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In this article, we will discuss how to start a car with a bad crankshaft sensor and provide tips for diagnosing and fixing the issue. We will also cover the signs of a bad crankshaft sensor and the importance of regular maintenance to prevent issues with this vital component.
The engine management system relies heavily on a crankshaft sensor, which is responsible for measuring the crankshaft’s position and rotational speed.
The engine control unit (ECU) uses the information provided by the sensor to decide when to ignite the spark plugs and inject fuel into the engine.
As a result, a crankshaft sensor that is defective or damaged can result in a variety of issues when starting and operating the vehicle.
Table of Contents
Starting a Car with a Bad Crankshaft Sensor
A bad crankshaft sensor can make it difficult to start your car or cause it not to start at all.
However, there are a few techniques you can use to start a car with a bad crankshaft sensor. In this step, we will discuss some of these techniques.
Checking the Sensor
One way to diagnose the crankshaft sensor is to perform a visual inspection of the sensor and its wiring.
This may involve inspecting the sensor for physical damage or wear, checking the wiring for signs of corrosion or damage, and ensuring the connections are clean and tight.
Tapping the Crankshaft Sensor:
Another way to start a car with a bad crankshaft sensor is to tap on the sensor. This can sometimes help to get the sensor to start working again.
The crankshaft sensor is located near the bottom of the engine and can be accessed by removing the cover under the engine. Tap the sensor gently with a wrench or a screwdriver handle.
Then, try starting the car. If the car starts, it may run rough for a few seconds before smoothing out.
Using Starting Fluid:
Another technique to start a car with a bad crankshaft sensor is to use starting fluid. Starting fluid is a highly flammable liquid that is sprayed into the engine’s air intake system.
This causes the engine to turn over and start. To use starting fluid, remove the air filter cover and spray a small amount of starting fluid into the air intake.
Then, try starting the car. If the car starts, let it run for a few minutes before replacing the air filter cover.
This is How to start a car with a bad crankshaft sensor.
Check the Battery Connections or Starter:
A bad battery or starter can also cause problems with starting your car. If the car battery is weak then it could pass less current to all electrical equipment.
Which maybe a cause that the Crankshaft sensor is getting less current which in result does not perform well.Before attempting any of the above techniques, make sure your battery is in good working condition.
If your battery is dead or weak, try jumpstarting the car or replacing the battery.
When a car fails to start, the battery is often the first place to look for problems. A weak or dead battery can cause a range of issues with starting and running the car, including difficulty starting, slow cranking, and stalling.
A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts, while a reading below 12 volts indicates a weak or discharged battery.
If the battery is weak or discharged, it may need to be charged or replaced. To charge the battery, use a battery charger designed for the type of battery in your car.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the charger to avoid damaging the battery or the car’s electrical system. If the battery cannot be charged or is too old, it may need to be replaced.
Before replacing the battery, it’s important to check the battery connections to ensure they are clean and tight. A loose or corroded connection can cause issues with starting and running the car.
To check the connections, first, remove the negative cable from the battery. Then, inspect the terminals for signs of corrosion or damage.
If there is corrosion, use a wire brush to clean the terminals and apply a corrosion inhibitor to prevent further corrosion.
Next, check the cable ends for damage or wear. If the cable ends are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
Once the terminals and cable ends are clean and in good condition, reconnect the negative cable to the battery and tighten the terminals securely.
It’s also important to check the other end of the battery cables, where they connect to the car’s electrical system. These connections should also be clean and tight to ensure proper operation.
If the connections are loose or corroded, they may need to be cleaned or tightened.
In addition to checking the battery and its connections, it’s also important to check the battery’s health on a regular basis.
This can be done using a battery load tester, which measures the battery’s ability to hold a charge under load.
A healthy battery should be able to maintain a voltage of around 10.5 volts or higher under load.
Regular maintenance of the battery and its connections can help prevent issues with starting and running the car.
This includes keeping the terminals and cable ends clean and free of corrosion, ensuring the battery is fully charged, and having the battery and its connections inspected by a qualified mechanic on a regular basis.
In conclusion, checking the battery and its connections is an important step in diagnosing issues with starting and running a car. A weak or dead battery, or loose or corroded connections, can cause a range of problems.
By following the steps outlined in this section, you can ensure the battery and its connections are functioning properly and help prevent further issues with the car’s electrical system.
Below are further way to know How to start a car with a bad crankshaft sensor.
Scanning Tool to Diagnose the Crankshaft Sensor:
You can try use a scanning tool to diagnose and reset the crankshaft sensor. To figure out what’s wrong, connect the scanning tool to the car diagnostic port and follow the screen’s instructions.
If it finds a problem with the crankshaft sensor, You might be able to reset it or the tool will give you more information that will help you fix the issue.
If you have checked the battery and connections and the car still won’t start, the next step is to diagnose the crankshaft sensor using a scan tool.
A scan tool is a device that connects to the car’s onboard computer and retrieves diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the car’s systems, including the engine, transmission, and emissions.
To diagnose the crankshaft sensor, you will need a scan tool that can read engine-related DTCs.
The tool connects to the car’s onboard computer through the OBD-II port, which is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
Once connected, the tool will retrieve any stored DTCs related to the engine or other systems.
If the crankshaft sensor is malfunctioning, the scan tool will likely retrieve a DTC related to the sensor.
The most common DTC related to the crankshaft sensor is P0335, which indicates a malfunction in the sensor circuit.
Other related DTCs may include P0336, P0337, or P0338, which indicate issues with the sensor’s performance or signal.
Once the scan tool retrieves the DTC related to the crankshaft sensor, it’s important to diagnose the issue further to determine the root cause of the problem.
This may involve performing additional tests or inspections to determine if the sensor itself is faulty or if there is an issue with the wiring or other components related to the sensor.
Testing sensor from Multimeter:
Another way to diagnose the crankshaft sensor is to perform a resistance test using a multimeter. This test measures the resistance of the sensor’s circuit and can help determine if there is an issue with the sensor or its wiring.
To perform this test, disconnect the sensor’s electrical connector and use the multimeter to measure the resistance across the sensor’s pins.
Compare the reading to the manufacturer’s specifications to determine if the sensor is functioning properly.
If the sensor is found to be faulty, it will need to be replaced. This may involve removing other components, such as the timing belt or cover, to access the sensor.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing the sensor to avoid damaging other components or the engine itself.
In some cases, the issue may not be with the crankshaft sensor itself, but with other components related to the sensor, such as the camshaft sensor or the engine control module (ECM).
These components may also need to be inspected and diagnosed using a scan tool or other diagnostic equipment.
In conclusion, using a scan tool to diagnose the crankshaft sensor is an important step in resolving issues with starting and running a car.
By retrieving DTCs related to the sensor and performing additional tests and inspections, you can determine the root cause of the problem and take the necessary steps to repair or replace the faulty components.
Regular maintenance and inspection of the car’s systems can also help prevent issues with the crankshaft sensor and other components related to the engine.
Jumpstarting the Car:
One of the easiest ways to start a car with a bad crankshaft sensor is to jumpstart the car.
To jumpstart the car, you will need another car with a good battery and jumper cables. Connect the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery to the positive terminal of the good battery, and the negative (-) terminal of the good battery to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery.
Start the car with the good battery and let it run for a few minutes. Then, try starting the car with the bad crankshaft sensor. If the car starts, leave both cars running for a few minutes before disconnecting the jumper cables.
This way of starting the car is temporary, So you should get your car checked as soon as you can from your nearest Mechanic to Diagnose the real issue.
Use a Proxy Sensor:
If your car’s crankshaft sensor is bad, and you are unable to replace it immediately, you may be able to use a proxy sensor as a temporary solution.
A proxy sensor is a device that can mimic the signal sent by the crankshaft sensor and trick the car’s computer into starting the engine.
In this step, we will discuss how to use a proxy sensor to start a car with a bad crankshaft sensor.
Before using a proxy sensor, it’s important to note that this is not a permanent solution, and the faulty crankshaft sensor will still need to be replaced eventually.
Additionally, using a proxy sensor may not work in all cases, and it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging the car’s systems.
To use a proxy sensor, you will need to locate the camshaft position sensor and disconnect it. The camshaft position sensor is located near the crankshaft sensor and sends a signal to the car’s computer about the position of the camshaft.
By disconnecting the camshaft position sensor, the car’s computer will be unable to detect the faulty signal from the crankshaft sensor and may use the signal from the proxy sensor instead.
Next, you will need to install the proxy sensor in place of the camshaft position sensor. The proxy sensor may come with instructions on how to install it, or you may need to consult a mechanic or other professional for assistance.
It’s important to ensure that the proxy sensor is installed correctly and securely to avoid damaging the car’s systems or causing a safety hazard.
Once the proxy sensor is installed, you can attempt to start the car. If the car starts successfully, it may run differently than usual, and you may experience issues with the car’s performance or fuel efficiency.
Additionally, using a proxy sensor may cause other issues with the car’s systems, such as emissions or transmission issues.
It’s important to note that using a proxy sensor is not a permanent solution and should only be used as a last resort.
Additionally, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and ensure that the proxy sensor is installed correctly and securely.
Using a proxy sensor incorrectly or installing it incorrectly can cause further damage to the car’s systems or pose a safety hazard.
In conclusion, using a proxy sensor can be a temporary solution for starting a car with a bad crankshaft sensor.
By disconnecting the camshaft position sensor and installing the proxy sensor in its place, you may be able to trick the car’s computer into starting the engine.
However, using a proxy sensor should only be used as a last resort, as it is not a permanent solution and may cause issues with the car’s systems.
Additionally, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and ensure that the proxy sensor is installed correctly and securely to avoid causing further damage or posing a safety hazard.
Conclusion: This is not a recommended method but this is a possible way to start your car temporarily
Call for Professional Help:
If none of the above methods work, it may be time to call for professional help. A qualified mechanic or technician will be able to diagnose the problem with the crankshaft sensor and provide the necessary repairs to get your car running again.
When calling for professional help, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable and experienced mechanic or technician.
Look for reviews and recommendations from other car owners or online sources to find a reliable mechanic in your area.
When you bring your car to the mechanic, they will use diagnostic tools to identify the problem with the crankshaft sensor.
They may also check other components of the engine to ensure that there are no underlying issues causing the problem.
Depending on the severity of the problem, the mechanic may be able to repair the crankshaft sensor or may need to replace it entirely.
They will also be able to test the car to ensure that it is running smoothly and that there are no other issues that need to be addressed.
It’s important to note that bringing your car to a professional mechanic can be more expensive than attempting to fix the problem yourself.
However, attempting to fix the problem without the necessary expertise can cause further damage to the car’s systems and may end up costing more in the long run.
Additionally, having a professional mechanic repair or replace the crankshaft sensor can give you peace of mind knowing that the problem has been properly diagnosed and resolved.
This can also help to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.
In conclusion, if none of the above methods work, it’s important to call for professional help to diagnose and repair the problem with the crankshaft sensor.
Choosing a reputable and experienced mechanic or technician can help to ensure that the problem is properly diagnosed and resolved, giving you peace of mind and ensuring the safety of yourself and others on the road.
While it may be more expensive than attempting to fix the problem yourself, it can save you money in the long run by avoiding further damage to the car’s systems.
Symptoms and reasons of a Bad crankshaft sensor
Below we will discuss the possible reasons of a bad Crankshaft sensor
The crankshaft sensor is located near the bottom of the engine block and is often exposed to heat, oil, and debris. Over time, the sensor can become damaged or fail outright, leading to a variety of problems.
Some of the most common signs of a bad crankshaft sensor include difficulty starting the engine, misfiring, and stalling.
Difficulty in starting :
Difficulty starting the engine is often the first sign of a bad crankshaft sensor. The engine may crank over but fail to start, or it may start and then stall immediately.
In some cases, the engine may start but run poorly, with rough idle or hesitation.
If you experience any of these issues, it’s important to get the problem diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine.
Engine Misfiring :
Misfiring is another common symptom of a bad crankshaft sensor. This occurs when the ECU receives incorrect information from the sensor and misfires the spark plugs at the wrong time.
Misfiring can cause a rough idle, reduced power, and increased fuel consumption. It can also cause damage to the catalytic converter, which can be expensive to replace.
Stalling :
Stalling is a more severe symptom of a bad crankshaft sensor. If the sensor fails while the engine is running, the ECU may not be able to determine the correct position of the crankshaft and may shut down the engine.
This can be dangerous, especially if it occurs while driving at high speeds.
If you are experiencing any of these signs of a bad crankshaft sensor, it’s important to get the problem diagnosed by a qualified mechanic.
The mechanic will use a diagnostic scanner to read the codes stored in the ECU and determine the cause of the issue.
They may also perform a visual inspection of the sensor and its wiring to check for damage.
In some cases, the sensor may need to be replaced. This involves removing the old sensor and installing a new one in its place.
It’s important to use a high-quality replacement sensor to ensure proper operation and prevent further issues.
Regular maintenance is also key to preventing issues with the crankshaft sensor and other critical components of the engine management system.
This includes changing the oil and filter on a regular basis, checking the sensor’s wiring for damage or wear, and having the engine inspected by a qualified mechanic on a regular basis.
In conclusion, a bad crankshaft sensor can cause a wide range of problems with starting and running a car.
If you experience any of the signs of a bad sensor, it’s important to get the problem diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine.
Regular maintenance is key to preventing issues with the sensor and other critical components, so be sure to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic on a regular basis.
Preventing Future Issues with the Crankshaft Sensor
Once you have resolved the issue with the bad crankshaft sensor and have your car running smoothly again, it’s important to take steps to prevent future issues from occurring.
Here are some tips to keep your crankshaft sensor in good condition and prevent future problems:
Regular Maintenance:
It’s important to keep up with regular maintenance on your car, including oil changes and tune-ups.
This will help to keep all components of the engine in good condition, including the crankshaft sensor.
Check Engine Light:
If your check engine light comes on, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible.
Ignoring the check engine light can lead to further damage to the engine and can cause more expensive repairs down the road.
Avoid Rough Driving:
Avoid rough driving, such as hard acceleration and sudden braking, as this can cause damage to the engine and the crankshaft sensor.
Keep the Engine Clean:
A dirty engine can cause problems with the crankshaft sensor and other engine components.
It’s important to keep the engine clean to prevent dirt and debris from causing damage.
Use High-Quality Parts:
When replacing parts in your car, it’s important to use high-quality parts that are recommended by the manufacturer.
Using low-quality parts can cause damage to the engine and the crankshaft sensor.
Be Mindful of Extreme Temperatures:
Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can cause problems with the engine and the crankshaft sensor.
Be mindful of the temperature outside and take steps to protect your car from extreme temperatures.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent future issues with the crankshaft sensor and keep your car running smoothly for years to come.
Regular maintenance and addressing issues as soon as they arise can help to prevent more expensive repairs down the road.
Additionally, taking care of your car’s engine can help to improve its overall performance and fuel efficiency.
This can save you money on gas and make your car more enjoyable to drive.
In conclusion, preventing future issues with the crankshaft sensor is important to keep your car running smoothly and prevent more expensive repairs down the road.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your crankshaft sensor and other engine components in good condition, improve your car’s performance, and save money on gas.
