In this tutorial I'll explain how to test the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor on your 1997-1998 1.5L Mazda Protege.
You'll be able to easily find out if the CKP sensor is bad and causing a trouble code P0335 in two simple tests.
Contents of this tutorial:
You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Cómo Probar El Sensor De La Posición Del Cigüeñal (1996-1998 1.5L Mazda Protege) (at: autotecnico-online.com).
APPLIES TO: This crankshaft position (CKP) sensor diagnostic tutorial applies to the following vehicles:
- 1997, 1998 1.5L Mazda Protege.
RELATED WIRING DIAGRAMS:
CKP Sensor Circuit Descriptions
As you're probably already aware, the CKP sensor on your Mazda has 3 wires coming out of its connector.
These are their circuit descriptions:
| CKP Sensor Connector Pin Out | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pin | Wire Color | Description |
| A | Red (RED) | CKP Signal |
| B | Green (GRN) | CKP Signal |
| C | Black (BLK) | Ground |
The following CKP sensor wiring diagram may come in handy:
TEST 1: Measuring The CKP Sensor's Resistance
To test the CKP sensor, we're gonna' measure its internal resistance with a multimeter.
If the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor is OK, then it should have a resistance of 500 to 600 Ohms.
If the CKP sensor is bad, then its internal resistance will be anything but 500 to 600 Ohms.
If you don't have a multimeter, check out my recommendations here: Buying A Digital Multimeter For Automotive Diagnostic Testing (at: easyautodiagnostics.com).
NOTE: You'll be probing the front of the CKP sensor connector's female terminals. Be careful to avoid damaging them with the multimeter test leads!
OK, let's get testing:
- 1
Disconnect the CKP sensor from its electrical connector.
The CKP sensor's connector is on the front-top side of the engine. Above the water pump pulley and in front of the valve cover. - 2
Place your multimeter in Ohms mode.
- 3
Connect the red multimeter test lead to the terminal labeled with the letter A.
Terminal A connects to the blue (BLU) wire of the CKP sensor connector. - 4
Connect the black multimeter test lead to the terminal labeled with the letter B.
Terminal B connects to the green (GRN) wire of the CKP sensor connector. - 5
Your multimeter should register 500-600 Ohms.
Let's examine your test result:
CASE 1: The multimeter registered the indicated resistance value. This is the correct test result and it tells you that your Mazda's crankshaft position (CKP) sensor is OK.
If a trouble code P0335 is lighting up the check engine light, then there's still one more test to do. Go to: TEST 2: Checking The CKP Sensor's Air Gap.
CASE 2: The multimeter DID NOT register the indicated resistance value. This test result lets you know that the CKP sensor is bad and needs to be replaced.
After replacing the CKP sensor (but before cranking the engine), make sure that the air gap (between it and the crankshaft pulley tooth), is between 0.5-1.5 mm (0.020-0.059 in).
For more details on this procedure, see: TEST 2: Checking The CKP Sensor's Air Gap.