1995 to 2010) with a coil-pack instead of an individual coil for each cylinder, then likely 2 cylinders share a coil. That is the "wasted spark" system where the spark plug fires on both the compression and exhaust stroke. If such wasted-spark, then the ignition system (spark) doesn't use the camshaft signal. The camshaft signal is only used to synch the fuel injectors to the intake valve openings, for lower emissions around idle. Of course such synching doesn't help at higher throttle since the injectors are spraying much longer and while the intake valve is closed. In such engines, the camshaft signal shouldn't be required for the engine to run well (just not optimal idle emissions), but that doesn't mean it will. I think some do and some don't. My 1996 2.4L & 2002 3.8L Chrysler engines die if I unplug the camshaft sensor, even though they have coil-packs and wasted-spark ignitions. Perhaps the designers were just being mean. Chrysler crank & cam sensor are 3-wire (Hall-effect) type, but powered by 8 VDC from the PCM.

[@outbackenduro7418]

Really Helpful Thank You

[@mrcheek_183]

Great expansion on the subject I am now much wiser on this matter Thank You

[@Lis2875]

Hey Bro Thanks for video, I have 2000 Pontiac Firebird 3.8L, my car suddenly stop crank and start, nut before that my transmission stop shifting from second gear to third.. Do you know what can be wrong? My starter is good, battery good, engine not locked?? Any idea? Thanks.

[@abisoyeoladimeji3194]

Short and straight to the point. Great video. Thank you.

[@josephanderson2193]

Hello Man, I Thank You So Much For tHis Video.. I Have A 1999 Mitsubishi Mirage DE.. 1.5lt and Automatic transmission.. I recently pull out a code PO340 meaning Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit MalFunctioning.. And Due To My Car Make , Camshaft Sensor Is Found In Distributor ( If I Am Right).. I have replaced distributor 3 times already but code still pops up with check engine light on.. Now I want to check for voltage and any kind of corroded wires.. I don’t Know Which Wire Is Camshaft Sensor Wire From Distributor.. Can you help me locate these wires.. Thanks and cheers

[@nedcramdon1306]

On the 3 wire test, shouldn't the meter be set on AC? Just asking because I have little experience.

[@mark6020cc]

Thanks for the lesson I learned something new

[@1983bigfrank]

Hi I have a question I have a 3-prong terminal and my constant wire when is connected to the negative cable I don't get any reading but when I connect it to the positive cable it gives me a -12.6 volts this makes me indicate that this is my constant wire but why what day is not be reading the other way around I only ask because I have a error code for my cam shaft sensor does giving me a hard start would this be a problem with the connector if it's not reading proper the way you showed in his video

[@tturcino]

Awesome video, watched til the end. A little slow and basic for my liking, but love your efforts explaining it correctly. I am curious to watch more of your vids.

[@Emvy11]

can you make a video showing how to set up the back probe ground for the 3 pin sensor?

[@kenstreet1769]

Thank you that was the best explanation I have seen. Thank you for the great video

[@nwtcarental5483]

Hello subscribed and thank you for all your useful info. I had a quick question, diagnostic tool keeps saying crankshaft position sensor needs to be changed, replaced it and still getting same error. I am getting crank and start but am not able to go above 3000rpm even if i floor it. Any solutions, thank you

[@ziaulhassan472]

dear sir your way of teaching is outstanding and thank you do much up loading videos best regards

[@danielokoth3970]

You are the special teacher, excellent. Countinue to give us I dear.

[@watchmanonthewallcouk6498]

Good job Sir .. your a blessing to us DIYers

[@jmb-bj9gs]

Hi i gotta guick question . Im having a hard time trying to reinstall the new crankshaft sensor. The old one came out without much struggle but the new one is stubborn as hell !! Same dimensions , everything correct part etc . Just need a quick tip or some help . Wen i put the old one in it was in summer , and it popped right in . Could cold weather affect certain procedures like this ?

[@preetdhillon764]

Excellent video by tony as ever

[@davidessien5465]

I got a Toyota Camry 1999 model with a confirmed P0340 and a pending P0116, P0773 code. The symptoms the customer told me were: engine stalling while on motion and during that time the car just wouldn't start because the engine was very hot but when the waited for an hour or more the car later started. What I noticed was that the car revv high intermittently on it's own but will return to normal idle again about 5 second again, and the exhaust tailpipe was really darkened when I put my hand. Because it was raining heavily I was unable to check anything further. Plugs, fuel pump and a relay( the don't know where the relay was removed though) was replaced by another engineer but the problem still persist. Please how do I fix this problem? Will replacement of part like camshaft position sensor fix this problem?

[@Flophousemaster]

Nice job explaining the differing voltages from the 2 wire sensor. This is what I needed to troubleshoot a problem with a new cam shaft sensor that appears to be faulty. I am at my wits end in getting this car figured out. As we know it is not always good to buy cheap parts which was the case on this car. I bought the cheapest cam position sensor sold on ebay so after a no voltage test as you outlined in this video I returned it and ordered the next more expensive one from a different manufacturer. All a person can do is get money back for the bad part. It does not cover the agony of going to the next hours trying to troubleshoot the next potential problem that might cause the car not to start. On a 97 MB E320 this could be a number of items which all relate to no injector pulse or a no start condition. THe question arises what sensor triggers spark and which one triggers injector pulse. Is it the crankshaft sensor or the camshaft sensor. Guess I will wait till the new sensor arrives to be sure. Next if this does not work I go to retest the crankshaft sensor which is also new and a bugger to get out. I have spark cause it runs if I put gas down the air inlet port to the engine. Have you run across a situation like this one? Thanks again for sharing your expertise. J

[@jimjones395]

If I could have understood anything you said that may have been a helpful video

[@mansplaining066]

What if I have continuity on both wires on the harness?

[@dannytha4105]

Hey RNW, I got 2010 toyota rav4 2.5 l. I parked the car in driveway in the evening and in the morning it cranked but no start. I tested all 4 spark plugs but there was no spark all of them. Then I replaced crank position sensor, but still no spark. So what is your suggestion for to do next?

[@kentjohansson1981]

Hello! Thanks for your great vids! I have an Audi 1,8T -99. My crankshaft sensor is an 3-wire type magnetic. Can i fault measure with ohm on that and how should i do then? What shall it show? If i have left, middle and right. Shall i measure on left and right and get an value for ohm then? There shall not be an O.L? I have just got the sensor loose from the crankshaft and from the connector contact, and it would be nice if i can measure on spot without take the cable install. away from engine.

[@kentjohansson1981]

I found out that pin 1 is - / ground. So between pin 2-3 i have 900 ohms. But is resistance measuring to be trusted? Can the crankshaft sensor be broken anyway? And to be sure i have to do the voltage test?

[@glorianica428]

Mate, your instructional videos are the best, among the other, thank you for your time, could you tell me, where is the crankshaft position sensor on a Camry 04 Japan made ( 4 cilenders) & if a bad starter/alternator can turn, the check engine light, thank you again, by the way car don't crank anymore, there is power,but no start.

[@crislopezlll5094]

Dude you are awesome. Just had say. I agree you're gift is in teaching.

[@romiehall8061]

Your the best u put this out so good love it every much am all the way out in Jamaica thanks for your help a lot

[@davidlyall4769]

Again another video to help me with my issue

[@MuhammadAshraf-tg6uh]

Thanks for good video. Sensor is OK as you told but car still take long self to start. Before car was OK,, just for nothing I opened the Cam sensor to make it clean because large mud of power steering oil was on it. But now car takes a long self to start before it was having nothing problem

[@1GEP]

I have a 2007 Cadillac sts 3.6 L replaced crank shaft sensor Car runs momentarily but don't stay running . Also replaced all cam sensors. I also get the scanner reading PO368