Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor: A Guide for 2002-2016 Honda Civic Owners
Fix stalling, no-start conditions, and check engine lights by understanding and choosing the right crankshaft sensor for your Civic.
- A bad crankshaft sensor is a common cause of no-start, stalling, and rough running issues in 2002-2016 Civics.
- Diagnostic trouble codes P0335 and P0339 are strong indicators of a failing crankshaft position sensor.
- For best results, choose an aftermarket brand that is an OEM supplier for Honda, such as Denso or Hitachi.
- On 2001-2005 models, the sensor may be behind the timing cover, making replacement significantly more difficult and expensive.
Is Your Civic Stalling or Not Starting? It Could Be the Crankshaft Sensor.
A failing crankshaft position sensor is a common issue that can cause major headaches for Honda Civic owners. When this small but vital sensor starts to go bad, it can leave you stranded. The symptoms often start small, like a rough idle or occasional hesitation, but can quickly lead to your car not starting at all. 🎬 Watch: Common symptoms of a failing crankshaft position sensor Recognizing the signs early can save you from a tow truck and a much bigger repair bill.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor: Brand Quality Matters
When it comes to electronic sensors for a Honda, not all aftermarket brands are created equal. The Civic's computer (ECM) can be sensitive to the electronic signals from these sensors. Using a low-quality part can lead to persistent problems, even after the replacement. Owner experiences and mechanic recommendations strongly suggest sticking with brands that are known Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) for Honda.
Pro Tip: For critical sensors like the crankshaft position sensor, it is highly recommended to use an OEM-supplier brand like Denso or Hitachi. These parts are often identical to the genuine Honda part but without the dealership markup. While budget brands are available, they have a higher risk of premature failure or causing intermittent issues that are difficult to diagnose.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers for Honda Civic
- Top Tier (OEM Supplier): Denso, Hitachi, NGK (NTK). These brands manufacture parts for Honda directly. Choosing one of these is the safest bet for reliability and compatibility.
- Reputable Aftermarket: Delphi, Beck Arnley, Standard Motor Products (Ignition), Walker Products. These are well-regarded brands in the aftermarket industry that produce reliable parts.
- Economy Tier: Dorman, and various other budget-friendly brands. While tempting due to their low price, these sensors are more likely to fail early or not communicate properly with the Civic's computer. Use with caution.
Expected Replacement Costs
The cost to replace a crankshaft position sensor can vary. The part itself is relatively inexpensive, but labor costs can differ depending on the specific year of your Civic and the shop's hourly rate.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Part | $21 - $142 |
| New OEM Part | $86 - $234 |
| Shop Labor | $128 - $188 |
| Total Professional Replacement | $214 - $363 |
Note on 2001-2005 Models: For some 7th generation Civics (2001-2005), the sensor is located behind the timing belt cover. This makes the replacement much more labor-intensive and costly, as the timing belt components must be removed to access it. RepairPal estimates show a significantly higher cost for these years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the crankshaft position sensor located on a 2002-2016 Civic?
The location varies by generation. For many 8th (2006-2011) and 9th (2012-2015) generation Civics, it's located on the lower part of the engine block, near the crankshaft pulley and oil pan. For 7th generation models (2002-2005), it is often located behind the lower timing belt cover, near the crankshaft pulley. Always verify the location for your specific engine before beginning work.
What is a "crank relearn" procedure and is it necessary?
After replacing the crankshaft sensor, some Honda vehicles require a "crank pattern relearn" procedure. This allows the engine computer to learn the signal from the new sensor. While a manual procedure exists for some models, it may be necessary to have a shop perform the relearn with a diagnostic scan tool 🎬 Watch: How to perform a crank relearn procedure if you experience rough running or a check engine light after replacement.
Can I just clean my old sensor instead of replacing it?
While cleaning dirt or oil from the sensor tip might provide a temporary fix if the sensor is merely dirty, it usually won't solve an internal electronic failure. Given the critical function of the part and the relatively low cost of a new one, replacement is the recommended and reliable solution.
What are the most common mistakes when ordering this part?
The biggest mistake is not verifying the correct part number for your Civic's specific year and engine type (e.g., 1.7L, 1.8L, 2.0L Si, Hybrid). Part numbers change between generations and even submodels. Another common mistake is confusing the crankshaft position sensor with the camshaft position sensor; they can look similar but are in different locations and perform different functions.
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Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 37500-PLC-015 (2002-2005 1.7L models) 37500-RAA-A01 (2006-2011 non-Si models) 37500-PNB-003 (2002-2011 Si & Hybrid models) 37500-R60-U01 (2012-2015 1.8L models) 37500-R40-A01 (2012-2015 2.4L Si models)
The sensor is typically a Hall-effect type sensor held in place by a single 10mm bolt, with a 3-pin electrical connector. Its primary function is to read the teeth on a reluctor wheel on the crankshaft to determine engine speed and position.
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.
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