Canyon 4WD L5-3.5L VIN 6 (2004)
Crankshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation
CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR
The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor is a permanent magnet generator known as a variable reluctance sensor. The CKP sensor produces an AC voltage
of varying amplitude and frequency. The frequency depends on the velocity of the crankshaft. The AC output depends on the CKP and the battery
voltage. The CKP sensor works in conjunction with a 58-tooth reluctor wheel attached to the crankshaft. As each reluctor wheel tooth rotates past the
CKP sensor, the resulting change in the magnetic field creates an ON/OFF pulse 58 times per crankshaft revolution. The powertrain control module
(PCM) processes the pulses to create a pattern that enables the PCM to determine the CKP. The PCM can synchronize the ignition timing, the fuel
injector timing, and the spark knock control based on the CKP sensor and the camshaft position (CMP) sensor inputs. The CKP sensor is also used to
detect misfire and for tachometer display. The PCM learns the variations between all 58 teeth under different speed and load conditions to correctly
detect misfires. The CKP sensor circuits consist of a signal circuit and a low reference circuit. The 2 wires are twisted together to prevent
electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the CKP sensor circuits.
