A Guide to the Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor for the 2002-2007 Nissan Altima
If your Altima is stalling or won't start, the crankshaft position sensor is a likely culprit.
- A failing crankshaft sensor is a very common issue for 2002-2007 Altimas, causing stalling and starting problems.
- There was a recall (07V527000) for this issue on 2.5L models; engine stalling is a serious safety concern.
- The most common trouble code is P0335.
- For best results, choose a high-quality aftermarket brand like Hitachi (OEM supplier), Denso, or Delphi.
Is Your 2002-2007 Altima Stalling? It Could Be the Crankshaft Sensor
Owners of the 2002-2007 Nissan Altima, especially those with the 2.5L engine, may experience a common and frustrating problem: the engine stalls unexpectedly or has trouble starting. A frequent cause for this is a failing engine crankshaft position sensor. This small electronic part plays a huge role in keeping your engine running smoothly.
Recall and Known Issues
Nissan issued a recall (NHTSA Campaign ID: 07V527000) for some 2002, 2005, and 2006 Altima models with the 2.5L engine. The original crankshaft position sensor could overheat, causing the engine to suddenly stall at low speeds. The official fix was to reprogram the vehicle's computer (ECM), but many owners find that replacing the faulty sensor is the ultimate solution. Even if your vehicle wasn't part of the recall, these sensors are a known failure point across this generation of Altimas.
Symptoms of a Failing Crankshaft Position Sensor
When this sensor starts to go bad, your car will let you know. Here are the most common signs:
🎬 Watch: 7 common symptoms of a bad crankshaft sensor- Check Engine Light: The most common sign is a check engine light with the code P0335. You might also see a related code, P0725.
- Engine Stalling: The engine may stall without warning, especially after it has warmed up or when driving at low speeds. This was the primary reason for the recall.
- Hard Starting: Your Altima may take longer than usual to start. You'll hear the engine cranking for several seconds before it finally turns over.
- No Start: In severe cases, the engine will crank but refuse to start at all.
- Rough Running: The engine may idle roughly, misfire, or vibrate because the computer can't properly time the spark and fuel.
- Poor Performance: You might notice a decrease in acceleration and worse gas mileage.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor: Brand Tiers
When it comes to electronic sensors for Nissan vehicles, quality matters a lot. While saving money is tempting, a cheap, low-quality sensor can fail quickly, leaving you with the same problem. For this specific part, it is highly recommended to use a trusted brand.
Pro Tip: The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for many Nissan sensors is Hitachi. Choosing a Hitachi sensor is the closest you can get to buying the part from a Nissan dealer without the high price tag.
- Tier 1 (Highly Recommended): These brands are known OEM suppliers or have a strong reputation for quality and reliability that rivals original parts.
- Hitachi: Widely considered the OEM supplier for this part. The best choice for reliability.
- Denso: A major OEM supplier for many Japanese brands, known for excellent quality.
- Delphi: A trusted OEM supplier with a long history of making quality electronic components.
- NGK / NTK: Known for spark plugs, but their sensor line (NTK) is also well-regarded.
- Tier 2 (Good Value): These brands offer a good balance of price and quality. They are generally reliable for most drivers.
- Standard Motor Products (Standard Ignition): A long-standing brand with a decent reputation.
- Beck Arnley: Often re-packages parts from OEM suppliers, so you can sometimes get a high-quality part at a good price.
- Walker Products: A known name in engine management and emission components.
- Tier 3 (Budget Options): While very affordable, these brands can be a gamble. They may work fine, but they have a higher reported rate of defects and premature failure. Use with caution.
- Dorman, Global Parts, Prenco, True Tech, and other store brands.
How Much Does a Replacement Cost?
The cost depends on the brand you choose and whether you do the work yourself or hire a mechanic.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Sensor | $22.71 - $99.06 |
| New OEM (Dealer) Sensor | $110 - $160 |
| Shop Labor | $80 - $150 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the crankshaft position sensor located on the 2002-2007 Altima?
For the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, the sensor is on the back of the engine block, near the firewall, where the engine meets the transmission. For the 3.5L V6, it is in a similar area but accessed from underneath the vehicle.
Can I replace this sensor myself?
Yes, this is a DIY-friendly job for many people. For the 2.5L engine, you'll need to remove the air intake tube to get access. The sensor is held in by a single 10mm bolt. 🎬 See this step-by-step 2.5L sensor replacement walkthrough It's in a tight space, so patience is key. The V6 requires lifting the car safely.
What's the difference between the camshaft and crankshaft sensors?
They often look identical, but they are not interchangeable. The crankshaft sensor measures the rotation of the engine's crankshaft at the bottom of the engine, while the camshaft sensor measures the rotation of the camshaft(s) at the top. Both are needed for the engine to run correctly. The 2002-2007 Altima has issues with both sensors.
🎬 Watch: How to replace both cam and crank sensorsDo I need to reset the computer after replacing the sensor?
It is a good practice to clear the trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner after the replacement. This will turn off the check engine light and ensure the ECM properly recognizes the new sensor. If you don't have a scanner, disconnecting the battery for about 15 minutes will also reset the computer.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 23731-6N21A 23731-8J000 23731-8J006
For the 2.5L I4 engine, the sensor is located on the rear of the engine block. For the 3.5L V6, it is located between the engine and transmission, accessible from below. The sensor is secured by one 10mm bolt.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Nissan Altima:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your 2002-2007 Altima Stalling? It Could Be the Crankshaft Sensor
- Recall and Known Issues
- Symptoms of a Failing Crankshaft Position Sensor
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor: Brand Tiers
- How Much Does a Replacement Cost?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off