RAM 3500 Truck 2WD V8-5.7L VIN D (2003)
Crankshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation
The Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor is mounted into the right rear side of the cylinder block. It is positioned and bolted into a machined hole.
Engine speed and crankshaft position are provided through the crankshaft position sensor. The sensor generates pulses that are the input sent to the
powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM interprets the sensor input to determine the crankshaft position. The PCM then uses this position, along
with other inputs, to determine injector sequence and ignition timing.
The sensor is a hall effect device combined with an internal magnet. It is also sensitive to steel within a certain distance from it.
Fig.7 CKP Sensor Operation And Notches - 5.7L V-8
On the 5.7L V-8 engine, a tonewheel is bolted to the engine crankshaft. This tonewheel has sets of notches at its outer edge.
The notches cause a pulse to be generated when they pass under the sensor. The pulses are the input to the PCM.
