Crankshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR
The CKP sensor is a permanent magnet generator known as a variable reluctance sensor. The CKP sensor produces an AC voltage of varying amplitude and frequency. The frequency depends on the velocity of the crankshaft. The AC output depends on the crankshaft position and the battery voltage. The CKP sensor works in conjunction with a 58-tooth reluctor wheel attached to the crankshaft. As each reluctor wheel tooth rotates past the CKP sensor, the resulting change in the magnetic field creates an ON/OFF pulse 58 times per crankshaft revolution. The ECM processes the pulses to determine the crankshaft position. The ECM can synchronize the ignition timing, the fuel injector timing, and the spark knock control based on the CKP sensor and the CMP sensor inputs. Using the CKP sensor signals in conjunction with the CMP sensor signals, the ECM determines the engine position with great accuracy. The CKP sensor is also used to detect misfire and for tachometer display. The ECM learns the variations between all 58 teeth under different speed and load conditions to correctly detect misfires. The CKP sensor circuits consist of a signal circuit, a low reference circuit, and a shielded ground circuit. Both CKP sensor circuits are protected from electromagnetic interference by the shielded ground circuit.

CRANKSHAFT RELUCTOR WHEEL
The crankshaft reluctor wheel is part of the crankshaft. The reluctor wheel consists of 58 teeth and a reference gap. Each tooth on the reluctor wheel is spaced 6 degrees apart with a 12-degree space for the reference gap. The pulse from the reference gap is known as the sync pulse. The sync pulse is used to synchronize the coil firing sequence with the crankshaft position, while the other teeth provide cylinder location during a revolution.