Crankshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

The crank angle sensor is located in the distributor and consists of the signal generator (pickup coil and magnet) and signal rotor. As the signal rotor turns, pulsing AC voltage is generated in the pick-up coil. This pulse signal (4 pulses per revolution) is sent to the ECM where it is used to calculate the engine speed, and as one of the signals to control various devices.