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

The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is one of the key elements of the engine management system Nissan Primera (P11, P12). Its incorrect operation leads to ignition failures, unstable engine operation or complete startup failure. Owners often face the problem of finding this sensor, especially when diagnosing themselves. Unlike many other sensors, DPKV on Primera It is not located obvious, and its access is complicated by elements of the engine compartment.

In this article you will find exact coordinates of the sensor location with reference to the P11 (1996–2002) and P12 (2002–2008) models, as well as step-by-step instructions for checking without special equipment. We'll figure out what symptoms indicate its failure, how to distinguish a malfunction of the DPKV from problems with other components (for example, a camshaft sensor), and we will give real error codes, which the ECU records when it breaks down. For clarity, here are diagrams, photos and a spare parts compatibility table.

Where is the crankshaft sensor located on Nissan Primera P11 and P12

On all versions Nissan Primera (including modifications with engines GA16DE, SR20DE, QR20DE) crankshaft sensor is installed in in the same place - on oil pump, next to the crankshaft pulley. More specifically:

• 🔧 From the right (passenger) wing, if you look in the direction of travel of the car.
• 📍 Below the cylinder block, next to the crankcase guard. Often hidden by dirt or corrosion.
• 🔌 Connected to wiring harness with a black or dark gray connector (depending on the year of manufacture).
• 🛠️ To access you will need remove the right front wheel and fender liner (on some modifications).

On Primera P11 (1996–2002) the sensor may be partially covered by the cooling system pipes, and on P12 (2002–2008) - plastic engine protection. Important: on models with automatic transmission, access is complicated by the transmission pan - it is not necessary to remove it, but you will have to work with a mirror and a flashlight.

Visually, the DPKV is a cylindrical body (diameter ~20 mm, length ~50 mm) with a metal core and a plastic connector. Attached one 10 mm bolt. The photo below shows its exact location on the engine. SR20DE:

Photo of the sensor location (clickable)

The image shows the sensor (circled in red) between the oil pump and the crankshaft pulley. The connector is directed towards the front bumper.

How to distinguish a crankshaft sensor from a camshaft sensor

A common mistake for beginners is to confuse DPKV with camshaft position sensor (CPR). Last on Primera located on the cylinder head (from the intake manifold side) and is responsible for the valve timing. They are similar in appearance, but there are key differences:

Parameter	Crankshaft sensor (CPCV)	Camshaft sensor (DPRV)
Installation location	Oil pump, next to the crankshaft pulley	Cylinder head, next to camshaft
Function	Determines the position of the crankshaft to calculate injection and ignition timing	Controls valve timing (synchronization with crankshaft)
Error code for malfunction	P0335, P0336	P0340, P0341
Winding resistance	500-700 ohms (inductive type)	200–500 Ohm (depending on model)

If the dashboard lights up Check Engineand the scanner shows an error P0335 ("Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit"), this is 100% indicates DPKV. Errors P0340 or P0341 — problem with DPRV. In rare cases, a malfunction of one sensor can provoke false alarms of another, so it is better to carry out diagnostics in a comprehensive manner.

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor

DPKV on Nissan Primera rarely fails suddenly - usually the malfunction develops gradually. The first symptoms are often attributed to bad fuel or worn-out spark plugs, but ignoring them is dangerous: long-term driving with a faulty sensor can lead to damage to the catalyst or engine overheating.

Main features:

• ⚠️ Engine won't start (“does not grab”), although the starter turns. At the same time, fuel enters the cylinders (checked by the smell of gasoline from the exhaust pipe).
• 🔥 Floating speed at idle speed (from 500 to 1500 rpm) with periodic “failures”.
• ⚡ Power Loss during acceleration, especially at speeds above 3000 rpm.
• 🛑 Detonation (“knock of fingers”) under load - the ECU incorrectly adjusts the ignition timing.
• 🔌 Errors P0335 or P0336 in the ECU memory (even if they periodically disappear).

⚠️ Attention: If the engine Primera suddenly stalled and will no longer start, and the dashboard flashes Check Engine, do not attempt to tow the vehicle with a flexible hitch. If the DPKV is faulty, the ECU blocks the fuel supply, and prolonged rotation of the crankshaft by the starter can lead to overheating of ignition coils.

On engines SR20DE faulty DPKV often appears only for hot — after warming up to 90°C. This is due to thermal expansion of the metal in the sensor core. If symptoms appear only after 10-15 minutes of driving, the likelihood of a problem with CPPV is ~80%.

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

You can diagnose DPKV yourself using multimeter (ohmmeter mode) and metal object (for example, screwdrivers). Procedure:

1. Removing the sensor:
   • Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
   • Disconnect the DPKV connector (press the latch and pull up).
   • Unscrew the mounting bolt (10 mm socket) and remove the sensor.
2. Resistance test:

   Connect the multimeter probes to the sensor terminals. Normal winding resistance - 500–700 Ohm. If the readings are:

   • 0 ohm - short circuit.
   • ∞ (infinity) - winding break.
   • Outside the 500–700 ohm range - the sensor is faulty.

Inductance test (optional):

If you have a megohmmeter, measure the insulation resistance between the terminals and the sensor body. It must be not less than 20 MOhm.

Metal reaction test:

Connect the multimeter in voltage measurement mode (~200 mV). Apply a screwdriver to the sensor core - the working DPKV should produce a pulse 100–200 mV.

Remove the sensor from the engine|Check the winding resistance (500–700 ohms)|Make sure there are no mechanical damage|Test the reaction to metal (100–200 mV)|Check the connector for oxidation-->

If the sensor passes all tests, but symptoms remain, the problem may lie in:

• 🔌 Wiring (break or short circuit between the DPKV connector and the ECU).
• 🛡️ Ring gear on the crankshaft pulley (teeth wear or damage).
• 🖥️ ECU (less common, but possible - oxidation of contacts or firmware failure).

Replacing the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Primera: step-by-step instructions

Replacing DPKV with Primera takes ~30 minutes and does not require special tools. You will need:

• 🔧 10 mm head with extension.
• 🔨 Screwdriver with a flat tip (for removing protection).
• 🧴 WD-40 or a similar composition (the bolt often sticks).
• 📦 New sensor (see table below for part numbers).

Sequence of actions:

1. Preparation: Stop the engine and remove the negative terminal of the battery. On models with automatic transmission, jack up the car and remove the right front wheel for easy access.

2. Removing the old sensor:

   • Disconnect the connector (press the latch and pull up).
   • Treat the bolt with WD-40, wait 5 minutes.
   • Unscrew the bolt with a 10 mm socket and remove the sensor.

   ⚠️ Attention: Do not pull on the connector wires - they often break at the base. If the latch is broken, use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the connector off.

3. Installing a new sensor:

   • Clean the seat from dirt and oil.
   • Insert the new sensor until it stops (the core should rest against the thrust ring).
   • Torque the bolt 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).
   • Connect the connector until the latch clicks.

Check: Connect the battery, start the engine. If the error P0335 disappeared, and the speed is stable - the replacement was successful.

Article numbers of original sensors and analogues:

Engine	Original article	Analogs (brand + article)	Note
GA16DE	23731-4M000	Bosch 0 261 210 115, Denso 550-0101	Fits P11 1996-2000
SR20DE	23731-4M010	NGK DCK2003, Febi 23731	Available with different cable lengths
QR20DE	23731-AL50A	Valeo 587034, Hella 6PT 009 101-021	For P12 2002–2008 only.

Frequent mistakes when diagnosing and replacing DPKV

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with the crankshaft sensor. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Ignoring Gap: There must be a gap between the sensor core and the crankshaft ring gear. 0.5–1.5 mm. If the sensor is recessed too deeply or, conversely, protrudes, the signal will be incorrect.
• 🧲 Check without removal: There is no point in measuring resistance or inductance without disconnecting the connector - the circuit can be closed through the computer.
• 🔌 Mixed up connectors: On some modifications Primera DPKV and DPRV connectors are visually similar. Connecting at random can damage the ECU.
• 🛠️ Using non-original sensors: Cheap analogues (for example, no-name Chinese ones) often have an inductance mismatch, which leads to false positives after 1–2 months of operation.

Another typical problem is wiring damage between the DPKV connector and the ECU. Wires often rub against the edge of the cylinder block or melt from contact with the exhaust manifold. When diagnosing, be sure to check:

• Integrity of insulation (are there any bare areas).
• Reliability of contacts in the connector (oxidation or corrosion).
• Lack of “twists” - they often become a source of interference.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the DPKV engine Primera still won’t start, and the scanner shows an error P0335, check ring gear on crankshaft. Worn or chipped teeth lead to similar symptoms. To inspect, you will need to remove the crankshaft pulley.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the crankshaft sensor on Nissan Primera

Is it possible to drive with a faulty DPKV?

No. The crankshaft sensor is a critical element of the engine management system. If it malfunctions, the ECU cannot determine the position of the crankshaft, which leads to complete startup failure or uncontrolled detonation (risk of damage to pistons). In rare cases, the engine may operate in “emergency mode”, but with extremely unstable speeds and increased fuel consumption.

Which crankshaft sensor is better to choose for Primera P12?

For Primera P12 (2002–2008) with engines SR20DE or QR20DE optimal options:

• Original: 23731-4M010 (for SR20DE) or 23731-AL50A (for QR20DE).
• Analogues: Bosch 0 261 210 115 (universal), Denso 550-0101 (high quality), NGK DCK2003 (good price/quality ratio).

Avoid off-brand or suspiciously low-priced sensors - they often have inductance mismatches, leading to false errors P0335.

Why does error P0335 not disappear after replacing the DPKV?

The reasons may be as follows:

1. Errors not cleared in the ECU memory (needs to be reset with a scanner or by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes).
2. The ring gear is damaged on the crankshaft (visual inspection required).
3. Wiring problem between DPKV and ECU (break, short circuit, oxidation of contacts).
4. ECU faulty (less common, but possible - requires diagnostics at a service station).
5. Defective new sensor (check its resistance before installation).

Is it possible to check DPKV without a multimeter?

Yes, but with restrictions. Methods:

• Replacing with a known good one: Temporarily install a sensor from another vehicle (for example, Nissan Almera or Sunny with the same engine).
• Visual inspection: Check the core for metal shavings or cracks in the body.
• Checking for spark: Disconnect the DPKV connector and start the engine. If the spark disappears completely, the sensor is faulty (the method does not work on all models!).

However, without a multimeter you will not be able to check winding resistance And inductance, which is critical for accurate diagnosis.

How much does it cost to replace a DPKV at a service station?

The cost of work in the service depends on the region and complexity of access:

• Basic replacement: 800–1500 rubles (if the sensor is easily accessible).
• Removing the guard/wheel: +500–1000 rubles (if removal of the fender liner or wheel is required).
• Diagnostics: 500–1000 rubles (if you need to check the wiring or ECU).

Cost of the sensor itself:

• Original: 2500–4000 rubles.
• High-quality analogue (Bosch, Denso): 1200–2000 rubles.

Total: 3000–6000 rubles with labor and spare parts.