How to Change the Crankshaft Position Sensor in a Honda Civic
by Leonardo R. Grabkowski
The crankshaft position sensor (also known as the crankshaft speed sensor) monitors engine RPM and assists the crankshaft to maintain proper timing and engine valve clearance. A faulty crankshaft position sensor can degrade idle quality, performance and engine efficiency; possibly causing damage to your internal engine components.
Step 1
Park the vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake. Disconnect the negative battery cable for safety.
Step 2
Lift the vehicle using the floor jack. Locate the front jacking plate underneath the front of the vehicle, slightly to the right of the center. The plate is marked by an arrow. Place the jack stands on each side of the front, about 6 inches behind the front wheels. The side mounting parts are marked by an indentation along the bottom of the vehicle. Follow the same procedure to lift the rear.
Step 3
Use the socket wrench to remove the engine brush cover under the front of the engine. Remove the drive belt to make changing the sensor easier (optional).
Step 4
Remove the lower timing belt cover and the crankshaft pulley to access the crankshaft position sensor.
Step 5
Disconnect the electrical modules from the crankshaft position sensor, located next to the alternator. Take off the bolts with the socket wrench and remove the sensor.
Step 6
Place the new crankshaft position sensor in the exact location as the old one. Remount the bolts and connect the electrical modules. Reattach the crankshaft pulley and the lower timing belt cover. Put the drive belt back on if you removed it. Reattach the engine brush guard.
Step 7
Use the jack to lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands; starting with the rear. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
References
Things You'll Need
- Pliers
- Floor jack
- (4) jack stands
- Socket wrench set
- Replacement crankshaft position sensor
Warnings
- Do not attempt to lift the vehicle from the side jacking points; the entire front and rear must be lifted at the same time to properly secure the vehicle.
Writer Bio
Leonardo R. Grabkowski has been writing professionally for more than four years. Grabkowski attended college in Oregon. He builds websites on the side and has a slight obsession with Drupal, Joomla and Wordpress.
