Most car owners are unaware that their vehicle has a crankshaft sensor or of what it does. However, it is an important vehicle component that may require attention in your car. In this post, we provide a definition of a crankshaft sensor and describe some of the symptoms that alert you to its failure. Contact us at Hansma Automotive if you have any problems with your vehicle.
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What is a Crankshaft Sensor?
A crankshaft sensor's essential role is to monitor the speed of rotation of your vehicle's crankshaft. This information is sent to your vehicle's computer so that it can make any necessary adjustments. This component is found in almost all modern vehicles, and like any vehicle part, it carries the risk of malfunction over time. Listed below are some clues that your crankshaft sensor may be malfunctioning.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light can be somewhat of a "catch-all" that covers many vehicle problems. If your check engine light is on, take your care to a professional and ask them to run diagnostics. It may be that your crankshaft sensor is not working properly or has failed entirely.
Misfiring Cylinders
If your crankshaft sensor is not working at peak performance, fuel flow to the engine may be disrupted due to the computer being misinformed. This can cause poor spark plug timing which, in turn, means that your cylinders will misfire.
Acceleration Hesitation
A similar symptom to the misfiring cylinders, acceleration hesitation may be the result of a malfunctioning crankshaft sensor. If there is a poor response when you depress the accelerator, have a professional auto technician run diagnostics.
Poor Gas Mileage
If you notice an increase in your vehicle's gas consumption, the crankshaft sensor may be the culprit. If incorrect timing information is being transmitted to the computer, the engine may use more gasoline to operate.
Vehicle is Difficult to Start
There are many reasons a vehicle might not start. Some are listed here in our post entitled "Car Won't Start - How to Get it Running Again." A malfunctioning crankshaft sensor may mean that your vehicle is not getting the fuel it needs in order to start and run.
Engine Vibrations
Contrary to the Beach Boys song, vibrations are not necessarily good! If you detect increased vibration from the engine compartment, it could be the result of a poorly performing crankshaft sensor. Take your vehicle to a recommended auto repair facility and have it examined.
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Bring your vehicle to Hansma Automotive, where we care about you and your car. We truly believe in honesty, reliability, and exceptional service, and our customers agree. Hansma has been in operation since 1987 and we are proud to have established a trustworthy reputation with our clients. Most repairs will take a few hours or less. You will find us located at 88 Shoemaker Street in Kitchener, Ontario. Contact us today and enjoy the Hansma experience.
Sources:
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Crankshaft Position Sensor
Bad Crankshaft Position Sensor Symptoms