Crankshaft sensor on Nissan Almera: where is it located and how to check it

Introduction: Why is a crankshaft sensor needed and why its location is so important

The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is one of the key elements of the engine management system Nissan Almera. Without its correct operation, the ECU (electronic control unit) will not be able to determine the moment of fuel supply and ignition, which will lead to engine malfunctions or complete startup failure. Owners Almera N16, G15 And B10 Often faced with the need to check or replace this sensor, its location is not always obvious, especially for beginners.

In this article we will not only show where exactly is the crankshaft sensor located? on different generations Nissan Almera, but we will also analyze the signs of its malfunction, diagnostic methods and the nuances of replacement. You will learn how to distinguish an original sensor from a fake, what tools you will need for the job, and why ignoring problems with DPKV can result in expensive repairs.

Location of the crankshaft sensor on Nissan Almera: photo and diagram

On all generations Nissan Almera (including N16, G15 And B10) the crankshaft position sensor is installed in the same place - on the oil pump cover, next to the crankshaft pulley. More precisely, it can be found:

• 🔧 To the right of the engine (if you look in the direction of travel of the car), closer to the bottom of the cylinder block.
• 📍 Under the intake manifold, but above the oil pan. It is often covered by a protective casing or pipes.
• 🔌 Next to the ring gear on the crankshaft pulley - the sensor reads the signal from it.

To accurately identify the sensor, pay attention to its appearance: it is a small cylindrical body (usually black or gray) with a wiring connector and a metal core. On Almera N16 with engine QG15DE or QG18DE The sensor is mounted with one bolt on 10 mm.

What does the crankshaft sensor look like on Almera?

The photo below shows the original crankshaft position sensor for Nissan Almera (article 23731-4M000 or 23731-4M005). It has a plastic body with a metal rod that is inserted into the hole in the cylinder block. The connector is usually black, with three contacts (signal, ground, +12V power).

For clarity, here is a layout diagram:

Model Almera	Engine	DPKV installation location	Original article number
N16 (2000–2006)	QG15DE, QG18DE	Oil pump cover, to the right of the crankshaft pulley	23731-4M000
G15 (2012–2019)	HR15DE, K4M	Bottom of cylinder block, under intake manifold	23731-4M005
B10 (1995–2000)	GA14DE, GA16DE	Near the flywheel, closer to the gearbox	23731-31U00

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Almera

The crankshaft position sensor rarely fails suddenly; usually its failure appears gradually. If you notice at least one of the following symptoms, it is worth checking out DPKV:

• ⚡ Engine won't start or starts with difficulty (especially when hot).
• 🔄 Floating speed at idle (from 500 to 1500 rpm).
• 🚗 Jerks and dips when accelerating, loss of power.
• ⚠️ Check Engine on the dashboard (error codes P0335, P0336).
• 🔊 Detonation or "chirping" in the engine under load.

It is important to understand that other malfunctions (for example, problems with the ignition coils or fuel pump) can cause similar symptoms. Therefore, before replacing the sensor be sure to carry out diagnostics.

⚠️ Attention! If on Nissan Almera G15 with engine HR15DE After replacing the crankshaft sensor the problem persists, check the timing chain. Chain wear can lead to phase shifts and false alarms P0335.

How to check crankshaft sensor on Nissan Almera: 3 working methods

You can diagnose DPKV yourself, without resorting to the help of a service station. Here are three reliable ways:

1. Checking resistance with a multimeter

Disconnect the sensor connector and measure the resistance between the terminals 1 And 2 (usually these are signal and mass contacts). For a working sensor, the indicator should be within 550–750 Ohm. If the resistance approaches zero or infinity, the sensor is faulty.

2. Inductance check

To do this you will need a megohmmeter or an oscilloscope. Connect the device to the sensor terminals and check the inductance - it should be in the range 200–400 mH. Also make sure that the insulation is not broken (the resistance between the case and the terminals must be at least 20 MOhm).

3. Visual inspection

Remove the sensor and inspect it for:

• 🔍 Cracks or chips on the body.
• 🧲 Contamination with metal shavings (indicates wear of the ring gear).
• 🔌 Oxidation of contacts in the connector.

Disconnect the sensor connector

Measure resistance with a multimeter

Check inductance (if you have an oscilloscope)

Inspect the sensor for mechanical damage

Check the power circuit (voltage +12V on pin 3)

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If the sensor is externally working, but the error P0335 continues to appear, the problem may lie in wiring or crankshaft pulley ring gear (sometimes the teeth wear out or break).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Almera

Replacing DPKV with Almera does not require special skills, but will require accuracy. Here's what you'll need:

• 🔧 Socket wrench or socket on 10 mm.
• 🔌 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for removing the connector).
• 🧴 WD-40 or equivalent (if the bolt is stuck).
• 📦 New sensor (original or high-quality analogue, for example, Bosch or Denso).

Sequence of actions:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
2. Press the latch and disconnect the sensor connector.
3. Unscrew the sensor mounting bolt (a head extension may be required).
4. Carefully remove the sensor from its seat. Don't lose the O-ring - new sensors often come with it!
5. Install the new sensor, tighten the bolt firmly 8–10 Nm.
6. Connect the connector and return the terminal to the battery.

⚠️ Attention! On Nissan Almera N16 When replacing a crankshaft sensor, the wiring harness leading to the connector is often damaged. Before installing a new sensor, check the integrity of the insulation and the reliability of the contacts!

Which crankshaft sensor to choose for Nissan Almera: original vs analogues

When purchasing a new DPKV from the owners Almera The question often arises: should I take the original or an analogue? Here's what you need to know:

Sensor type	Article	Manufacturer	Average price, ₽	Pros	Cons
Original	23731-4M000 (N16) 23731-4M005 (G15)	Nissan	2500–3500	Guaranteed compatibility, long service life	High price, risk of running into a fake
Analogue	0 261 210 115	Bosch	1200–1800	Good quality, affordable price	There may be defective copies
Analogue	DENSO 550-0103	Denso	1500–2000	High quality, reliability	Less common in stores

If you choose an analogue, pay attention to:

• 📦 Packaging — original sensors Bosch or Denso always in branded boxes with a hologram.
• 🔍 Marking — the manufacturer’s article number and logo must be indicated on the case.
• 🧲 Magnetic core - in fakes it is often weakly magnetized or absent altogether.

Frequent mistakes when diagnosing and replacing DPKV on a Nissan Almera

Many car owners make the same mistakes when trying to solve a problem with the crankshaft sensor. That's what can't do:

• 🔧 Ignore ring gear check. If the teeth are damaged or worn, even a new sensor will generate an error.
• 🔌 Do not check sensor power supply. Often the problem lies not in the DPKV itself, but in a broken wire or oxidized contact.
• 🛠️ Use excessive force when removing the sensor, this may damage the seat.
• 📉 Do not reset ECU errors after replacement, due to which the engine continues to operate in emergency mode.

Another common mistake is buying a sensor "by eye", without checking the article. For example, a sensor from Nissan Almera N16 (23731-4M000) not suitable for G15 (23731-4M005), although they look similar.

⚠️ Attention! On Almera G15 with engine HR15DE After replacing the crankshaft sensor, the throttle valve may need to be adapted. If the rpm continues to fluctuate, perform the learning procedure using a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431).

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

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

Technically possible, but highly undesirable. The engine will operate in emergency mode, with reduced power and increased fuel consumption. In addition, ignoring the problem can lead to damage to the catalyst or engine overheating.

How to reset P0335 after replacing the sensor?

There are two ways:

1. Disconnect the battery terminal for 10–15 minutes (does not always work on new models).
2. Use a diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327) to reset errors.

If the error appears again, check wiring integrity And ring gear condition.

What is the difference between sensors for Almera N16 and G15?

Main differences:

• Article: for N16 — 23731-4M000, for G15 — 23731-4M005.
• Wire length: on G15 The connector is located further from the sensor.
• Resistance: at sensors for HR15DE it may be slightly higher (up to 800 ohms).

Outwardly they are very similar, but not interchangeable!

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

Yes, but only if the contamination is minor (dust, oil). Use lint-free cloth And isopropyl alcohol. If there are metal shavings or traces of corrosion on the sensor, it is better to replace it. Under no circumstances use abrasive materials (sandpaper, brushes) - this will disrupt the operation of the magnetic core!

What other sensors can cause P0335?

In addition to DPKV, an error P0335 may provoke:

• Faulty camshaft sensor (DPRV).
• Problems with timing chain (stretching, jumping).
• Damage ring gear on the crankshaft pulley.
• Open or short circuit wiring sensor

For accurate diagnostics, it is recommended to check the oscillogram of the DPKV signal.