A crankcase position sensor communicates with the engine's electrical control module about the revolutions per minute of the engine and where the crank assembly is positioned.
The crankshaft position sensor is part of the engine called the distributorless ignition system. Lacking a distributor, this system functions with a coil pack with module, a knock sensor, a cam sensor and the crankshaft position sensor. This entire system is directly linked to the engine's computer for constant monitoring.
The timing of the engine is deciphered off of the positioning of the engine crank as communicated by the crankcase position sensor. Without these signals, the vehicle would crank upon ignition but will not actually turn on.
To diagnose any crankshaft position sensor problems, plug into the on board computer of the vehicle, and scan the sensor codes. Though sensors can go bad, it is possible that an electrical wiring harness could be causing problems.
