You can easily and quickly test the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor on your 1.5L Toyota Tercel with a multimeter.
In this tutorial, I'll explain how to do it in a step-by-step manner. With your test results you'll quickly determine if the CKP is good or bad.
Contents of this tutorial:
This tutorial applies to the following vehicles:
- 1.5L Toyota Tercel: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998.
WIRING DIAGRAMS:
- Igniter Wiring Diagram 1995-1996 1.5L Toyota Tercel.
- Ignition System Wiring Diagram (1997-1998 1.5L Toyota Tercel).
Symptoms Of A Bad CKP Sensor
The CKP sensor will usually fail in one of two ways. It'll suffer a complete failure or an intermittent failure.
When the CKP sensor suffers a complete failure, your Toyota Tercel will not start (like ever again until the CKP sensor is replaced).
When the CKP sensor fails intermittently, the engine will start and run most of the time, but every now and then it won't.
Generally, when the crankshaft position sensor fails, your Toyota Tercel's fuel injection computer will set one of the following CKP diagnostic trouble codes:
- P0335: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Circuit Failure.
- P1335: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Circuit Failure With The Engine Running.
If your Toyota Tercel is experiencing an intermittent no-start problem, you'll need to test the CKP sensor when the engine is not starting. Otherwise, the CKP sensor will always test good.
Where To Buy A CKP Sensor And Save
The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor can be an expensive component. Still, it's important that you avoid buying a knock-off sensor. Here are my recommendations of known automotive brands:
TEST 1: Checking CKP Sensor Resistance With A Multimeter
The CKP sensor is a magnetic pulse generator type of sensor. This means that it's a two-wire sensor and can be tested in one of two ways:
- A multimeter resistance test.
- A multimeter output test (with the multimeter in Volts AC mode).
In this test section, we'll test the internal resistance of the CKP sensor (to see if it is or is not within specification).
The CKP sensor's resistance specification is:
- 0.985K to 1.6K Ohms (with a cold engine).
- 1.265K to 1.89K Ohms (with a hot engine).
Let's get started:
- 1
Disconnect the CKP sensor from its electrical connector.
LOCATION: The CKP sensor's connector is located on the right side of the intake manifold (near fuel injector #1). - 2
Place your multimeter in Ohms mode.
- 3
With your multimeter test leads, probe the male spade terminals of the CKP sensor's connector.
NOTE: You're probing the male spade terminals of the CKP sensor connector and NOT the female terminals of the engine wiring harness connector. - 4
You should see a resistance of:.
1.) 985 to 1,600 Ohms (with a cold engine).
2.)1.265K to 1.890K Ohms (with a hot engine).
Let's analyze your test result:
CASE 1: The CKP sensor's resistance is within specification. This test result confirms that the CKP sensor is functioning correctly.
Although not necessary, you can further confirm the CKP sensor is good by performing TEST 2. Go to: TEST 2: Testing The CKP Sensor's Output With A Multimeter.
CASE 2: The CKP sensor's resistance IS NOT within specification. This test result confirms that the crankshaft position sensor is bad and needs replacement.
Although not necessary, you can further confirm the CKP sensor is bad by performing TEST 2. Go to: TEST 2: Testing The CKP Sensor's Output With A Multimeter.
