27/4/2021 Crankshaft position sensor inductive, referenced, voltage during cranking

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How to perform the test

Example waveform

Waveform notes

Waveform Library

Further guidance

Diagnostic trouble codes

Suitable accessories

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Crankshaft position sensor inductive, referenced, voltage during

cranking
The purpose of this test is to evaluate a Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor’s inductive, referenced, output voltage during
engine cranking.

(/images/uploads/agt/_lrg/gt017-connection-drawing-01.png)

How to perform the test

View connection guidance notes (https://www.picoauto.com/library/automotive-guided-tests/connection-guidance).

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1. Use manufacturer's data to identify the CKP signal terminal.

2. Connect PicoScope Channel A.
3. Minimize the help page. You will see that PicoScope has displayed an example waveform and is preset to capture
your waveform.
4. Start the scope.
5. Crank the engine for around 3 seconds to capture your waveform.
6. PicoScope stops automatically.
7. Use the Waveform Buffer, Zoom and Measurements tools to examine your waveform.

Example waveform

(/images/uploads/agt/_lrg/gt017-example-waveform-01.png)

Waveform notes
This known good waveform has the following characteristics:

There is no excessive noise, nor any inconsistent breaks in the waveform.

At the start of cranking, there is an almost immediate response to crankshaft rotation.
As engine speed increases, amplitude and frequency increase until normal cranking speed is reached.
The waveform shows a cyclic variation in engine speed indicating the effect of the 4-stroke engine
cycle, compression strokes decrease the engine speed whereas expansion strokes increase the engine speed.
The oscillations are punctuated by a periodic gap caused by the timing reference mark, which indicates a xed
position within crankshaft rotation.

Waveform Library
Go to the drop-down menu bar at the lower left corner of the Waveform Library window and select Crankshaft sensor
(Inductive).

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(/images/uploads/agt/_lrg/gt017-waveform-library-examples-01.png)

Further guidance
A Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor provides an Engine Control Module (ECM) with its primary engine timing reference
signal. The ECM uses the signal to calculate the engine speed and position for accurate injection and ignition control. The
signal is also used to detect engine speed anomalies from mis res etc.

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An inductive CKP sensor consists of a circuit with a wire coiled around a magnet. The sensor is accompanied by a pulse
wheel, typically arranged about the ywheel circumference. The pulse wheel passes through and disturbs the sensor
magnetic eld inducing a circuit voltage. The induced voltage depends on engine speed: the faster the pulse wheel
rotates, the greater the magnetic eld disturbance.

When either the tooth or gap centres align with the sensor, there is an equal and opposite magnetic eld disturbance and
no voltage is induced. Conversely, as either a tooth leading or trailing edge aligns with the sensor, the magnetic eld
disturbance and induced voltage are greatest.

Positive voltage is produced when a tooth leading edge is closer than its trailing edge, and a negative voltage is produced
in the opposite case.

The missing tooth on the pulse wheel provides the main timing reference mark. As the gap passes through the magnetic
eld, there is a period of reduced disturbance and voltage. Furthermore, the trailing and leading edge of the teeth that
immediately precede and follow the gap are further apart, thus they produce a larger net magnetic eld disturbance and
induced voltage.

The CKP sensor signal is critical to ECM operation and it will not start or run an engine if the signal is missing or faulty.
Therefore, the sensor can cause engine cranking but not starting, or engine cutting out symptoms.

Possible faults are:

Short or open circuits and high resistance in the sensor coil or circuit.
Reduced sensor output due to excessive dirt and detritus on the sensor housing or pulse wheel.
Incorrect tment or operation of the sensor or crankshaft components, causing:
excessive gaps between the sensor and pulse wheel
damage to the sensor housing or pulse wheel
excessive crank or ywheel movement or vibration

A two pin CKP sensor and ECM circuit can be arranged in two ways, with either:

a constant reference, non- oating, voltage to one side of the sensor and the sensor output signal on the other; or
a oating voltage, with mirrored output signals on each side of the sensor.

Diagnostic trouble codes

Selection of component related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):

P0016

P0017

P0018

View more
GT017-EN

Disclaimer
This help topic is subject to changes without noti cation. The information within is carefully checked and considered to
be correct. This information is an example of our investigations and ndings and is not a de nitive procedure. Pico
Technology accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies. Each vehicle may be different and require unique test settings.

Suitable accessories

Premium 6-way breakout lead set

(https://www.picoauto.com/products/breakout-leads-boxes/premium-6-way-breakout-lead-set/)
US$269.00

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Multimeter Probes

(https://www.picoauto.com/products/clips-and-adaptors/multimeter-probes/)
US$6.00

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Back-pinning Probe Set

(https://www.picoauto.com/products/clips-and-adaptors/backpinning-probe-set/)
US$40.00

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PicoScope Battery Clip

(https://www.picoauto.com/products/clips-and-adaptors/battery-clip/)
US$2.75

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Premium Test Lead: BNC to 4 mm, 3 m

(https://www.picoauto.com/products/test-leads/premium-test-lead-bnc-to-4-mm-3-m/)
US$48.00

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