<em>Nissan Almera G15</em> crankshaft sensor: exact location, diagnosis and replacement

Owners Nissan Almera G15 (internal designation KL15) sooner or later they encounter problems in engine operation, which may be associated with a malfunction of the crankshaft position sensor (CPS). This small but critical element is responsible for synchronizing the operation of the injection and ignition system. If it fails, the car may simply refuse to start or will start to stall at idle.

Unlike many other sensors, DPKV on Almera G15 does not have a standard “convenient” location — its location often raises questions even among experienced car owners. In this article we will not only show exact location of the sensor installation with photos and diagrams, but we will also analyze the symptoms of its breakdown, diagnostic methods and the nuances of replacement. We will pay special attention to typical mistakes that are made during dismantling and give recommendations on choosing a new sensor.

Where is the crankshaft sensor located on Nissan Almera G15?

On Almera G15 with engines HR15DE (1.5 l) and HR16DE (1.6 L) crankshaft position sensor is located at the bottom of the cylinder block, next to the flywheel. More specifically, it is attached to gearbox housing (from the flywheel side) and is directed towards the ring gear, which is mounted on the crankshaft. This is not the most obvious place, so many people look for it on the timing belt side or under the hood, where it is not there.

To pinpoint your location:

• 🔧 Lift the car on a lift or drive it into an inspection hole (access from the ground is extremely inconvenient).
• 🔍 Inspect the area between the engine and transmission - the sensor looks like a small cylinder with a wire coming out of the top.
• 📏 The distance from the sensor to the crankshaft ring gear should be 0.8–1.2 mm (this is critical for correct operation).

The photo below shows the location of the sensor on Almera G15 with the crankcase protection removed (the sensor itself is circled in red, the mounting bolt is circled in blue):

Photo of the location of the crankshaft sensor

The image shows that the sensor is located to the right of the flywheel, near the junction of the engine and gearbox. The wire from it goes up and is attached to the wiring harness along the cylinder block.

Important: on some modifications Almera G15 (for example, for Asian markets) the sensor can be shifted 10–15 mm to the left relative to the standard position. This is due to the design features of the suspension and crankcase protection.

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor

The DPKV has no mechanical moving parts, but over time it can fail due to contamination, contact corrosion or internal damage. You can recognize the problem by the following symptoms:

• ⚠️ Engine won't start or it starts with difficulty (the starter turns, but there is no spark in the cylinders).
• 🔥 Lights up on the dashboard Check Engine (errors P0335, P0336 or P0339).
• 📉 Floating speed at idle or spontaneous engine stop.
• 🚗 Loss of power, “failures” during acceleration, detonation.

However, these same symptoms may also indicate other problems (for example, problems with the ignition coils or fuel injectors). To accurately diagnose DPCV, you must:

1. Read errors using a scanner (for example, ELM327 or Launch CReader).
2. Check the resistance of the sensor with a multimeter (standard: 500–700 Ohm at +20°C).
3. Inspect the connector for oxidation or broken wires.

How to remove and replace the crankshaft sensor Almera G15?

Replacing DPKV with Nissan Almera G15 does not require special tools, but will require accuracy. You will need:

• 🔧 Socket wrench or socket on 10 mm.
• 🔌 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for disconnecting the connector).
• 🧴 WD-40 or similar cleaner (if the bolt is stuck).
• 📏 Feeler gauge for checking the gap (optional).

Step by step instructions:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (required!).
2. Disconnect the sensor connector by pressing the latch (do not pull the wires!).
3. Unscrew the sensor mounting bolt (it may be hidden under a layer of dirt).
4. Carefully remove the sensor by rocking it from side to side (do not use force!).
5. Clean the seat from dirt and oil.
6. Install the new sensor, making sure that the gap to the ring gear is 0.8–1.2 mm.
7. Tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).

⚠️ Attention: When installing a new sensor, do not allow metal shavings or dirt to get into the mounting hole. This may lead to false signals and repeated failure.

Which crankshaft sensor should I choose to replace?

On Nissan Almera G15 sensors with original catalog number are installed 23731-4M51A (manufacturer - Hitachi or Mitsubishi Electric). However, there are also high-quality analogues on the market:

Manufacturer	Article	Price (approx.)	Features
Nissan (original)	23731-4M51A	2 500–3 500 ₽	12 months warranty, exact compatibility
Hitachi	EX100-0003	1 800–2 300 ₽	High quality, often supplied in original packaging
Bosch	0 261 210 115	1 500–2 000 ₽	Good alternative, but requires resistance testing
ERA	550444	800–1 200 ₽	Budget option, suitable for temporary replacement

When purchasing, pay attention to:

• 📦 Availability of an o-ring in the kit (if not, buy separately).
• 🔍 Marking on the sensor body (must match the original).
• 📏 Length of the wire (on some analogs it is shorter, which will complicate installation).

Typical mistakes when replacing the crankshaft sensor

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

1. Ignoring the gap between the sensor and the ring gear. If the gap is larger 1.2 mm, the signal will be weak; if less 0.8 mm — risk of mechanical damage.
2. Dirt getting into the mounting hole. This leads to false signals and rapid failure of the new sensor.
3. Use of incompatible analogues. For example, sensors from Renault or Kia may be externally suitable, but have different resistance.
4. Tightening the mounting bolt. This deforms the sensor body and distorts the signal.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the sensor the engine still does not start, check the power circuit (wiring from the computer to the sensor connector). Often the problem lies in a break or short circuit in the harness, and not in the DPKV itself.

How to check the crankshaft sensor without a scanner?

If you do not have a diagnostic scanner, you can check the DPCV using a multimeter or even visually. Here are three ways:

1. Resistance test:
   • Disconnect the sensor connector.
   • Connect the multimeter probes to the sensor terminals (polarity is not important).
   • Resistance must be within 500–700 Ohm.
2. Inductance test:
   • Switch the multimeter to inductance measurement mode (if there is such a function).
   • Normal value for DPKV Almera G15 — 200–400 mH.
3. Visual inspection:
   • Check the integrity of the sensor housing (cracks, chips).
   • Make sure the connector pins are not oxidized or bent.
   • Inspect the crankshaft ring gear for damaged teeth.

If the sensor fails at least one of the tests, it must be replaced. It is also recommended to check wiring from sensor to ECU for breaks or short circuits.

Frequently asked questions about the crankshaft sensor on Nissan Almera G15

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

No, this is highly not recommended. The engine will run unstably, jerking, loss of power and even a complete stop are possible. In some cases, a faulty PDAC can cause catalytic converter damage due to improper mixture.

What gap should be between the sensor and the ring gear?

Optimal clearance for Almera G15 — 0.8–1.2 mm. If the gap is larger, the signal will be weak; if less, there is a risk of mechanical contact due to vibrations.

Is it possible to clean the old sensor instead of replacing it?

Cleaning is only possible if there is external contamination (for example, oil or dirt on the housing). If the fault is internal (winding breakage, core damage), the sensor must only be replaced.

What errors does a faulty DPKV produce?

Most often these are errors P0335 (“Crankshaft position sensor circuit”), P0336 (“DPKV circuit range/performance”) or P0339 (“Intermittent DPKV signal”).

Do I need to reset errors after replacing the sensor?

Yes, after replacement it is recommended to clear errors using a scanner or by disconnecting the battery for 10-15 minutes. Otherwise Check Engine may remain burning.