Even though the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor is located behind the timing belt cover on the 1997–2001 Toyota Camry with a 2.2L engine, it can be easily tested with a multimeter and you don't have to remove it to test it.
In this tutorial, I'll explain how to test it step-by-step. You'll quickly and easily find out if it's good or bad.
Contents of this tutorial:
APPLIES TO: This tutorial applies to the following vehicles:
- 2.2L Toyota Camry: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001.
Ignition System Tests:
- How To Test The Ignition Coils (1997-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry).
- How To Test The Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor (1997-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry).
Wiring Diagrams:
- Ignition System Circuit Wiring Diagram (1997 2.2L Toyota Camry).
- Ignition System Circuit Wiring Diagram (1998-1999 2.2L Toyota Camry).
- Ignition System Circuit Wiring Diagram (2000-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry).
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Basics
In the 1997–2000 2.2L Toyota Camry, the Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor is a magnetic reluctance sensor, also known as a variable reluctance sensor.
The sensor is located near the crankshaft timing gear (behind the timing cover), where it monitors the reluctor teeth that are integrated into the crankshaft timing gear itself. This gear also drives the engine's timing belt.
As the crankshaft timing gear rotates, the sensor detects the passing reluctor teeth and generates an alternating current (AC) signal. This signal is sent to the fuel injection computer, which uses it to control ignition timing and fuel injection, ensuring the engine starts and runs smoothly.
Unlike Hall-effect sensors, which require an external power source and produce a digital square wave signal, reluctance sensors are self-generating and produce an AC voltage (sine wave) signal. The frequency and amplitude of this signal vary with engine speed.
Symptoms Of A Bad CKP Sensor
A bad crankshaft position (CKP) sensor on your 1997–2000 2.2L Toyota Camry is gonna cause several noticeable symptoms due to its critical role in monitoring the crankshaft's position and speed.
The most common symptom is:
- Engine no-start: The engine cranks but fails to start when the CKP sensor has completely failed and no longer produces a signal.
Other common symptoms of a failing CKP sensor include:
- Check engine light: In most cases, a CKP sensor issue will trigger the check engine light, indicating a CKP sensor diagnostic trouble code (DTC) has been set.
- Engine stalling: If the CKP sensor fails intermittently, it can cause a loss of signal, leading to sudden engine stalling while driving or idling.
- Engine misfires or rough idle: Faulty readings from the CKP sensor can disrupt ignition timing, resulting in engine misfires and a rough-running engine.
Keep in mind, these symptoms can also be caused by other issues. That's why testing the CKP sensor's resistance and output to confirm its condition before replacing it is a smart way to save both time and money.
Where To Buy The CKP Sensor And Save
The following links will help you comparison shop for the CKP sensor of two well-known automotive brands (Standard Motor Products and Walker Products):
NOTE: Not sure if the CKP sensor fits your particular 2.2L Toyota Camry? Don't worry. Once you get to the site, they'll ask you for the specifics of your vehicle. If it doesn't fit, they'll find you the right one.
TEST 1: Measuring The Resistance Of The CKP Sensor
As the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor on your 1997-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry ages, it can suffer an internal short-circuit or open-circuit problem.
We can easily test for this by measuring the CKP sensor's internal resistance with a multimeter to see if it falls within the manufacturer's specified range.
The CKP sensor should have a resistance within the following range:
- Cold: 985 to 1600 Ohms.
- Hot: 1,265 to 1890 Ohms.
NOTE: If you don't have a multimeter, check this one out (it's the one I use): Tekpower TP8268 AC/DC Auto/Manual Range Digital Multimeter with NCV Feature (at: amazon.com).
Let's get testing:
- 1
Disconnect the CKP sensor from its engine wiring harness connector.
LOCATION: The CKP sensor's connector is located below the alternator and above the AC compressor. The arrow in image 2 of 2 (in the image viewer above) points to the CKP sensor connector. - 2
Set your multimeter to Ohms mode.
- 3
Probe the resistance across the male spade terminals with the multimeter test leads.
- 4
The multimeter should register an Ohms value in the indicated range.
Cold: 985 to 1600 Ohms.
Hot: 1,265 to 1890 Ohms.
Let's interpret your test result:
CASE 1: The multimeter registered the indicated Ohms value. This is the correct and expected test result.
Your next step is to test the CKP sensor in action. Go to TEST 2: Testing The CKP Sensor With The Engine Cranking.
CASE 2: The multimeter registered no continuity (infinite resistance). This tells you that the CKP sensor is bad and needs to be replaced.
CASE 3: The multimeter registered 0 resistance. This indicates the CKP sensor has suffered a short-circuit problem. It needs to be replaced.
TEST 2: Testing The CKP Sensor With The Engine Cranking
The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor generates an AC voltage signal when the engine is running.
We can easily check this AC voltage signal while cranking the engine using a multimeter set to Volts AC mode.
This is what we can expect from this test:
- Healthy CKP sensor: Your multimeter will show an AC voltage reading of around 0.4–1.2 Volts as the engine cranks.
- Faulty CKP sensor: Your multimeter will show zero AC Volts while cranking.
IMPORTANT: The CKP sensor connector is located in a tight and hard-to-reach spot, near the drive belt(s). To safely connect your multimeter test leads to the sensor's terminals, you'll need to use jumper wires with insulated alligator clips. This setup ensures you can read the AC voltage output while cranking the engine safely. You can see an example of this type of jumper wire (and you can buy them too) here: 10 Pc. And 5 Color Insulated Alligator Clips (at: amazon.com).
NOTE: For the most accurate test results, ensure your Toyota Camry's battery is fully charged before performing this test.
These are the test steps:
- 1
Disconnect the ignition coils from their electrical connectors.
NOTE: This is a safety precaution to keep the engine from starting during the CKP sensor test. - 2
Disconnect the CKP sensor from its electrical connector.
LOCATION: The CKP sensor's connector is located below the alternator and above the AC compressor. - 3
Place your multimeter in Volts AC mode.
- 4
Connect your multimeter test leads to the male spade terminals of the CKP sensor's connector.
NOTE: Connect your multimeter test leads to the sensor's terminals with jumper wires with insulated alligator clips. This setup ensures you can read the AC voltage output while cranking the engine safely.
IMPORTANT: You're probing the male spade terminals of the CKP sensor itself and not the female terminals of the engine wiring harness connector. - 5
Have a helper crank the engine as you observe the multimeter. CAUTION: Be careful and stay alert as the engine is cranking.
- 6
The multimeter should report an AC voltage that will oscillate somewhere around 0.4 to 1.2 Volts AC.
CASE 1: The multimeter reported the indicated AC voltage. This test result confirms that the CKP sensor is functioning correctly.
CASE 2: The multimeter reported 0 AC voltage. This test result confirms that the CKP sensor is bad and needs replacement.
More 2.2L Toyota Camry Tutorials
You can find a complete list of 2.2L Toyota Camry tutorials in this index:
Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:
- How To Test For A Blown Head Gasket (1990-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry, Celica).
- How To Test Engine Compression (1990-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry, Celica).
- How To Test The Fuel Pump (1996-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry).
- How To Test The TPS With A Multimeter (1997-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry).
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