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The crankshaft position sensor is an electronic component designed to fine-tune the timing of a vehicles engine. The sensor works with the vehicles on-board computer to ensure the vehicle runs at optimal performance.

Purpose

The crankshaft position sensor monitors the position and speed of the crankshaft to control the ignition system timing. The component aids in variable valve timing by monitoring the movement between the vehicles pistons, valves and the engine, noting the engines revolutions per minute.

Function

Made from magnets and an inductive coil, the crank position sensor is positioned next to the crankshaft. The crankshaft has several pins spaced an equal distance apart which is read and calculated by the magnets within the sensor as the crankshaft spins.

Location

These sensors are located in the lower front of the engine block either directly next to the crankshaft, within the main crank pulley or the flywheel. The crankshaft position sensor can be identified as a long, thin, black cord.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a coupe that Mitsubishi Motors has produced since 1990 in the United States. The 2000 model is a third-generation Eclipse, which includes the 2000 through 2005 models. The 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse is available with either a four-cylinder 2.4-liter engine or a six-cylinder 3.0-liter engine. The procedure for replacing the crankshaft pulley in a 2000 Eclipse varies slightly, depending on the engine size.

Instructions

1

Remove the negative battery cable with a socket wrench to keep the engine from starting during the crankshaft pulley replacement.

2

Turn the belt tensioner counterclockwise to relieve the tension on the accessory drive belts. Remove the drive belts from around the crankshaft pulley.

3

Raise the vehicle, and support it on jack stands. Disconnect the right front wheel with a lug wrench to access the crankshaft pulley. Remove the splash shield from the right front fender with a socket wrench.

4

Remove the bolts that attach the crankshaft pulley to the crankshaft sprocket with a socket wrench, if your vehicle has a 2.4-liter engine. Disconnect the center retaining bolt from the crankshaft pulley, if your vehicle has a 3.0-liter engine. Attach a suitable puller to the crankshaft pulley, and remove it from the crankshaft.

5

Align the key way on the new crankshaft pulley with the key on the crankshaft, and mount the pulley to the crankshaft.

6

Fasten the crankshaft pulley to the crankshaft sprocket with the retaining bolts, if your vehicle has a 2.4-liter engine. Fasten the center mounting bolt to the crankshaft pulley, if your vehicle has a 3.0-liter engine.

7

Tighten the retaining bolts to 18 foot-pounds with a torque wrench for a 2.4-liter engine. Tighten the center mounting bolt to between 108 and 116 foot-pounds for a 3.0-liter engine.

8

Connect the splash shield to the right front fender with a socket wrench, and install the wheel with a lug wrench. Lower the vehicle, and mount the accessory drive belts. Adjust the tension on the drive belts by turning the tensioner clockwise. Attach the negative battery cable.

The crankshaft position sensor is used in engine ignition systems without electronic distributors. Crankshaft position sensors come in two varieties -- Hall effect and magnetic.

How It Works

The sensor sends a signal to the powertrain control module, which tells the PCM the position of the number one cylinder and crankshaft. The PCM uses the signal from the crank position sensor to calibrate ignition timing and operate the fuel injectors. The sensor indicates how fast the engine is running, and the PCM adjusts ignition timing accordingly.

Failure

The vehicles engine will not work without the signal from the sensor. Sometimes the engine will crank after sensor failure but the engine wont start.

Causes of Failure

Problems with the sensor wiring harness are the most common reason for sensor failure. Hall effect sensors can suffer a loss of supply voltage, which also leads to timing signal loss.