A crankshaft position sensor tells the computer how fast the crankshaft is turning, and what position the No. 1 cylinder is during the four-stroke cycle. The crankshaft position sensor uses pickup coils, hall effect sensors or optical sensors to see the information, then sends it to the computer. Often, the crankshaft position sensor, depending on the year, make and model vehicle, works along with the camshaft position sensor to calculate misfire.
Open the hood of the vehicle.
Locate the crankshaft pulley on the front of the engine. The crankshaft pulley is usually the largest pulley at the bottom of the engine, depending on the year, make and model vehicle.
Look for a sensor that is directly behind the pulley. The sensor has an electrical wiring harness plug on it. The number of wires on the connector depends on the year, make and model of the vehicle. The type of pickup also depends on the year, make and model of the vehicle.
