<em>Nissan Almera Classic</em> crankshaft sensor: 7 signs of malfunction and how to replace it yourself

Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Sunny or Samsung SM3 in some markets) is a reliable sedan with a simple design, but even it has weak points. One of them is Crankshaft position sensor (CPS), the breakdown of which can immobilize the car at the most inopportune moment. This sensor is responsible for synchronizing the operation of the ignition and fuel injection systems, and its failure is often disguised as other faults: from problems with the fuel pump to ECU malfunction.

In this article we will analyze how to accurately diagnose a faulty DPKV on Almera Classic with engines QG15DE (1.5 l) and QG18DE (1.8 l), which The on-board computer gives errors, and how to replace the sensor yourself without visiting a service center. We will pay special attention unique feature of this model: on the Almera Classic, the DPKV is located in an inconvenient place, and to replace it you will need to remove the wheel and engine protection - this nuance is often missed even by experienced craftsmen.

1. How does the crankshaft sensor work? Nissan Almera Classic?

The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is inductive sensor, which reads signals from a toothed disk (the so-called “timing disk”) mounted on the crankshaft. On Almera Classic used magnetic sensor with two terminals (signal and ground), which generates pulses when metal teeth pass past its core.

Features of DPKV operation on this model:

• 🔹 Signal frequency depends on engine speed: at idle ~20-30 Hz, at 3000 rpm - ~100 Hz.
• 🔹 Missing two teeth on the synchronization disk serves as a reference point for the ECU (this is the “zero” mark).
• 🔹 Signal voltage normal: 0.5–2.5 V (depending on the gap between the sensor and the disk).
• 🔹 Gap between sensor and disc must be 0.5–1.5 mm — its violation leads to failures.

If the DPKV fails, the ECU loses information about the crankshaft position and blocks engine starting or puts it into emergency mode. On Almera Classic this manifests itself in a characteristic way: the starter turns, but the engine does not “get enough” or stalls 2-3 seconds after starting.

2. 7 signs of a bad crankshaft sensor

Symptoms of DPKV failure on Nissan Almera Classic often confused with fuel system or ignition problems. Here key features, which directly point to the sensor:

1. Engine won't start, but the starter works - the most obvious manifestation. The ECU does not receive a signal about the crankshaft position and blocks the fuel supply.
2. "Floating" speed at idle (from 500 to 1500 rpm) for no apparent reason.
3. Detonation during acceleration — The computer incorrectly adjusts the ignition timing.
4. Power Loss and “dips” when you press the gas, as if the engine is “choking.”
5. Check engine lights up and goes out periodically, especially after the engine has warmed up.
6. The car stalls while driving and does not start until it cools completely (typical of a “dying” sensor).
7. Errors P0335 or P0336 in the ECU memory (more on this in the next section).

Important: on Almera Classic with QG18DE a faulty DPKV can cause immobilizer false alarm — the car does not see “its” key, although the problem is in the sensor. This is due to the peculiarities of the ECU firmware Nissan early 2000s.

3. What errors does the ECU give when there are problems with DPKV?

On Nissan Almera Classic a malfunction of the crankshaft sensor is recorded in the computer memory by the following codes (they can be read with a scanner or through CONSULT):

Error code	Description	What does Almera Classic mean?
P0335	Crankshaft position sensor circuit	Open or short circuit in the sensor wiring. An oxidized connector is often to blame.
P0336	DPKV circuit range/performance	The sensor produces a signal outside the permissible range (for example, due to an increased gap or damage to the disk).
P0320	Knock sensor circuit malfunction	Indirect symptom: The ECU may issue this error along with P0335 if the DPKV signal is unstable.
P0300	Multiple Cylinder Misfire	Multiple misfires due to an incorrect DPKV signal (the computer incorrectly calculates the injection timing).

⚠️ Attention: on Almera Classic error P0335 may also appear when damage to the crankshaft toothed disc (for example, if a tooth has chipped or a disc has become dislodged). In this case, replacing the sensor will not help - you will need to disassemble the engine.

To accurately diagnose the problem, you need to:

1. Count errors by the scanner (for example, ELM327 or Launch CReader).
2. Reset the errors and see if they appear again.
3. Check the DPKV signal with an oscilloscope or multimeter (more on this below).

4. Where is the crankshaft sensor located on Nissan Almera Classic?

On Almera Classic (body N16) DPKV is located in an inconvenient place - on the gearbox on the flywheel side, next to the cylinder block. To get to it you will have to:

• 🔧 Remove right front wheel (in the direction of travel).
• 🔧 Dismantle engine protection (if installed).
• 🔧 Disconnect sensor connector (it is hidden behind the wiring harness).

Visually the sensor looks like a cylinder with a diameter of ~20 mm with a plastic connector and one mounting bolt (wrench 10 mm). It is usually marked 23731-4M200 or 23731-4M205 (original numbers for Almera Classic).

⚠️ Attention: when replacing the sensor do not use metal tools to clean the seat - chips can get on the toothed disk and damage it. It is better to blow with compressed air.

How to check the gap between the sensor and the disk without a feeler gauge?

If you don’t have a probe at hand, take a strip from a medicine package (thickness ~0.1 mm) and fold it into 10 layers. Insert between the sensor and the disk - if it is tight, the gap is normal (1 mm).

5. How to check the crankshaft sensor with a multimeter?

Before replacing the DPKV, you can check it yourself. For this you will need multimeter with resistance and voltage measurement mode. Verification algorithm:

1. Checking winding resistance:
   • Disconnect the sensor connector.
   • Connect the multimeter probes to the sensor terminals (polarity is not important).
   • There must be resistance 550–750 Ohm (for original sensor Nissan).
2. Inductance test (optional):
   • Set the multimeter to inductance measurement mode (if available).
   • Normal value: 200–400 mH.
3. Checking the rotation signal:
   • Connect the multimeter in mode AC 200 mV to the sensor terminals.
   • Crank the crankshaft with the starter (an assistant is needed).
   • The voltage should "jump" in the range 0.1–0.5 V.

If at least one of the tests fails, the sensor is faulty. Also pay attention to:

• 🔹 Wiring integrity (the wires of the cerca connector often fray).
• 🔹 Oxidation of contacts in the connector (cleanable WD-40 or alcohol).
• 🔹 Chips on a toothed disc (requires disassembly).

Disconnect the battery|Remove the right wheel|Clean the sensor from dirt|Check the circuit with a multimeter|Connect a scanner to read errors-->

6. Step-by-step instructions for replacing the crankshaft sensor

Replacing DPKV with Nissan Almera Classic takes ~30–40 minutes. You will need:

• 🔧 Key on 10 mm (for fastening bolt).
• 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for removing the connector).
• 🔧 New sensor (original 23731-4M200 or an analogue, for example, Bosch 0 261 210 115).
• 🔧 Dielectric grease (for connector contacts).

Step by step process:

1. Removing the wheel and guard:
   • Jack up the right front wheel and remove it.
   • Remove the engine protection (4 bolts on 10 mm).
2. Sensor access:
   • Locate the sensor on the transmission (see photo above).
   • Press the latch and disconnect the connector.
3. Removing the old sensor:
   • Unscrew the fastening bolt with a wrench on 10 mm.
   • Carefully remove the sensor (do not lose the O-ring!).
4. Installing a new sensor:
   • Clean the seat from dirt (with compressed air).
   • Install a new sensor with new o-ring.
   • Tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).
5. Check:
   • Connect the connector (after lubricating the contacts with dielectric grease).
   • Reinstall the guard and wheel.
   • Start the engine - if the errors disappear, the work is completed.

⚠️ Attention: after replacing the sensor be sure to clear errors in the ECU, otherwise the engine may run unstably. To do this, disconnect the battery for 10 minutes or use a scanner.

7. Which crankshaft sensor should I choose for replacement?

For Nissan Almera Classic The following options are suitable:

Manufacturer	Article	Price (approximate)	Notes
Nissan (original)	23731-4M200	2500–3500 ₽	The best option, but often counterfeited.
Bosch	0 261 210 115	1800–2200 ₽	High-quality analogue, fits without modifications.
ERA	550487	1200–1500 ₽	Budget option, but less resource.
Blue Print	ADG02401	1600–1900 ₽	Good price/quality ratio.

Please note when purchasing:

• 🔹 The original sensor must have holographic sticker with logo Nissan.
• 🔹 Analogues may differ in wire length - by Almera Classic need a wire length ~30 cm.
• 🔹 Check the contents: the box should contain o-ring.

💡 Advice: if you buy a non-original one, take a sensor from metal core - plastic analogues quickly fail due to vibrations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

No. If the DPKV is completely out of order, the engine won't start. If the sensor works intermittently, the car may stall while driving or go into emergency mode with limited speed. It's not worth the risk - it's dangerous for both the engine and you.

How to distinguish a faulty DPKV from problems with the fuel pump?

If the fuel pump is faulty, the starter turns, but the engine does not “start” and there are no characteristic “flashes” in the exhaust pipe. With problems with DPKV, you can often hear individual flashes (the engine tries to start, but stalls). Also, if the DPKV is faulty, errors usually appear P0335/P0336.

Is it possible to clean the crankshaft sensor?

Yes, but only outer part (housing and connector). The core and winding cannot be cleaned - this will lead to damage. To clean, use isopropyl alcohol or WD-40, but not acetone! If the sensor is already producing incorrect signals, cleaning will not help - only replacement.

Why did the P0335 error persist after replacing the sensor?

Possible reasons:

1. Defective crankshaft toothed disc (diagnosis with an oscilloscope is required).
2. Damaged wiring from the sensor to the ECU (check the circuit with a multimeter).
3. Errors in the ECU have not been reset (you need to disconnect the battery for 10+ minutes).
4. The new sensor is defective (rare, but it happens - check the resistance).

What kind of oil should I fill in after replacing the DPKV?

Replacing the crankshaft sensor does not require oil change. However, if you removed the engine protection or pan, check the oil level and, if necessary, add to the mark MAX on the dipstick. For Almera Classic oil recommended 5W-30 or 5W-40 (For example, Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 or Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30).