Crankshaft sensor on Nissan Cube AZ10: where is it located, how to check and replace

Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) on Nissan Cube AZ10 - one of the most critical elements of the engine management system. Its malfunction leads to a complete stop of the engine or unstable operation, and diagnostics are often complicated by the fact that the owners simply do not know where is this sensor located on a specific model. Unlike classic front-wheel drive cars, Cube With a rear engine, access to the DPKV has its own nuances.

This article will not just show the exact location of the sensor on AZ10 with a photo, but will also reveal unique features of its designthat distinguish this model from other cars Nissan with engines HR15DE or KR15DE. We will also analyze typical replacement errors that lead to repeated breakdowns, and provide a checklist for self-diagnosis without a scanner.

Where is the crankshaft sensor located on the Nissan Cube AZ10: photo and diagram

On Nissan Cube AZ10 (2009–2019) crankshaft sensor located on the cylinder block on the flywheel side, closer to the gearbox. More specifically, it is screwed into a special hole above the gear ring of the flywheel, which acts as a master disk. This is not a typical location for most vehicles, where the DPKV is usually installed next to the crankshaft pulley.

To accurately identify the sensor, rely on the following visual signs:

• 🔧 Case shape: cylindrical sensor with a plastic connector and a metal core protruding 15–20 mm.
• 🔌 Connector: black or gray 2-pin connector with locking mechanism (3-pin on some versions).
• 📏 Location: if you look at the engine from the passenger compartment, the sensor is located bottom right, under the thermostat.

For clarity, the location diagram is presented below (view from the gearbox):

element	Description	Note
Crankshaft sensor	Cylindrical body with cable ~30 cm	Attached with one M6 bolt
Ring gear	60 teeth (2 skipped for synchronization)	Located on the flywheel
Harness connector	Black plastic connector	The latch must be released before disconnecting
Mounting bracket	Metal plate with hole	Can be covered with a heat shield

Important! On some versions Cube AZ10 with engine KR15DE the sensor can be covered with a metal screen of the exhaust system. In this case, access will require removing the protection or using an extended key.

Signs of DPKV malfunction on a Nissan Cube: how to distinguish it from other breakdowns

Symptoms of a faulty crankshaft sensor Cube AZ10 often coincide with problems with the ignition or fuel supply system. However there is unique features, which help to accurately diagnose a breakdown:

• ⚡ The engine stalls while driving, but starts only after a long pause (5–10 minutes).
• 🔄 Floating speed at idle (from 500 to 1500 rpm) with error P0335.
• 🚗 Jerks during acceleration at speeds of 40–60 km/h, it’s as if the traction “disappears”.
• 🔥 Detonation when you press the gas sharply (the sound of “knocking fingers”).

Distinctive feature Cube AZ10: with faulty DPKV check engine maybe don't catch fire immediately, and appear only after 2-3 engine starting cycles. This is due to the peculiarities of the ECU firmware Nissan, which ignores single sensor failures.

⚠️ Attention! If the dashboard lights up immobilizer icon (key with exclamation mark) simultaneously with check engine, the problem may be an open circuit in the sensor or damage to the cable shielding. In this case, replacing the DPKV will not help - you need to check the harness with a multimeter.

For accurate diagnosis, use a scanner that supports protocols Nissan Consult. Error codes associated with DPKV:

• P0335 — sensor circuit malfunction;
• P0336 — signal output outside the permissible range;
• P0339 — intermittent signal (often caused by oxidation of contacts).

Step-by-step instructions: how to replace the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Cube AZ10

Replacing DPKV with Cube AZ10 takes ~30 minutes if you have a tool. The main difficulty is access to the sensor, since it is located in an inconvenient place. You will need:

• 🔧 10 mm head with extension;
• 🔧 Socket wrench or ratchet;
• 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for the connector lock);
• 🔧 Dielectric grease (e.g. CRC 2-26).

Procedure:

1. Disable negative battery terminal (required!). On Cube The battery is located under the trunk floor - remove the plastic cover to access.

2. Press the latch and disconnect the sensor connector. If the contacts are oxidized, clean them WD-40 and wipe with a lint-free cloth.

3. Unscrew the sensor mounting bolt (an extension may be required as access is limited by the gearbox).

4. Carefully remove the sensor by rocking it from side to side. Don't use force — the core may break off!

5. Install a new sensor (original part number - 23731-4M000 or 23731-4M005 for versions with KR15DE). Tighten the bolt to a torque of 8–10 Nm.

6. Apply dielectric grease to the connector pins before connecting.

After replacement be sure to reset the adaptations ECU. To do this:

1. Connect the battery.
2. Turn on the ignition for 10 seconds (without starting the engine).
3. Turn off the ignition for 20 seconds.
4. Start the engine and let it idle for 3-5 minutes.

⚠️ Attention! If after replacing the sensor the engine does not start or runs intermittently, check connector polarity. On Cube AZ10 contacts “A” and “B” are not symmetrical - if connected incorrectly, the ECU will record an error P0339.

How to check the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Cube without a scanner

If you do not have diagnostic equipment, you can check the DPKV using multimeter or even visually. Here are 3 reliable methods:

1. Resistance check

Set the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (2000 ohms). Connect the probes to the sensor contacts:

• Working sensor: 500–700 Ohm;
• Open or short circuit: 0 Ohm or ∞.

2. Inductance check

To do this, you will need a megohmmeter or a multimeter with an inductance measurement function. Normal value for Cube AZ10: 200–400 mH. If the reading is below 150 mH, the sensor is faulty.

3. Visual inspection

Inspect the sensor core for:

• 🔍 Metal shavings (indicates flywheel wear);
• 🔍 Cracks or chips on a plastic case;
• 🔍 Traces of oil (can get through a leaky crankshaft oil seal).

What to do if the sensor is working, but the error remains?

If the DPKV is checked and is working, but there is an error P0335 does not disappear, the problem may lie in:

- damaged wiring harness (check the circuit from the sensor to the computer);

- faulty ECU (diagnostics required at the service station);

- mechanical damage to the flywheel ring gear (the box must be removed for inspection).

Top 5 mistakes when replacing DPKV on Nissan Cube AZ10

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns. Here are the most common:

1. Using a non-original sensor. Cheap analogues (for example, from Febi or Blue Print) often have an incompatible frequency response, causing the ECU Nissan “does not see” them.

2. Failure to maintain clearance. The optimal gap between the sensor core and the ring gear is - 0.5–1.5 mm. If it is larger, the signal will be weak; if less, the sensor may touch the flywheel.

3. Ignoring footprint cleaning. Dirt or metal shavings under the sensor lead to its distortion and premature failure.

4. Damage to the shielding braid. On Cube AZ10 The sensor cable runs near the manifold outlet. If the braid is frayed, interference from high-voltage wires distorts the signal.

5. Failure to reset ECU adaptations. After replacing the sensor, you need to let the ECU “relearn” (see instructions above). Without this, floating speed may remain.

Cost of work and spare parts: where to buy and how much to pay

Crankshaft sensor prices for Nissan Cube AZ10 vary by manufacturer and region. Below is a table with current proposals (for 2026):

Manufacturer	Article	Price, ₽	Note
Original (Nissan)	23731-4M000	3 200–4 500	Best quality, 1 year warranty
Denso	550-0103	2 100–2 800	Similar to the original, suitable for HR15DE/KR15DE
Hitachi	C1005	1 800–2 400	Budget option, possible problems with calibration
Febi	21610	1 200–1 600	Low quality, often defective

Service replacement cost:

• 🔧 Official dealer: 1 500–2 500 ₽;
• 🔧 Independent service: 800–1 500 ₽;
• 🔧 On your own: 0 ₽ (if you have a tool).

Where to buy:

• 🛒 Official dealers Nissan - guarantee of original spare parts, but high price.
• 🛒 Existen.ru, Autodoc.ru — a wide selection of analogues, often with discounts.
• 🛒 Local showdowns — you can find a used sensor for 500–1,000 ₽, but the risk of defects is high.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the crankshaft sensor on the Nissan Cube AZ10

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

No. The crankshaft sensor is the only element without which the engine Cube AZ10 won't start. If it fails completely, the car will stall and will not start until it is replaced. If there is a partial malfunction (for example, an intermittent signal), jerks and loss of power are possible, but you cannot drive in this mode for a long time - this leads to catalyst overheating and increased engine wear.

Which crankshaft sensor is suitable for Cube AZ10 with KR15DE engine?

For KR15DE original article - 23731-4M005. It is compatible with sensors from Nissan Juke (HR15DE) And Micra K13, but doesn't fit for Almera G15 or Tiida, since those have a different ring gear. When purchasing an analogue, check that the resistance is in the range 500–700 Ohm.

What happens if the sensor is installed incorrectly?

If the sensor is installed misaligned or with incorrect clearance, the following problems may occur:

• 🔥 Constant burning check engine with an error P0339;
• 🚗 Jerks when driving at low speeds;
• 💥 Mechanical damage to the core (if the gap is less than 0.5 mm).

In the worst case, an incorrect sensor signal can lead to collision of pistons with valves due to a malfunction of the valve timing (relevant for engines with a VVL).

How often should the crankshaft sensor be replaced?

crankshaft sensor Cube AZ10 — non-consumable element and does not have a scheduled replacement period. However, its resource depends on operating conditions:

• 🔧On average it lasts 100–150 thousand km;
• 🔧 For frequent off-road trips (vibrations, shocks) - up to 80 thousand km;
• 🔧 In conditions of high humidity (contact corrosion) - up to 60 thousand km.

Signs of wear appear gradually: first, rare startup failures appear, then constant errors. It is recommended to check the condition of the sensor at each maintenance (every 15 thousand km).

Is it possible to clean the crankshaft sensor if it is dirty?

Yes, but only the outer part. The core and contacts can be cleaned:

• 🧹 Lint-free cloth, soaked in isopropyl alcohol;
• 🧹 WD-40 to remove oxides from contacts;
• 🧹 Compressed air to blow dust out of the connector.

It is strictly prohibited:

• ❌ Use abrasive materials (sandpaper, metal brushes);
• ❌ Wash the sensor in gasoline or solvents (damage the insulation);
• ❌ Disassemble the case (the seal will be broken).

If the error remains after cleaning, the sensor must be replaced.