How to replace the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Qashqai: errors, prices, instructions

The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is one of the key elements of the engine management system Nissan Qashqai. Its malfunction leads to engine malfunctions, loss of power and even inability to start. Unlike many other sensors, DPKV does not have redundant systems, so its failure paralyzes engine operation completely.

On models Qashqai J10 (2007–2013) and J11 (2014–2021) with petrol engines MR20DD (2.0 l) and HR16DE (1.6 l) sensor is installed in the same place - on the oil pump cover on the gearbox side. You can diagnose its malfunction by errors P0335 (“Sensor circuit malfunction”) or P0336 (“Incorrect sensor signal”), but sometimes problems appear without an error code - for example, floating speed or jerks during acceleration.

Replacing DPKV with Qashqai does not require special equipment, but there are nuances: incorrect installation or selection of low-quality spare parts can lead to repeated failure. In this article, we’ll look at how to avoid common mistakes, what tools you’ll need, and how much the original sensor costs compared to analogues.

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Qashqai

DPKV rarely fails suddenly - usually the malfunction develops gradually. In the early stages, symptoms can be confused with fuel system or ignition problems, but there are key differences:

On Qashqai with engines MR20DD And HR16DE The most common symptoms that appear are:

• 🔴 Engine stalls at idle - especially after warming up. This is due to the fact that the ECU loses the signal about the crankshaft position and cannot adjust the fuel supply.
• 🔴 Difficult starting "hot". A cold engine may start normally, but after stopping and starting again, the starter idles for 3-5 seconds.
• 🔴 Dips during acceleration at speeds of 2000–3000 rpm. The ECU “loses” the DPKV signal and temporarily turns off injection.
• 🔴 Check Engine Lights On and Off for no apparent reason. Errors P0335 or P0336 may appear periodically.

Important: on Qashqai with diesel engines K9K (1.5 dCi) symptoms may vary - for example, smoky exhaust due to incorrect injection angle. But in 90% of cases, a malfunction of the DPKV on a diesel engine leads to a complete stop of the engine.

If you notice at least 2-3 signs from the list, first check sensor connector condition — often the problem lies in oxidized contacts or damaged wiring. It is also worth scanning the car for errors using a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch CReader or ELM327).

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

Original crankshaft position sensor for Qashqai has an article number 23731-4M51A (for gasoline engines) and 23731-AX01A (for diesel engines). The cost of the original in official dealers is from 4,500 to 6,000 rubles. However, there are high-quality analogues on the market that are cheaper.

In the table below we compare the original and popular substitutes:

Manufacturer	Article	Price, ₽	Features
Nissan (original)	23731-4M51A	4 500–6 000	12 months warranty, exact compatibility with ECU
Bosch	0 261 210 115	2 800–3 500	High build quality, suitable for Qashqai J10/J11
Denso	550-0103	3 000–3 800	Made in Japan, reliable signal
Febi	23731	1 800–2 200	Budget option, possible problems with durability
Blue Print	ADG02301	2 500–3 000	Good price/quality ratio, suitable for diesel engines

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing an analogue, pay attention to body material. Cheap sensors are often made of plastic, which will crack over time. Original and high-quality analogues (for example, Bosch or Denso) have a metal body.

Also check complete set — the box must contain a new o-ring (part number 11966-4M500). If you don’t have it, buy it separately (costs ~200 ₽), otherwise after replacing the sensor, an oil leak may appear.

Tools and preparation for replacing the DPKV on a Nissan Qashqai

To replace the crankshaft sensor with Qashqai You don't need a lift or a pit - just a jack and a stand under the car. The whole process takes 30–40 minutes, if there are no difficulties in unscrewing the bolt.

You will need:

• 🔧 10 mm head with extension cord and ratchet (it is better to use a short extension cord to avoid damaging the connector).
• 🔧 10 mm socket wrench - in case the head does not fit.
• 🔧 Flat blade screwdriver - to remove the connector lock.
• 🔧 Torque wrench (optional) - for tightening the bolt with torque 8–10 Nm.
• 🔧 WD-40 or similar lubricant - if the bolt is stuck.
• 🔧 Rags and gloves — the sensor is located next to the oil filter, oil leaks are possible.

⚠️ Attention: Before starting work disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. This will prevent a short circuit if the wiring is accidentally touched. Also make sure that the engine has cooled down - the sensor is located near the manifold outlet, and if you run it “hot” you can get burned.

If you plan to change the sensor for the first time, we recommend removing crankcase protection (if installed) - this will facilitate access to the DPKV. On Qashqai J11 with engine MR20DD the sensor may be partially covered by the ventilation system pipe; it will also have to be temporarily removed.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the crankshaft sensor

The replacement process is the same for Qashqai J10 And J11, but there are slight differences in the location of the sensor on diesel and gasoline versions. Below are instructions for gasoline engines HR16DE And MR20DD.

Step 1: Access the sensor

Raise the car on a jack and install a support. The sensor is located on the oil pump cover, next to the flywheel. On Qashqai J11 it can be seen if you look up from the right front wheel (in the direction of travel), closer to the gearbox.

Step 2. Disconnecting the connector

Gently press the connector latch (it is plastic and breaks easily!) and disconnect the connector. Check the contacts for oxidation or moisture. If there is corrosion, clean the contacts with alcohol or a special electronics fluid.

Step 3. Removing the old sensor

Unscrew the sensor mounting bolt with a 10 mm socket. Be careful - the bolt often sticks, and if you force it too hard, you can strip the threads in the aluminum pump cover. If the bolt does not budge, process it WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Install a new sensor

Before installing a new DPKV:

• 🔹 Clean the seat from oil and dirt.
• 🔹 Check the integrity of the O-ring (if it is not included, use the old one, but only if it is not damaged).
• 🔹 Make sure there are no metal shavings on the magnetic core of the sensor.

Reinstall the sensor and tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm. Do not overtighten as this may distort the sensor body and cause incorrect readings.

Step 5: Connection and testing

Connect the connector and make sure that the latch snaps into place. Connect the battery and start the engine. If the error P0335 or P0336 remains, reset it using the scanner. If the engine runs smoothly and no errors are returned, the replacement was successful.

What should I do if the error remains after the replacement?

If after installing a new sensor an error P0335 or P0336 does not disappear, check:

• 🔹 Integrity of wiring from the sensor to the ECU (wires near the exhaust manifold are often frayed).
• 🔹 Correct installation - the sensor must be recessed into the seat all the way.
• 🔹 Condition of the flywheel gear - if the teeth are damaged, the signal will be incorrect.

In rare cases, the problem lies in the ECU itself, but this requires in-depth diagnostics.

Typical mistakes when replacing DPKV and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated malfunctions. Here are the most common:

1. Using an old O-ring. Over time, the rubber loses its elasticity, and oil begins to ooze through microcracks. This leads to contamination of the sensor and incorrect readings.
2. Fastening bolt tightening. The tightening torque should not exceed 10 Nm. With greater force, the sensor body is deformed, and the gap between it and the flywheel increases.
3. Incorrect clearance. The optimal distance between the sensor core and the ring gear is 0.5–1.5 mm. If the sensor is installed crookedly, the signal will be weak.
4. Ignoring wiring errors. Oxidized or damaged wires can simulate a sensor failure. Always check the circuit with a multimeter.

⚠️ Attention: On Qashqai with engine MR20DD after replacing the DPKV it may be necessary throttle adaptation. If the speed fluctuates, perform the procedure for resetting adaptations through the diagnostic scanner (for example, Nissan Consult).

Another common problem is buying a fake sensor. There are many counterfeit products on the market Bosch And Denso, which are externally indistinguishable from the original, but do not work correctly. Check spare parts by holographic stickers and buy only from authorized dealers.

How much does it cost to replace a crankshaft sensor at a service station and when to contact specialists

Cost of replacing DPKV with Nissan Qashqai in services varies from 1,500 to 3,500 rubles, depending on the region and service station level. In official dealerships the price can reach up to 5,000 rubles, but they give a guarantee on the work.

It is worth contacting specialists in the following cases:

• 🔧 If after self-replacement there is an error P0335 or P0336 doesn't disappear.
• 🔧 If during dismantling the sensor mounting bolt breaks and part of it remains in the oil pump cover.
• 🔧 If you need to diagnose the ECU or check signals with an oscilloscope.

In other cases, you can perform the replacement yourself. The main thing is to take your time and follow the instructions. If you are not confident in your abilities, order on-site diagnostics - many services offer this service for 500–1,000 rubles.

Average cost of work and spare parts in 2026:

Service/Spare part	Price, ₽
Crankshaft sensor (original)	4 500–6 000
Crankshaft sensor (Bosch)	2 800–3 500
O-ring	150–300
Replacing the sensor (service station)	1 500–3 500
Diagnosis of errors	500–1 500

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing DPKV on Nissan Qashqai

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

No. DPKV is a critical element of the engine management system. If it malfunctions, the ECU cannot determine the position of the crankshaft, which leads to uncontrolled fuel injection and risk of engine damage. In the best case, the car simply won’t start, in the worst case, a water hammer or detonation will occur.

How to check the crankshaft sensor with a multimeter?

The check is performed in two stages:

1. Winding continuity: Connect a multimeter in ohmmeter mode to the sensor terminals. Resistance must be within 500–700 Ohm.
2. Inductance check: Switch the multimeter to AC voltage measurement mode. When the crankshaft rotates (for example, with a starter), voltage should appear at the sensor terminals 0.3–1 V.

If the readings are outside these limits, the sensor is faulty.

What is the difference between DPKV on petrol and diesel Qashqai?

The sensors are similar in appearance, but have different characteristics:

• 🔹 On gasoline engines (HR16DE, MR20DD) a sensor with an article number is used 23731-4M51A.
• 🔹 On diesel engines (K9K) sensor is installed 23731-AX01A with a different magnetic core.

They not interchangeable — installing an unsuitable sensor will lead to errors P0335 or P0336.

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

If the problem is contamination (for example, metal shavings on the core), the sensor can be cleaned alcohol solution or a special cleaner for electronics. However, this is a temporary solution - if the sensor has already begun to “fail,” its resource is running out, and soon it will fail completely.

⚠️ Do not use abrasive materials (sandpaper, metal brushes) - they will damage the protective coating of the core.

What other sensors can cause P0335?

Error P0335 (“Failure of the sensor circuit”) does not always mean a breakdown of the DPKV. The reasons may be:

• 🔹 Damaged wiring (break or short circuit).
• 🔹 Oxidized contacts in the ECU connector.
• 🔹 Faulty camshaft sensor (error P0340 often goes along with P0335).
• 🔹 Damaged flywheel ring gear.

Before replacing the DPKV, check these elements.