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the sounds of mechanical issues

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the sounds of mechanical issues

Do you think that there is something mechanically wrong with your car, truck or SUV? If so, your vehicle may be giving you some tips about what is wrong with it. If you learn the sounds that vehicles make when certain things are going bad, you can quickly get the repairs made and no longer worry about getting stranded along the road in the middle of rush hour. This blog is all about the signs of mechanical problems with vehicles. You will learn what sounds to listen for and what you can do when you notice any of them coming from your vehicle.

Speed Fluctuations? Could Be The Crankshaft Position Sensor

10 March 2016
 Categories: , Blog

You expect to have complete control over your vehicle, but this control relies on the proper functionality of several compartments like the crankshaft position sensor. In the following guide you will learn more about the crankshaft position sensor and why it might be the cause of your unexplainable speed fluctuations. You'll also learn how to replace the faulty crankshaft sensor if you need to.

Warning Signs Of A Bad Crankshaft Position Sensor

This sensor helps your vehicle's computer monitor things like the engine valves or the speed of your crankshaft rotation. But this sensor can fail, which could result in your car's computer receiving bad information, which could be the root of your unexplainable speed fluctuations. 

The following are other symptoms that you might notice:

  • Your check engine light switches on
  • It is possible that you may start having trouble starting your car because the sensor is not transmitting information quickly enough for the ignition process to complete
  • The combustion in the engine might be out of whack, causing you to experience backfires or the car may stall
  • Your engine might begin to vibrate violently
  • The idling speed might become erratic

You need to talk to your auto care specialist as soon as you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, as he or she can help confirm your suspicions. 

How To Replace Your Bad Crankshaft Position Sensor

Make sure you have the following so that you can properly change your crankshaft position sensor:

  • A new and matching crankshaft position sensor that you can purchase in your auto parts store
  • Your socket and wrench set
  • A clean rag
  • Your owner's manual or repair guide
  • Safety glasses and gloves

You just have to follow the steps below to replace your sensor.

  1. Park your vehicle in a safe and leveled location.
  2. Let the car cool down if you used it because the engine might still be hot.
  3. Put on your gloves and glasses for your protection.
  4. Pop the hood, and disconnect the red or negative cable from your battery for your protection.
  5. Look for your crankshaft position sensor, which will look small and is usually attached to 3 wires. You can use your owner's manual or repair guide to help you find it. 
  6. Remove the 3 wires from the crankshaft position sensor. Pay attention to the order of the wires so that you can reattach them correctly to the new sensor.
  7. Use your socket and wrench set to remove the bolts that are holding the sensor in place.
  8. Remove the old sensor, and replace it with the new one. You might have to replace the o-ring with a new one as well. The o-ring usually comes with your replacement sensor.
  9. Attach the wires to the new sensor, and bolt it in place. 
  10. You can reattach the negative cable to your battery, and see if your car's problem has been resolved.

For more information, contact Yearwood Performance Center or a similar location.