Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) on Nissan Almera: how to recognize a breakdown and fix it yourself

Crankshaft position sensor (DPS) - one of the key elements of the engine management system Nissan Almera, on which the stability of the motor directly depends. Its malfunction can lead to a variety of symptoms: from floating speed to complete failure to start. Owners Almera G15, N16 And N17 often encounter traffic police problems, especially after 100,000 km or when operating in high humidity conditions.

In this article we will look at how recognize a traffic police malfunction on your Nissan Almera, what error codes may indicate a problem and what to do to fix it - from simple cleaning to complete replacement of the sensor. You will also find step-by-step diagnostic instructions with a multimeter, a comparison of original and analog spare parts, and answers to frequently asked questions on the topic.

What is traffic police and how does it work in Nissan Almera

Crankshaft position sensor (DPS, aka CKP-sensor — Crankshaft Position Sensor) is an electromagnetic device that reads data about the position and speed of rotation of the crankshaft. Information from the sensor is transmitted to Engine ECU, which adjusts based on it:

• 🔥 Ignition timing — so that the fuel ignites at the optimal moment.
• ⛽ Fuel injection — for precise dosage of gasoline into the cylinders.
• ⚙️ Operation of the variable valve mechanism (if it is in the model).

On Nissan Almera (especially on models with engines HR16DE, QG15DE, QG18DE) The DPS is located next to the flywheel or crankshaft pulley. It detects the passage of teeth on the master disk, generating a pulse signal. If the sensor fails, the ECU loses synchronization with the engine, resulting in malfunctions.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera N16 with engine QG15DE DPS is often confused with the camshaft sensor (DPRV). Their malfunction symptoms are similar, but the diagnostic methods are different. Incorrect replacement may make the problem worse!

Signs of a DPS malfunction on a Nissan Almera

A faulty crankshaft position sensor manifests itself differently, depending on the degree of wear and engine model. Here main symptoms, which are worth paying attention to:

Symptom	Probable Cause	Action
The engine does not start, the starter turns "idle"	Complete DPS failure or open circuit	Check with a multimeter, replace the sensor
Floating idle speed (800-1500 rpm)	Unstable traffic signal due to contamination or damage	Cleaning the sensor, checking the connector
Jerks and dips during acceleration (especially at speeds of 60-90 km/h)	Periodic loss of traffic signal	Diagnostics with an oscilloscope, replacement
Check Engine Lights On and Off Randomly	Intermittent contact in the DPS connector	Checking contacts, processing contact group

On Almera G15 (since 2012) faulty traffic police is often accompanied by an error P0335 - "Crankshaft position sensor circuit malfunction." However, this code can also appear if there are problems with the wiring or ECU. Therefore, diagnostics must be carried out comprehensively.

Diagnostics of traffic police on Nissan Almera: step-by-step instructions

Before replacing the sensor, you need to make sure that it is the problem. This will require multimeter (in ohmmeter and voltmeter mode) and, preferably, oscilloscope (for accurate diagnosis). Below is the verification algorithm for Almera N16/N17/G15.

1. Visual inspection

• 🔍 Check it out sensor housing integrity — cracks or chips are unacceptable.
• 🧲 Take a look contact group for oxidation or corrosion.
• 🛠️ Make sure that sensor mount not weakened (the gap between the DPS and the flywheel should be 0.5–1.5 mm).

2. Checking the winding resistance

Disconnect the DPS connector and measure the resistance between the sensor terminals:

• ✅ Norm for Almera: 500–700 Ohm (depends on temperature).
• ❌ Symptom: open (resistance → ∞) or short circuit (resistance → 0).

3. Inductance test (optional)

For accurate diagnostics, you can use an oscilloscope by connecting it to the DPS signal wire with the engine running. Healthy sensor should produce a smooth sinusoidal signal without gaps. If the signal amplitude is lower 0.3 V or there is interference - the sensor is faulty.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 with engine HR16DE The traffic police is located in an inconvenient place - next to the gearbox. To access it, it may be necessary to remove the protection or partially dismantle the intake manifold.

Replacing traffic police on Nissan Almera: original vs analogues

If diagnostics confirm that the sensor is faulty, it must be replaced. Presented on the market as original Nissan parts, and analogues from third-party manufacturers. Here is a comparison table:

Manufacturer	Article	Price (≈)	Features
Nissan (original)	23731-4M000 (for G15) 23731-6J000 (for N16)	3 500–5 000 ₽	12 months warranty, exact compatibility
Bosch	0 261 210 115	2 200–2 800 ₽	High quality, fits most models
Febi	23731	1 500–2 000 ₽	Budget option, possible problems with durability
ERA	550457	1 200–1 600 ₽	Low price, but frequent defects

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to compatible with your engine model. For example, a sensor from Almera N16 (QG15DE) not suitable for G15 (HR16DE) due to different fastenings and wire lengths.

Step-by-step replacement of DPS

1. Disable negative battery terminal.
2. Remove protective cover (if there is one) and locate the sensor near the flywheel.
3. Disconnect power connector from DPS.
4. Unscrew fastening bolt (usually 10 mm) and remove the sensor.
5. Install new sensor, keeping the gap 0.5–1.5 mm to the flywheel.
6. Connect the connector and check the operation of the engine.

Common mistakes when replacing traffic police and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when replacing the crankshaft position sensor. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔧 Incorrect clearance between DPS and flywheel - if the sensor is installed too close or far away, the signal will be unstable. Use gap measuring gauge (optimally - 1 mm).
• 🔌 Damage to the connector when disconnected - You can’t pull the wires! Handle only the plastic housing of the connector.
• 🛑 Ignoring ECU errors after replacement - even if the engine starts, check with a scanner for codes P0335 or P0336.
• 🔄 Replacing only the sensor without checking the wiring — often the problem lies in oxidized contacts or frayed wires.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 after replacing the DPS may be required reset ECU adaptations. To do this, disconnect the battery for 10–15 minutes or use a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431).

Preventing problems with traffic police on Nissan Almera

To extend the life of your crankshaft position sensor, follow these guidelines:

• 🚗 Avoid driving through deep puddles — water entering the DPS accelerates corrosion of the contacts.
• 🔧 Clean the sensor connector regularly from oxidation (use WD-40 or contact lubricant).
• ⛽ Monitor fuel quality — bad gasoline leads to carbon deposits on the flywheel teeth, which interferes with signal reading.
• 🔄 Carry out ECU diagnostics every 30,000 km in order to identify traffic police errors in a timely manner.

On Almera N16 with engine QG18DE The crankshaft position sensor is especially sensitive to overheating. If you often sit in traffic jams or operate your car in a hot climate, check the condition of the traffic police every 50,000 km.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about traffic police on Nissan Almera

Is it possible to drive with a faulty traffic police?

Technically possible, but highly undesirable. A faulty DPS leads to:

• Increased fuel consumption (up to +20%).
• There is a risk of stalling while driving (especially on the highway).
• Additional load on the catalyst and lambda probes.

If the sensor fails completely, the engine may not start.

How to distinguish a malfunction of the DPS from problems with the DPRV?

The symptoms are similar, but there are key differences:

• DPS - the engine does not start at all or works with strong tripling.
• DPRV — the engine starts, but loses power, especially at high speeds.

Accurate diagnostics can only be carried out with a scanner (codes P0335 — DPS, P0340 - DPRV).

How much does it cost to replace a traffic police service?

The cost of work depends on the model:

• Almera N16: 800–1 200 ₽ (easy access).
• Almera G15: 1 500–2 500 ₽ (requires partial disassembly).

Taking into account spare parts, the total price will be 3 000–6 000 ₽.

Is it possible to clean the DPS instead of replacing it?

Yes, but only if the problem is dirty contacts. To do this:

1. Remove the sensor and clean it isopropyl alcohol.
2. Clean the connector WD-40 or special lubricant for contacts.
3. Check the resistance with a multimeter.

If symptoms remain after cleaning, the sensor must be replaced.

What other sensors can cause similar symptoms?

In addition to DPS and DPRV, check:

• 🔥 Mass air flow sensor (MAF) - error P0100.
• ⛽ Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) - error P0120.
• 🔋 Knock sensor - error P0325.