The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is one of the key elements of the engine management system Nissan Almera. Its malfunction leads to engine malfunctions: from difficulty starting to complete engine stop. Owners Almera N16, G15 And B10 Often faced with the question: where exactly is this sensor located and how to get to it without unnecessary difficulties?
In this article you will find exact layout diagrams of DPKV for different generations Almera, detailed photos indicating fastenings, as well as step-by-step instructions for diagnosis and replacement. We will look at what tools are needed, how to avoid common mistakes during dismantling, and why even a slight displacement of the sensor can cause serious problems in engine operation.
Location of the crankshaft sensor on Nissan Almera: photos and diagrams
On all generations Nissan Almera (including N16, G15 And B10) crankshaft sensor is installed in in the same place - on the oil pump cover, next to the crankshaft pulley. The specific location depends on the engine type:
- 🔧 Engines GA16DE/QR20DE (Almera N16, G15): The sensor is located to the right of the cylinder block (in the direction of travel), next to the generator. Attaches with one bolt to
10 mm. - 🔧 HR16DE engines (Almera G15 after 2012): DPKV is moved closer to the front of the engine, under the intake manifold. Access is complicated by the cooling system pipes.
- 🔧 Engines CG13DE (Almera B10): The sensor is located higher, almost at the very top of the oil pump cover. Often covered by a timing belt guard.
Visually, the sensor is a small cylinder (~5–7 cm long) with a connector for wiring. At its end there is a metal core, which should be at a distance 0.5–1.5 mm from the ring gear of the crankshaft pulley. On Almera N16 With the QR20DE engine, the sensor is often confused with the camshaft sensor - the latter is located higher on the cylinder head.
| Model Almera | Engine | Location of DPKV | Difficulty of access |
|---|---|---|---|
| N16 (2000–2006) | GA16DE, QR20DE | Oil pump cover, right of block | Medium (requires unprotection) |
| G15 (2012–2018) | HR16DE | Under the intake manifold, front end | High (nozzles interfere) |
| B10 (1995–2000) | CG13DE | Oil pump cover top | Low (easy access) |
To accurately identify the sensor, pay attention to the connector: it has three contacts (power, signal, ground) and markings 23731-XXXX (where XXXX are numbers depending on the model). On Almera N16 the original sensor is often painted black, and on G15 - to gray.
- GA16DE (1.6 l)
- QR20DE (2.0 l)
- HR16DE (1.6 l, after 2012)
- CG13DE (1.3 l)
- I don't know
Signs of a malfunctioning crankshaft sensor on Almera
A faulty DPKV manifests itself with several symptoms at once, which are difficult to confuse with other problems. Main features:
- ⚠️ Engine won't start or stalls immediately after starting. This is the most obvious symptom - without a signal from the DPKV, the ECU cannot determine the position of the crankshaft and synchronize the ignition.
- ⚠️ Floating speed at idle (from 500 to 1500 rpm). Often accompanied by an error
P0335orP0336. - ⚠️ Power Loss and “failures” during acceleration. The engine seems to be choking, especially at low speeds.
- ⚠️ Detonation under load (a loud metallic knock). Occurs due to incorrect ignition timing.
On Nissan Almera G15 with engine HR16DE a faulty DPKV can cause immobilizer false alarm — the car is blocked from starting, although the key is working. This is due to the fact that the ECU does not receive a signal about the position of the shaft and perceives this as an attempt to steal.
⚠️ Attention: If the dashboard lights upCheck Engineand the scanner shows an errorP0325(open circuit DPKV), do not rush to change the sensor. Check first wiring and connector condition — often the problem lies in oxidized contacts or frayed wires near the exhaust manifold.
On Almera N16 with engine QR20DE there is one peculiarity: if the DPKV fails, the engine can start, but operate extremely unstable, with strong vibration. This is due to the fact that the ECU tries to “guess” the position of the shaft based on the signal from the camshaft sensor, but the accuracy of this mode is extremely low.
How to check the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Almera: 3 ways
Before changing the DPKV, it needs to be checked. There are three reliable diagnostic methods that do not require special equipment (except a multimeter).
1. Checking the winding resistance
The easiest way is to measure the resistance of the sensor coil:
- Remove the connector from the sensor.
- Set the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (range
200–2000 Ohm). - Connect the probes to the terminals
1And2(signal and ground contacts).
Normal resistance for Almera: 550–750 Ohm. If the readings are lower 500 Ohm or higher 900 Ohm, the sensor is faulty.
2. Inductance check
A more accurate method is to measure the inductance of the coil. To do this, you will need a multimeter with an inductance measurement function or a separate LC meter:
- 📊 Connect the device to the sensor terminals.
- 📊 Normal inductance: 200–400 mH.
- 📊 If the value is lower
150 mH, the sensor must be replaced.
3. Checking the signal with an oscilloscope
The most reliable way is to analyze the signal with an oscilloscope (or even a simple USB oscilloscope for 500–1000 rubles). Connect the probes to the sensor terminals (signal and ground) and crank the engine with the starter. The screen should display sine wave with clear peaks:
- ✅ Working sensor: signal amplitude
0.5–2 V, the frequency corresponds to the crankshaft revolutions. - ❌ Faulty sensor: “ragged” signal, lower amplitude
0.3 Vor absent altogether.
1. Check the winding resistance (550–750 Ohm)
2. Measure inductance (200–400 mH)
3. Inspect the connector for oxidation
4. Check the power circuit (12 V on pin 3)
5. Analyze the signal with an oscilloscope -->
On Almera G15 with engine HR16DE there is one trick: if the sensor “glitches” only on a hot engine, the problem may lie in thermal expansion of the housing. In this case, only replacement will help.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the crankshaft sensor
Replacing DPKV with Nissan Almera - a procedure that can be performed independently in 30–60 minutes. The main thing is to be careful and not damage the ring gear of the crankshaft pulley.
Required tools:
- 🔧 Socket wrench or socket on
10 mm(for fastening bolt). - 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for removing the connector).
- 🔧 Thick probe
0.5 mm(to check the gap). - 🔧 A rag and contact cleaner (for example, WD-40).
Work order:
- Disconnect the battery (remove the negative terminal).
- Clean the area around the sensor from dirt so that it does not get into the engine.
- Disconnect the connector wiring by pressing the latch.
- Remove the fastening bolt (on Almera N16 it often sticks - use a penetrating lubricant).
- Carefully remove the sensor, rocking it from side to side. Do not use force!
- Install a new sensor, making sure he sat down all the way. Tighten the bolt to torque
8–10 Nm. - Check the gap between the sensor and the ring gear - it must be
0.5–1.5 mm.
On Almera G15 with engine HR16DE you will have to remove it before replacing inlet pipe and move the wiring harness to the side. Be careful - the plastic clips that secure the pipes break easily!
⚠️ Attention: If the engine does not start after replacing the sensor, check connector polarity. On Almera N16 contacts1And2sometimes confused in non-original sensors. Correct location:1 - signal,2 - mass,3 - power supply (+12 V).
Before installing a new sensor, apply a thin layer of engine oil to its O-ring - this will make installation easier and prevent air leaks.
Common mistakes when replacing DPKV and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with the crankshaft sensor. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:
- 🔨 Damage to the ring gear in case of careless removal of the sensor. How to avoid: Do not use metal tools to remove the sensor - only plastic or wooden wedges.
- 🔨 Incorrect clearance between the sensor and the pulley. How to avoid: After installation, check the gap with a feeler gauge. If it's bigger
1.5 mm, place the washer. - 🔨 Using a non-original sensor low quality. How to avoid: Buy only sensors with article numbers
23731-4M000(for N16) or23731-4M010(for G15). - 🔨 Forgetting to clean the connector from oxidation. How to avoid: Before connecting, treat the contacts with a cleaner (for example, CRC 05103).
On Almera B10 with engine CG13DE A common problem is that after replacing the sensor, the engine runs unstable. Reason - mismatch of timing marks. After replacing the DPKV, be sure to check the alignment of the marks on the crankshaft and camshaft pulleys.
What happens if you drive with a faulty DPKV?
Long-term operation Nissan Almera with a faulty crankshaft sensor leads to:
1. Damage to the catalyst due to improper fuel combustion.
2. Engine overheating (The computer does not regulate the mixture correctly).
3. Failure of spark plugs (due to detonation).
4. Increased fuel consumption (up to 20–30%).
On Almera N16 with engine QR20DE Driving with a faulty DPKV can lead to misfires, which are recorded as errors P0300–P0304
Cost of sensor and replacement services
Crankshaft sensor price for Nissan Almera depends on the manufacturer and generation of the model:
| Manufacturer | Article | Price, rub. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original (Nissan) | 23731-4M000 | 2500–3500 | For Almera N16 (GA16DE, QR20DE) |
| Original (Nissan) | 23731-4M010 | 3000–4000 | For Almera G15 (HR16DE) |
| Bosch | 0 261 210 115 | 1800–2200 | Universal, fits most models |
| Febi | 23731 | 1500–1900 | Budget option, average quality |
Service replacement cost:
- 💰 Self-replacement: 0 rub. (except for the price of the sensor).
- 💰 Service replacement: 800–1500 rub. (depending on the region).
On Almera G15 with engine HR16DE the cost of work may be higher (up to 2000 rubles), since removal of the intake manifold is required. If you decide to change the sensor yourself, please note that The warranty for a new sensor is valid only when installed in a certified service (at official dealers Nissan).
Savings on the original sensor often result in repeated replacement after 10–20 thousand km. Non-original DPKV (for example, from Febi) may malfunction at low temperatures (below −15°C).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the crankshaft sensor on Nissan Almera
Is it possible to drive with a faulty DPKV?
Technically possible, but highly undesirable. The engine will operate in emergency mode, with increased fuel consumption and the risk of damage to the catalyst. On Almera N16 with engine QR20DE Driving with a faulty sensor can lead to misfires and detonation, which can damage the pistons.
Which crankshaft sensor is better to choose for Almera G15?
For Almera G15 with engine HR16DE the optimal choice is the original sensor 23731-4M010. Among analogues it has proven itself well Bosch 0 261 210 115. Cheap sensors (for example, Febi) often fail after 1–2 years.
Do I need to reset errors after replacing the DPKV?
Yes, after replacing the sensor it is necessary to reset errors from the ECU memory. This can be done:
- Using a diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327).
- Disconnecting the battery terminal for 10–15 minutes (for Almera N16 this won't always work).
If the error P0335 appears again, check wiring integrity from the sensor to the ECU.
Is it possible to clean the crankshaft sensor?
Cleaning the DPKV is possible, but is only effective if core contamination (for example, metal shavings). Use isopropyl alcohol or carburetor cleaner. If the problem is an internal fault (winding break, housing crack), cleaning will not help.
Why does the engine run worse after replacing the DPKV?
There are several reasons:
- Incorrectly installed gap between the sensor and the pulley.
- Confused contacts when connecting the connector.
- Used poor quality sensor (especially relevant for Almera G15).
- Not reset errors in the ECU.
Check all the points in order. On Almera N16 may also be required throttle adaptation after replacing the sensor.