The crankshaft is important to internal combust energy to convert linear motion to rotation motion. The crankshaft ensures the smooth drive of multi-cylinder engines.
To withstand wear and tear from the strain of rotation, the crankshaft is made of materials like titanium and nitride steel; and is mostly located at the front of the engine attached to the timing cover. Therefore, if the sensor goes bad, how long does it take to replace a crankshaft sensor?
To replace the crankshaft position sensor, a mechanic should not take more than two hours but if you are replacing it by yourself following a step by step rules in an instruction book, it might take 3 to 4 hours.
However, if as a result of corrosion, the damaged crankshaft position sensor is difficult to remove, it might take longer to replace, but ideally, this should not be more than a day.
What is a crankshaft sensor?
The crankshaft sensor is used to detect the RPM of the engine and also read the position of the crankshaft and piston. The crankshaft can be said to be one of the most important sensors in a combustion engine.
To find engine speed and manage ignition time, the crankshaft needs the crankshaft sensor. The sensor monitors the relationship between the valves in the engine and the pistons which is important to the engine especially the engines with variable valve timing.
The car engine will not and cannot run without a crankshaft position sensor and this is why it is a critical sensor to an internal combustion engine.
When there is an issue with the crankshaft position sensor, the engine can throw a code. The code DTC P0335 code is a diagnostic trouble code that a professional mechanic will have to check to determine what the code means exactly.
Is it Easy to Replace a Crankshaft Sensor?
It is not very easy to replacing a crankshaft position sensor. However, you need to have a good mechanical knowledge and tools to successfully replace the sensor because you also need to remove other engine components for access. Replacing a crankshaft sensor is not overly complicated, but it’s not a simple task either.
Should You Replace Your Crankshaft Sensor?
Yed, you should replace the crankshaft position sensor when it goes bad. When you have a problem with your crankshaft position sensor as a result of any of the facts listed below, you need to have it replaced/fixed.
- A faulty circuit can cause damage to the crankshaft sensor.
- Worn reluctor ring teeth that will send an unsteady signal.
- Debris formed from fillings and shaving of metal.
- Vibration and heat from the engine over time.
- A damaged timing belt.
- A damaged pin and wheel from the crankshaft
You should consider replacing your crankshaft position sensor if you experience symptoms such as engine misfires, rough idling, difficulty starting the engine, stalling, or a check engine light related to the sensor.
If the sensor goes bad, replacing it can restore the proper engine performance and prevent further issues.
Replacing or fixing the crankshaft sensor is the best thing to do. Also, since the crankshaft position sensor is an electronic part, you should be careful when replacing it. It is recommended to get the service of a certified mechanic or a reputable automobile workshop.
How Long Does it Take to Replace a Crankshaft Sensor?
Aside from times when the crankshaft position sensor can be difficult to remove as a result of corrosion, it generally doesn’t take long to replace the crankshaft position sensor.
If you engage a professional mechanic, it should be pretty easy to remove the damaged crankshaft position sensor and replace it with a new and good one, and should ideally not take more than 2hours.
However, if you are not a professional and doing it by following step-by-step instructions from a book, it could take you about 3 to 4 hours.
Can I Replace the Crankshaft Sensor Myself?
You can replace your crankshaft position sensor yourself if you know how to do the replacement. It’s not a crime for you to do it yourself.
However, this is not common because ideally, a professional mechanic should have it replaced so you do not end up damaging other parts of the engine/car. Also, the mechanic can check that the car is completely fine.
If you wish to replace the the sensor yourself, don’t forget to reset the reset the crankshaft position sensor afterwards. Its very important you do so to enable the car’s computer starts getting and using information from the new sensor.
If you fail to relearn the crankshaft position sensor after the replacement, the ECU will fail to get information from the new sensor. You may have to drive for some miles because this can happen. But it is recommended you do the reset after the installation.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Crankshaft Sensor?
It is not so expensive to replace a crankshaft position sensor. The part is usually between $81 to $103 and the labor cost is between $98 to $123.
Of course, this is an average cost and can vary from these figures depending on the type of parts you are getting and the professional mechanic or automobile workshop you are using to replace the sensor.
We can also peg the average total of both the crankshaft position sensor and the labor at $172 to $219.
Conclusion
You should have the crankshaft position sensor fixed immediately after you notice that the one in the car is damaged. This procedure either done by you or a certified mechanic of an automobile workshop should take less than 5 hours to fix.
It is also not so expensive to fix and with an average total cost of $172 to $219 covering the price of the part and the labor cost, it should not be difficult to go and have it fixed.