Buy Nissan Sentra Engine Crankshaft Position Sensors

A Nissan Sentra crankshaft position sensor (often called a crank sensor, CKP sensor, crank angle sensor, or engine speed sensor) is a small electronic pickup that reads a toothed wheel on the crankshaft. It tells the engine computer the crank's speed and exact position so the car can time spark and fuel correctly. Without a clean CKP signal, the engine may not start or may run poorly. (Wikipedia, Haltech Support Center)

The CKP signal is a Òmust haveÓ for engine timing. The computer uses it to fire the ignition coils and to schedule fuel injection. If the signal is missing or wrong, you can get long cranks, misfires, stalls, or a no-start. On many cars, the computer also compares the crank sensor to the camshaft sensor to keep everything in sync. (Wikipedia, Haltech Support Center)

On many Sentra years, the crankshaft position sensor sits low on the engine, mounted to the oil pan area and aimed at the teeth of the signal plate (often at the flywheel/flexplate). It ÒlooksÓ at those teeth as they spin. Always check your exact year/engine in a factory service manual, because placement can vary a bit by generation. (nisentra.com, NICOclub)

Typical signs of a bad or failing CKP sensor (or its wiring) include: hard starting, engine stalling while driving, rough idle, poor power, and the Check Engine Light with codes like P0335. These symptoms happen because the computer loses the engine speed/position signal. (Edmunds)

Common CKP-related OBD-II codes on a Sentra include:
* P0335 - Crankshaft Position Sensor ÒAÓ Circuit Malfunction.
* P0336 - CKP ÒAÓ Circuit Range/Performance. (carparts.com)
* P0337 - CKP ÒAÓ Circuit Low Input. (OBD-Codes.com)
* P0338 - CKP ÒAÓ Circuit High Input. (OBD-Codes.com)
* P0339 - CKP ÒAÓ Circuit Intermittent (related definitions appear alongside the above CKP codes in many references).

Nissan issued safety recalls on certain early-2000s vehicles for stalling tied to the crank angle sensor signal and the engine computer's response. The remedy was ECM reprogramming. If you own an older Sentra, it's smart to run a VIN recall check.

* Scan for codes first. Note freeze-frame data. P0335 is the most common CKP code. (Edmunds)
* Visual check: inspect the sensor connector, locking tab, and wiring for rubbing, oil contamination, or corrosion near the oil pan/bellhousing area. (nisentra.com)
* Basic electrical check: ensure the circuit has power/ground and the harness isn't damaged. (Advanced users may view the CKP waveform with a scope.) (Wikipedia)
* If you replace the sensor, clear codes and verify the engine starts quickly and runs smoothly. A simple road test and rescanning is best practice. (YOUCANIC)

Replacing a crankshaft position sensor on most Sentra models is a straightforward job: disconnect the battery, unplug the sensor, remove the small mounting bolt, swap the sensor and O-ring, then reconnect and clear codes. Always follow the repair steps and torque guidance in the service manual for your exact year/engine. (, NICOclub)

If your Sentra has stalling, do two quick checks:

1. Scan for codes like P0335. (Edmunds)
2. Run your VIN through the official recall tools to see if any Nissan or NHTSA campaigns apply to your car. You can use NHTSA's recall lookup or Nissan's VIN tool. (NHTSA, Nissan USA)

When you're fixing a CKP issue, also look at: the camshaft position sensor (CMP), the signal plate/flywheel teeth, the harness and connector, and the engine control module (ECM) software status. These all affect the same timing system. For exact diagnostic trees and specs, refer to the factory service manual. (NICOclub)

* Nissan recall/VIN check (NHTSA): run a free search by VIN. (NHTSA)
* Nissan official VIN lookup: confirm brand-specific campaigns. (Nissan USA)
* Factory Service Manuals (FSM) access portal: model-specific repair procedures and specs. (NICOclub)
* CKP basics (how it works and why it matters). (Wikipedia, Haltech Support Center)
* Example Sentra CKP location description. (nisentra.com)
* Step-by-step CKP replacement walkthrough (Sentra example). (YOUCANIC)

All modern Nissan Sentra engines use a crankshaft position sensor. The exact sensor style and mounting point can vary by generation and engine (for example, many late-model Sentras mount it at the oil pan facing the signal plate/flywheel). Always match the sensor to your model year, engine code, and VIN, and follow the FSM for your car. (nisentra.com, NICOclub)

Crankshaft position sensor = CKP sensor = crank sensor = crank angle sensor = engine speed sensor. These terms often refer to the same part in repair info and scan-tool menus. (Wikipedia)

Q: What does the crankshaft position sensor do on a Nissan Sentra?
A: It tracks how fast the crank spins and where it is, so the computer can time spark and fuel. Without it, the engine may not start or will run poorly. (, Haltech Support Center)

Q: What are the most common codes for a bad Sentra crank sensor?
A: P0335 is most common. You may also see P0336, P0337, P0338, or P0339 depending on the fault. (Edmunds, carparts.com, OBD-Codes.com)

Q: Where is the crank sensor located on many Sentras?
A: On many models it's low on the engine, mounted at the oil pan area, aimed at the teeth on the signal plate/flywheel. Some years differ, so always check your specific FSM. (nisentra.com)

Q: My Sentra stalls and then restarts. Could this be the crank sensor?
A: It could be. Nissan has documented stalling related to the crank angle sensor signal and ECM logic on certain early-2000s vehicles; those were covered by recall ECM reprogramming. Scan for codes and check your VIN for any open recalls.

Q: Is the CKP sensor a regular maintenance item?
A: No. It's replaced only when it fails or the wiring is damaged. Follow the service manual for tests and specs before replacing. (NICOclub)

Q: Can I drive with a bad crankshaft sensor?
A: It's risky. The car can stall or not restart. Fix the issue as soon as possible, especially if you see related codes or have stalling. (Edmunds)

Q: Do I need to ÒrelearnÓ anything after replacing the sensor?
A: After replacement, clear codes and verify normal starts and idle. Many Sentras don't require a special relearn for the CKP itself, but always follow the FSM steps for your year. (NICOclub)

Q: What tools do I need to change it?
A: Basic hand tools usually do it: small socket for the hold-down bolt and a pick for the O-ring. Exact sizes and torque come from your service manual.

Q: Can wiring cause P0335 even if the sensor is new?
A: Yes. Damaged wires, loose pins, oil-soaked connectors, or a poor ground can set the same codes. Inspect the harness closely before and after replacement. (Edmunds)

Q: How can I be sure I have the right part?
A: Match by model year, engine code, and VIN. Check the connector shape and mounting tab. When in doubt, confirm with the FSM and wiring diagrams for your exact car. (NICOclub)

Q: How do I check for open recalls on my Sentra?
A: Use the official NHTSA recall lookup or Nissan's VIN tool and follow the instructions. Enter your 17-digit VIN to see open campaigns. (NHTSA, Nissan USA)

Q: What other parts can cause the same symptoms?
A: A failing camshaft sensor, damaged signal plate teeth, poor grounds, or ECM issues can mimic a bad CKP. Proper testing helps avoid guesswork. (Wikipedia)

Q: Where can I find the exact test specs and torque values?
A: In the factory service manual for your specific Sentra. It has the step-by-step tests, pinouts, and torque specs. (NICOclub)

Q: Is there a simple guide to see the job before I start?
A: Yes. You can review a clear, step-by-step Sentra CKP replacement walkthrough to get familiar with the process. (YOUCANIC)

If you'd like, tell me your Sentra's model year and engine size, and I can tailor exact steps and references for your car.