If your engine won’t start, runs rough, or keeps stalling without warning, the culprit might be smaller than you think. The crankshaft speed sensor plays a vital role in your car’s ability to run, and when it starts to fail, your engine performance can go downhill fast. Fortunately, with proper diagnostics, this problem is both identifiable and fixable.
At B & L Automotive, we’ve seen how a faulty crankshaft sensor can send drivers on a wild goose chase. Here's how we pinpoint the problem and what it takes to repair it.
Why Crankshaft Speed Sensors Matter So Much
The crankshaft sensor tracks how fast and in what position your engine’s crankshaft is spinning. This information is essential for the engine control unit (ECU) to properly time ignition and fuel injection. If the sensor’s data is off—or missing entirely—the ECU can’t do its job, and your engine either runs poorly or won’t run at all.
Even a slight delay or glitch in the sensor signal can cause major drivability issues, including hesitation, misfires, or complete engine shutdown.
How to Spot the Warning Signs
Crankshaft sensor issues don’t always present the same way every time. Sometimes, the symptoms are mild and easy to overlook. Other times, the car suddenly refuses to start without warning.
The most common signs include:
- Engine misfires, especially at idle or low RPMs
- Unexpected stalling while driving
- No-start condition, particularly when the engine is warm
- The check engine light coming on and off intermittently
These problems may seem unrelated, but when viewed together, they often point to the crankshaft sensor as a common source. If you're in Newport News, VA, and your car is acting up in this way, a diagnostic check is the best place to start.
Our Approach to Diagnosing the Problem
At B & L Automotive, we don’t guess—we test. Diagnosing a crankshaft sensor issue involves more than just scanning for a check engine light. First, we pull any fault codes from your vehicle’s computer to see if there's a stored code related to the crankshaft position. From there, we dive deeper.
We test the crankshaft sensor’s electrical signal using advanced diagnostic tools to see if it’s providing accurate, consistent feedback to the ECU. If the signal is erratic or missing, it’s a strong indicator that the sensor is failing. We also inspect the wiring harness and connector for corrosion, wear, or damage since electrical faults can mimic sensor problems.
In some cases, we compare crankshaft and camshaft signals to ensure they are properly synchronized. If these signals are out of sync, even a working sensor won’t be able to keep up with the demands of the engine.
Replacing the Sensor: What You Can Expect
Once we’ve confirmed the sensor is faulty, we move on to replacement. Depending on your vehicle, the crankshaft sensor might be easily accessible or tucked away behind other engine components. Either way, our team handles the job with precision, ensuring the new sensor is installed correctly and that all connections are clean and secure.
After installation, we clear any error codes, retest the system, and take the vehicle for a road test to ensure the issue is resolved. If needed, we’ll also reset any learned parameters in the ECU so your engine can adapt to the new part quickly.
The Risk of Delaying Repair
A failing crankshaft speed sensor won’t just make your car run poorly—it can make it unreliable and potentially unsafe. If the engine cuts out while driving, especially at intersections or during acceleration, you’re not just risking damage—you’re risking safety.
Continuing to drive with a faulty sensor also puts strain on other components, such as the ignition system and fuel injectors, as they try to compensate for inconsistent timing. That can lead to even more expensive repairs later on.
B & L Automotive – Trusted Diagnostics and Repairs in Newport News, VA
If your car is stalling, misfiring, or just acting off, let B & L Automotive in Newport News, VA, take a closer look. Our technicians are equipped with the tools and experience to quickly diagnose crankshaft sensor problems and provide reliable, lasting repairs.