Crankshaft sensor <em>Nissan X-Trail T31</em>: diagnostics, errors and replacement

Nissan X-Trail T31 (2007–2013) with engines QR25DE (2.5 l) and MR20DE (2.0 l) equipped with inductive crankshaft position sensor (CPS) - a critical element of the engine management system. Its malfunction leads to engine malfunctions, difficult starting or a complete stop of the car. Unlike camshaft or knock sensors, DPKV does not have redundant systems, so its failure prevents further operation X-Trail T31 impossible.

In this article we will look at how Accurate diagnosis of DPKV on T31 avoids unnecessary replacement of ignition coils or fuel pump — typical mistakes when searching for the cause of unstable engine operation. We will analyze error codes (including P0335 And P0336), physical signs of a malfunction, methods of checking with a multimeter and an oscilloscope, as well as nuances of replacement, taking into account the location of the sensor on the cylinder block. We will pay special attention to original articles and analogues compatible with X-Trail T31 different years of manufacture.

Where is the crankshaft sensor located on Nissan X-Trail T31?

DPKV on X-Trail T31 installed on cylinder block on the flywheel side (closer to the gearbox). Exact location:

• 🔧 On the engine QR25DE (2.5 l) - under the intake manifold, next to the knock sensor. Access is complicated by the cooling system pipes.
• 🔧 On the engine MR20DE (2.0 l) - on the front of the block, below the oil filter. Here the sensor is partially covered by the crankcase protection.
• 🔧 On diesel M9R (2.0 dCi) - on the flywheel cover, requires removal of the starter for replacement.

Externally, the DPKV is a cylindrical housing with a 2-pin connector (power and signal). Secured with one bolt 10 mm. Important: When dismantling, do not lose the O-ring - its reuse is unacceptable due to the risk of air leaks.

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor

Symptoms of DPKV failure on X-Trail T31 often disguised as other faults (for example, problems with the fuel system or ignition). Key Features:

Symptom	Probable Cause	Additional diagnostics
The engine does not start (the starter turns, but there are no flashes)	Complete failure of the DPKV or open circuit	Checking the voltage at the sensor connector (12 V)
Floating speed at idle (500–1500 rpm)	Unstable DPKV signal	Signal oscillogram (there should be even pulses)
Detonation during acceleration (knock of fingers)	Injection phase shift due to false DPKV signals	Reading errors by the scanner (for example, P0328)
Lights up Check Engine with errors P0335/P0336	Low or no signal	Checking the resistance of the sensor winding (500–700 Ohm)

Feature of T31: on models with CVT JF011E A faulty DPKV can cause jerks when shifting “virtual” gears due to failures in the synchronization of the engine ECU and transmission.

⚠️ Attention: If the problem persists after replacing the DPKV, check gap between sensor and drive disk (must be 0.5–1.5 mm). On X-Trail T31 this gap is often violated after repair by removing the box or replacing the flywheel.

Error codes associated with DPKV on Nissan X-Trail T31

Electronic control unit (ECU) records DPKV malfunctions with the following codes:

• 🔴 P0335 — Crankshaft position sensor circuit. Most often it indicates a broken wire or corrosion in the connector.
• 🔴 P0336 — DPKV circuit range/performance. Occurs when the signal is unstable (for example, due to metal shavings on the sensor).
• 🟡 P0328 — High sensor signal level. May be caused by a short circuit in the circuit or damage to the braided shield of the wire.
• 🟡 P0339 — Intermittent DPKV signal. Typical for oxidized contacts or damaged drive disk.

On X-Trail T31 with the system CONSULT-III (dealer software) these errors are accompanied by additional parameters:

• RPM NOISE — level of interference in the signal.
• CRANK SHAFT LEARN — crankshaft position learning status (must be COMPLETE).

How to check the crankshaft sensor for Nissan X-Trail T31?

Diagnosis of DPKV includes 3 stages: visual inspection, testing with a multimeter and analysis of the oscillogram. To work you will need:

• 🔧 Multimeter with resistance and AC voltage measurement mode.
• 🔧 Oscilloscope (or scanner with oscilloscope function, e.g. Launch X431).
• 🔧 Set of socket wrenches (10 mm to remove the sensor).

Step 1. Visual inspection

Remove the sensor and check:

• 🔍 The presence of metal shavings at the end (indicates wear of the crankshaft liners).
• 🔍 Integrity of the plastic case (cracks lead to oil penetration).
• 🔍 The condition of the connector is oxidation or burnt contacts.

Step 2. Check with a multimeter

1. Measure the resistance of the sensor winding (standard for X-Trail T31: 550–650 Ohm).
2. Check the voltage at the connector with the ignition on (contact 1 — +12 V, contact 2 - signal wire).

Step 3. Oscillogram

Connect an oscilloscope to the signal wire and crank the engine with the starter. A working sensor should produce even pulses with an amplitude 0.5–1.5 V no gaps. Example of a faulty oscillogram:

An example of an oscillogram of a faulty DPKV

The graph shows chaotic voltage surges up to 3 V and missing pulses - this indicates damage to the sensor winding or contamination of the master disk with metal shavings.

Visually checked for chips and cracks|Winding resistance measured|Power circuit tested (+12 V)|Signal oscillogram taken|Gap between sensor and disk checked-->

Original articles and analogues of DPKV for Nissan X-Trail T31

For X-Trail T31 Sensors with different part numbers are suitable depending on the year of manufacture and engine type:

Engine	Original article	Analogs (brand + article)	Notes
QR25DE (2.5L, 2007–2010)	23731-4M000	Bosch 0 261 210 115, Denso 5503001	Complete with O-ring
MR20DE (2.0L, 2010–2013)	23731-4M010	NGK DCK201, Febi 23731	Requires adaptation after replacement
M9R (2.0 dCi)	23731-4M020	Valeo 587033, Hella 6PT 009 105-041	Sensitive to pollution

Important: On X-Trail T31 with START/STOP system (optional for the European market) sensors with enhanced vibration protection are installed (article no. 23731-4M015). Their analogues must be marked HV (High Vibration).

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing an analogue, check the country of origin. Sensors Bosch And Denso, released in Japan or Germany, have a lower percentage of defects compared to Chinese replicas.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing DPKV with Nissan X-Trail T31

Replacing the sensor with X-Trail T31 takes 20–40 minutes depending on the engine. To work you will need:

• 🔧 Socket wrench 10 mm.
• 🔧 Flat blade screwdriver (for removing the connector lock).
• 🔧 New O-ring (part no. 11956-4M000).
• 🔧 Dielectric grease (e.g. Liqui Moly Electronic-Spray).

Step 1. Preparation

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (key 10 mm).
2. Remove the crankcase protection (on MR20DE) or air duct connection (on QR25DE).

Step 2. Removing the old sensor

1. Press the connector lock and disconnect the block.
2. Unscrew the bolt securing the sensor (the tightening torque for reinstallation is 8–10 Nm).
3. Carefully remove the sensor without damaging the drive disc.

Step 3: Install a new sensor

1. Clean the seat from oil and dirt.
2. Install a new O-ring (the old one cannot be used!).
3. Insert the sensor all the way and secure with the bolt.
4. Connect the connector and apply dielectric grease to the contacts.

Step 4: Adaptation (MR20DE only)

On the engine MR20DE After replacing the DPKV, a training procedure is required:

1. Connect the scanner (for example, Launch CReader).
2. Select function Crankshaft Position Learn.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions (usually requires 3 cranking cycles).

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes when working with DPKV on X-Trail T31. Let's look at typical mistakes and their consequences:

1. Using an old O-ring

   Leads to air leaks and false signals about sensor malfunction. Symptom: error P0336 appears through 1–2 weeks after replacement.

2. Incorrect gap between sensor and disc

   On X-Trail T31 there should be a gap 0.8–1.2 mm. An excess leads to a weak signal, a decrease leads to mechanical contact and damage to the sensor.

3. Ignoring adaptation on MR20DE

   No procedure Crankshaft Position Learn The ECU uses incorrect ignition timing. Symptom: detonation under load.

4. Damage to the connector when disconnected

   DPKV connector lock on T31 fragile. If a breakdown occurs, the entire harness will need to be replaced (part number 24090-4M000, price ~8 000 ₽).

What to do if after replacing the DPKV the engine does not start?

1. Check the polarity of the connector (the sensor may be marked “+” and “-”).

2. Make sure that the master disk is not damaged (on X-Trail T31 it sometimes breaks when the starter is not carefully removed).

3. Reset ECU errors and try starting again.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about DPKV on Nissan X-Trail T31

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

No. DPKV is a critical element. If it fails, the engine will either not start or will work intermittently, which will lead to:

• 🔥 Overheating of the catalyst (due to incomplete combustion of fuel).
• 💥 Damage to the piston group (detonation).
• ⚡ Low battery (multiple attempts to start).

On X-Trail T31 with CVT Driving with a faulty DPKV can cause overheating of the oil in the box due to chaotic signals from the ECU.

How to distinguish an original sensor from a fake?

Original DPKV for T31 has the following characteristics:

• 🏷️ The product number and logo are engraved on the case Nissan (not a sticker!).
• 🔍 Connector with gold-plated contacts (counterfeits have copper-plated contacts).
• ⚖️ Weight ~50 grams (Chinese copies are lighter on 10–15 g).

Counterfeits are often sold without an O-ring or with a low-quality O-ring (rubber hardens in cold weather).

Do I need to reset errors after replacing the DPKV?

Yes, but with nuances:

• 🔄 On QR25DE And M9R errors will be reset automatically after 3–5 successful runs.
• 🔄 On MR20DE a forced reset is required via the scanner (otherwise an error P0335 may “hang” in the ECU memory).

If the error appears again, check the sensor power supply circuit (open circuit or short circuit to ground).

Is it possible to clean the crankshaft sensor instead of replacing it?

Cleaning is possible only in one case: if metal shavings have accumulated at the end of the sensor. To do this:

1. Remove the sensor and wipe the end with a lint-free cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
2. Blow out the connector with compressed air (pressure no more than 2 bar).
3. Check the winding resistance - if it is outside the limits 500–700 Ohm, the sensor must be replaced.

❌ You can't: use abrasive materials (sandpaper), as this will disrupt the gap between the sensor and the disk.

Does a faulty DPKV affect fuel consumption?

Yes, but indirectly. A faulty sensor leads to:

• ⛽ Shift in ignition timing → incomplete combustion of fuel (+10–15% to consumption).
• ⛽ The ECU goes into emergency mode with an enriched mixture (+5–8% to consumption).
• ⛽ Jerks during acceleration → frequent braking/acceleration in the urban cycle (+3–5% to total consumption).

On X-Trail T31 with CVT a faulty DPKV additionally increases the load on the transmission, which also affects the engine’s appetite.