Crankshaft sensor on Nissan Qashqai: where is it located, how to check and replace

The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is one of the key elements of the engine management system Nissan Qashqai. Its malfunction leads to engine malfunctions: from difficulty starting to complete engine stop. Owners Kashkaev The first (J10) and second (J11) generations are often faced with the question: where exactly is this sensor located, how to check and replace it yourself?

In this article you will find exact layout diagrams of DPKV for gasoline (HR16DE, MR20DE) and diesel (K9K, R9M) engines, photo showing fastenings, as well as step-by-step diagnostic instructions. We will analyze why the sensor fails, what errors (P0335, P0336) indicate its malfunction, and how to avoid typical mistakes when replacing.

We will pay special attention a unique feature of the sensor on diesel Qashqais with the K9K engine: its location differs from gasoline versions, and the gap between the sensor and the flywheel must strictly correspond to 0.8–1.2 mm. This is critical for the correct operation of the injection system. Common Rail.

Where is the crankshaft sensor located on Nissan Qashqai: photo and diagram

The location of the DPKV depends on the engine type and generation Qashqai. On gasoline engines, the sensor is attached to cylinder block next to the flywheel, on diesel engines - to gearbox from the flywheel side. Below are diagrams for each case.

For Nissan Qashqai J10 (2007–2013) with gasoline engine HR16DE (1.6 l) or MR20DE (2.0 l):

• 🔧 The sensor is located to the right of the cylinder block (in the direction of travel), next to the flywheel housing.
• 🔍 Attaches with one bolt to 10 mm and has a two-pin connector.
• 📏 Distance to flywheel: 0.5–1.0 mm (adjustable with washers).

For Nissan Qashqai J11 (2014–2021) with diesel engine K9K (1.5 dCi) or R9M (1.6 dCi):

• 🔧 The sensor is installed on gearbox housing from the flywheel side.
• 🔍 Black connector with lock, fastening bolt - M6.
• 📏 Clearance to flywheel: 0.8–1.2 mm (critical for a diesel engine!).

Model Qashqai	Engine type	DPKV location	Flywheel clearance
J10 (2007–2013)	HR16DE (1.6 petrol)	Cylinder block, right	0.5–1.0 mm
J10 (2007–2013)	MR20DE (2.0 petrol)	Cylinder block, right	0.5–1.0 mm
J11 (2014–2021)	K9K (1.5 diesel)	Gearbox, flywheel side	0.8–1.2 mm
J11 (2014–2021)	R9M (1.6 diesel)	Gearbox, flywheel side	0.8–1.2 mm

The photo below shows the location of the sensor on a gasoline Qashqai J10 (red arrow points to the mount):

[There should be a picture here indicating the sensor on the cylinder block]

⚠️ Attention! On diesel Qashqai When replacing the DPKV, be sure to check the gap with a feeler gauge. Exceeding the permissible value (>1.2 mm) will lead to Unstable engine operation at idle and error P0336.

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Qashqai

A faulty DPKV manifests itself differently depending on the degree of wear. On Qashqai With gasoline engines, symptoms usually develop gradually, but with diesel engines they can appear suddenly. Main features:

• 🚗 Engine won't start or it starts after 3–5 attempts (especially “hot”).
• 🔄 Floating speed at idle speed (tachometer needle twitches in the range of 500–1000 rpm).
• ⚡ Power Loss when accelerating, “dips” when pressing the gas pedal.
• 🛑 Sudden engine stop while driving (usually on diesel versions).
• 🔧 Lights up on the dashboard Check Engine with errors P0335 or P0336.

On diesel Qashqai J11 with engine K9K a faulty DPKV can cause detonation during a cold start - this is due to an incorrect injection advance angle. Gasoline engines are more likely to suffer from misfires in cylinders (errors P0300–P0304).

It is important to distinguish the symptoms of a faulty DPKV from problems with camshaft sensor or ignition coils. For example, if the engine stalls only while driving, but starts normally, the culprit is most likely phase sensor, not the crankshaft.

How to check the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Qashqai: 3 ways

Diagnostics of the DPKV can be carried out without removal (preliminary check) or with dismantling (precise diagnosis). Let's consider all three methods that are relevant for Qashqai any generation.

1. Check with an oscilloscope (the most accurate method)

Required automotive oscilloscope or a multimeter with an oscilloscope function. Connect the probes to the sensor contacts (polarity is not important) and start the engine. The screen should display sine wave with clear peaks.

• ✅ Norm: signal amplitude 0.5–1.5 V, no gaps.
• ❌ Malfunction: signal intermittent, amplitude below 0.3 V.

2. Check with a multimeter (winding resistance)

Disconnect the sensor connector and measure the resistance between the contacts:

• 🔧 For gasoline Qashqai: normal - 500–700 Ohm.
• 🔧 For diesel Qashqai: normal - 800–1200 Ohm.

If resistance tends to zero (short circuit) or infinity (break), the sensor must be replaced.

3. Check "by eye" (visual inspection)

Remove the sensor and inspect it:

• 🔍 Cracks or chips on the body - a sign of mechanical damage.
• 🧲 Traces of metal shavings at the end - indicates flywheel wear.
• 💧 Contact corrosion — may cause an intermittent signal.

Remove the connector and check the contacts for oxidation|

Measure the winding resistance with a multimeter|

Check the signal amplitude with an oscilloscope (if available)|

Inspect the sensor for mechanical damage -->

⚠️ Attention! On diesel Qashqai After removing the DPKV, be sure to clean the seat from dirt. Metal particles getting between the sensor and the flywheel will cause false signals and error P0335.

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

Replacing DPKV with Qashqai does not require special tools, but there are nuances for gasoline and diesel versions. Below are universal instructions taking into account the characteristics of each type of engine.

Required tools:

• 🔧 Head on 10 mm (for gasoline) or M6 (for diesel).
• 🔨 Extension and ratchet handle.
• 📏 Feeler gauge 0.5–1.2 mm thick (to check the gap).
• 🧴 WD-40 or similar cleaner (if the bolt is stuck).

Work order:

1. Disable negative battery terminal (required!).

2. Disconnect the sensor connector by pressing the latch.

3. Unscrew the fastening bolt (on diesel Qashqai an extension cord may be required).

4. Carefully remove the sensor without damaging the O-ring.

5. Clean the seat from dirt and metal shavings.

6. Install the new sensor, making sure there is no gap between it and the stop.

7. Tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).

8. Connect the connector and check the gap with a feeler gauge (for diesel - 0.8–1.2 mm).

For diesel Qashqai J11 after replacing the DPKV it is necessary reset adaptations engine control unit. This can be done:

• 🔧 Using a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431).
• 🔄 By disconnecting the battery for 10–15 minutes (less reliable).

What happens if you don’t reset the adaptations after replacing the DPKV?

On diesel Qashqais, the control unit continues to use old data about the crankshaft position, which leads to unstable idling and increased fuel consumption. In some cases, the engine may go into emergency mode (speed limit to 2500 rpm).

⚠️ Attention! On petrol Qashqai J10 with engine MR20DE when replacing DPKV it is sometimes required throttle valve relearning. Symptoms of failure to follow the procedure: floating speed after startup.

Errors P0335 and P0336: what they mean and how to fix them

Codes P0335 ("Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction") and P0336 ("Sensor Circuit Range/Performance") - the most common errors associated with DPKV on Nissan Qashqai. Their causes and solutions differ.

Error code	Possible reasons	How to fix
P0335	Break or short circuit in the sensor wiring. Oxidation of connector contacts. Mechanical damage to the DPKV.	Test the wiring with a multimeter. Clean the connector contacts. Replace sensor.
P0336	Incorrect clearance between sensor and flywheel. Damage to the flywheel ring gear. Engine ECU malfunction (rare).	Check the gap with a feeler gauge (should be 0.5–1.2 mm). Inspect the flywheel for chipped teeth. Check the sensor's power supply (12 V on one of the contacts).

On diesel Qashqai error P0336 often appears after replacing the flywheel or clutch if it has not been calibrated crankshaft angle. In this case, diagnostic equipment is required to reset the adaptations.

If after replacing the DPKV the error remains, check:

• 🔌 Wiring integrity from the sensor to the ECU (often grinds near the exhaust manifold).
• 🔋 Supply voltage on the connector (should be 12 V when the ignition is on).
• 🛠️ Flywheel condition — chipped teeth will lead to false signals.

💡

Error P0335 on Nissan Qashqai in 80% of cases is caused by a malfunction of the sensor itself or oxidation of its contacts. Before replacing the DPKV, always clean the connector and check the wiring!

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

When choosing DPKV for Qashqai important to consider engine type And car generation. Original sensors from Nissan have articles:

• 🔧 For gasoline engines: 23731-4M200 (HR16DE), 23731-ED000 (MR20DE).
• 🔧 For diesel engines: 23731-VJ000 (K9K), 23731-VJ010 (R9M).

Among the analogues, the following have proven themselves well:

• 🏆 Bosch (article 0 261 210 115) - universal option for gasoline Qashqai.
• 🏆 Valeo (article 587038) - optimal for diesel versions.
• 💰 Febi (article 23731) - a budget analogue, but with a smaller resource.

When purchasing, pay attention to:

• 📦 Packaging — original sensors Nissan supplied in branded boxes with a hologram.
• 🧲 Magnetic core — should attract metal objects (check with a magnet).
• 📏 Cable length - on diesel Qashqai it is shorter than on gasoline ones.

⚠️ Attention! On diesel Qashqai J11 with engine R9M (1.6 dCi) a sensor with increased magnetic field. Using the sensor from K9K will lead to an error P0336 after 1–2 weeks of use.

Common mistakes when replacing the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Qashqai

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing DPKV, which leads to repeated malfunctions. Let's look at the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• 🔧 Incorrect clearance - on diesel Qashqai gap >1.2 mm causes an error P0336. Always check with a dipstick!
• 🔌 Connector damage — when disconnecting the latch, the plastic tab can be broken. Use a flathead screwdriver.
• 🛠️ Uncleaned seat — metal shavings between the sensor and the block lead to false signals.
• 🔋 Unreset adaptations — on diesel versions this causes floating speed.
• 📦 Installing the wrong sensor - for example, from a gasoline engine to a diesel engine (different sensitivity).

Another common mistake is fastening bolt tightening. Maximum tightening torque - 10 Nm. Exceeding this value deforms the sensor housing, which leads to signal distortion.

On petrol Qashqai J10 after replacing DPKV it is sometimes required throttle valve relearning. The procedure is performed like this:

1. Turn on the ignition for 3 seconds.
2. Turn off the ignition for 10 seconds.
3. Repeat the cycle 3 times.
4. Start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes.

How can I check that the sensor is installed correctly?

After replacing the DPKV, start the engine and check:

1. Stability of idle speed (tachometer needle does not twitch).

2. No errors P0335/P0336 when scanning.

3. Responsiveness of the engine when you press the gas (no “failures”).

If at least one point is not fulfilled, re-check the gap and connection of the connector.

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

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

No, this is fraught with serious consequences. On petrol Qashqai The engine may stall while driving, and on diesel engines it may go into emergency mode with limited speed. In addition, a faulty DPKV leads to increased wear of the fuel system (especially on diesel engines with Common Rail).

How often should the crankshaft sensor be replaced?

DPKV is a non-consumable element and is replaced only in the event of a malfunction. Average resource of the original sensor - 150–200 thousand km. However, on diesel Qashqai due to engine vibrations, the sensor may fail earlier (100–120 thousand km). Check its condition regularly during scheduled maintenance.

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

Cleaning is only possible if the problem is dirty contacts or metal shavings at the end. The sensor winding itself cannot be cleaned. For cleaning use:

• 🧴 Contact cleaner (For example, CRC Contact Cleaner).
• 🧲 Soft brush to remove chips.

If the error remains after cleaning, the sensor must be replaced.

Why does the engine run unstable after replacing the crankshaft sensor?

There are several reasons:

1. Incorrect clearance (especially relevant for diesel engines) Qashqai).
2. Unreset adaptations ECU (diagnostic scanner required).
3. Defective new sensor (check winding resistance).
4. Flywheel damage (chips of teeth).

Start by checking the gap and resetting the adaptations. If the problem persists, diagnose the flywheel.

Can I calibrate the crankshaft sensor myself?

On petrol Qashqai no calibration required - just resetting errors. On diesel versions (K9K, R9M) for calibration you need a scanner with support Nissan Consult. Without it, you can reset the adaptations by disconnecting the battery for 15 minutes, but this is less reliable.