Teknikmobil.com – Damage to modern cars often presents its own complications for us, even for mechanics in workshops. Car sensors that are present in almost every new car production are one of the sources of this complexity. Not only safety issues such as the presence of wheel speed sensors related to the ABS brake system or traction control problems but also those related to the engine. One of the sensors a car has to control engine operation is the CKP sensor. Although the way the CKP sensor works only shows that it acts to see the position of the crankshaft and reports it to the car’s ECU , complicated problems can occur if it is damaged. There are clear signs of CKP sensor damage . The problem is, we are sometimes not sure whether the signs are from the CKP sensor or something else. So, you need a way to test the CKP sensor with the simplest tool, namely the AVO-Meter. Below we will discuss how to test the CKP sensor with AVO-Meter.
The following image is an example of a CKP sensor on a car and a chart of the parts inside the sensor.
Your CKP Sensor is Inductive or Hall Effect Type
Before we go to how to test a CKP sensor using an AVO-Meter, we will look at the types of CKP sensors. There are generally two types of CKP sensors in cars. The first type is an inductive CKP sensor and the second type is a CKP sensor with the Hall effect . The following are the differences in CKP sensor types that you need to know.
The inductive CKP sensor has the characteristics; the first has one or two wires, the holder is located in front of the rotor or reluctor, and the third produces an AC voltage signal.
Meanwhile, the Hall effect CKP sensor has the characteristics; has three or four cables, the holder is located in front of the rotor or reluctor, generates a digital signal (square wave), and requires an external electrical power source and grounding to produce a digital signal.
Troubleshooting CKP Sensors
Problems with CKP sensors are often found in trivial matters, namely loose connectors or broken cables. Therefore, before carrying out troubleshooting you should ensure that all connectors and CKP sensor cables are in good condition. However, first of course you have to know where the CKP sensor is.
The CKP sensor is located depending on the car make and model. However, in general you will find the CKP sensor in the following position.
- The CKP sensor is usually installed on the front engine cover or timing chains/belt cover, near the crankshaft pulley, or behind the harmonic balancer.
- The CKP sensor is also sometimes installed in the center of the cylinder block.
- Under the starter motor.
- Or located behind the engine, namely around the flywheel.
If you bought the car ‘correctly’, you will be able to check the position of these sensors with the help of the car’s manual.
Next we will check the cable and CKP sensor. As stated previously, damage to this sensor is often only due to problems with the connector and sensor circuit itself. Therefore, check the following things.
- Check for damage to the CKP sensor cables.
- Check the sensor cable for looseness.
- Check the tightness of the sensor mounting bolts.
- Check all sensor connectors.
- Check for physical damage to the sensor.
How to Test the CKP Sensor with AVO-Meter
How to test the CKP sensor below for induction and Hall effect sensor types. However, you need to ask your mechanic for the specifications and how to test your car’s sensors according to your car’s manual. This is because each manufacturer has different methods and specifications from each other.
How to Test an Induction Type CKP Sensor
- Disconnect the CKP sensor connector.
- Set the digital AVO-Meter to the DC voltage scale with the lowest value.
- Position the ignition key (KK) in the ON position, but not in the ‘starter’ position.
- The AVO black (-) probe is connected to ground; it could be the engine body or chassis.
- The AVO red (+) probe is connected to the cable removed from the CKP sensor. It should read 1.5 volts. If not, then you have to look for the cause of the problem where the value is not appearing.
- Next, set the AVO-Meter to the AC voltage scale with the lowest range.
- Connect the red probe (+) to the connector on the sensor.
- Remove the fuel pump relay or fuse first to prevent the car engine from starting. After that, ask someone to help you start the engine and you pay attention to the AVO-Meter reading. When the engine rotates, there should be a signal read on the AVO-Meter. If not, it is certain that damage has occurred to the CKP sensor and it needs to be replaced.
- Finally check the sensor circuit.
- Direct the AVO-Meter selector to the Ohm Meter position.
- Connect the black probe (-) to one of the pins on the CKP sensor and the (+) to one of the others. It doesn’t matter if it’s upside down.
- It should read a resistance of around 200 to 2000 ohms. If not, the sensor has a short circuit and must be replaced.
If you want to ensure the voltage values for both AC, DC, and sensor resistance then you must use the manual issued by the manufacturer. You can usually ask for this at official workshops and of course ask the mechanic there.
Do not test Resistance for Hall Effect type Sensors
How to Test a Hall Effect Type CKP Sensor
The best test of the Hall effect type CKP sensor is using an oscilloscope. Problems are rare and almost all car owners do not have this tool. However, we can still use the AVO-Meter to test the CKP sensor.
Even though we will not get the signal size and frequency as shown in the oscilloscope, we can still average the voltage signal coming from the sensor and then take action on these results.
- Remove the fuel pump fuse or relay to prevent the car engine from starting during the test.
- Disconnect the sensor connector.
- Set the AVO-Meter to DC Volt and take the 20 volt range.
- Connect the black probe (-) to the black cable on the connector.
- Connect the red probe (+) to the red wire on the connector – or another color wire that indicates it is a power wire.
- Position KK in the ON position.
- It should read 5 to 13 volts on the AVO-Meter depending on the vehicle model. Please adjust it according to the manual.
If a reading is found outside this value, please contact a mechanic for further inspection.
This method of testing sensors is temporary and only ensures that our suspicions about sensor damage are truly proven. Furthermore, if we have the ability to carry out repairs independently that is better but if not we can take this problem for repair to a repair shop that you may trust.