Silhouette V6-3.4L VIN E (1996)
Crankshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor 7X
The 7X crankshaft position sensor provides a signal used by the ignition control module to calculate ignition sequence. The ignition control module
also uses the crankshaft position sensor signals to initiate 3X reference pulses which the PCM uses as reference to calculate RPM and crankshaft
position.
The 7X crankshaft position sensor, a magnetic sensor, is bolted to the lower right side of the engine block. A 2-wire harness connector plugs into the
sensor, connecting it to the Ignition Control Module (ICM). The 7X crankshaft position sensor is separated by an air gap from a crankshaft reluctor
wheel. The crankshaft reluctor wheel, cast on the crankshaft, has seven machined windows. Six of the machined windows are spaced at regular 60
intervals around the reluctor's circumference. The seventh window is spaced 10 from one of the other windows. As the reluctor wheel rotates with the
crankshaft, the machined windows change the magnetic field generated by the 7X crankshaft position sensor. The changed magnetic field induces a
voltage signal. The ICM interprets the signal as an indication of crankshaft position. The ICM uses the seventh window as the sync signal. To fire the
correct ignition coil, the ICM must see the sync signal.
