Town Car V8-4.6L VIN W (1997)
Crankshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation
Typical Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor
PURPOSE
The Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor is the primary sensor for ignition information to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
CONSTRUCTION
The CKP sensor is a variable reluctance sensor, which is triggered by a 36-minus-1 tooth trigger pulse wheel located inside the engine front cover.
OPERATION
The sine-wave type signal generated from the CKP sensor provides two types of information:
-
the position of the crankshaft in 10-degree increments.
-
crankshaft speed (rpm).
The PCM uses this information to determine ignition coil turn ON and turn OFF time and for misfire detection.
