How to replace the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan AD: step-by-step guide with photos and nuances

Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) on Nissan AD - A critical element of the engine management system. Its malfunction leads to engine malfunctions, difficulties starting or a complete stop of the car. Unlike many modern models, where the sensor is integrated into complex electronic systems, AD (especially with engines GA16DE, SR20DE, CD20) replacing it remains a relatively simple procedure - provided you know the key nuances.

This article doesn't just rehash standard instructions. We'll sort it out real mistakes of masters (for example, why a new sensor may not work immediately after installation), diagnostic specifics for Nissan AD (including rare fault codes) and alternative verification methods without a scanner. You will also find a sensor compatibility table for different modifications AD and answers to questions that are not covered even in service manuals.

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor on a Nissan AD

Symptoms of DPKV failure on Nissan AD often disguised as other problems - from faulty spark plugs to failures in the computer. However there is unique "markers", which directly point to the sensor:

• 🔴 The engine stalls while driving for no apparent reason, but then starts only after a “rest” (typical for AD with SR20DE due to the peculiarities of ignition timing).
• 🟡 Floating speed at idle speed (from 500 to 1500 rpm) with a fully warmed up engine - a typical symptom for diesel engines CD20.
• 🚗 Car won't start when hot, but starts “cold” - this is due to the temperature drift of the sensor signal.
• ⚡ Check Engine with codes P0335 (DCCV circuit malfunction) or P0336 (incorrect sensor signal). On AD before 1998 the lamp may be on CONSULT without specific code.

Important: on Nissan AD with manual transmission faulty DPKV often appears jerky when changing gears — The ECU loses synchronization with the crankshaft for a split second. In automatic transmissions this symptom is usually absent.

⚠️ Attention: If on your AD gas equipment installed, don't rush to change the sensor with code P0336. First check the gap between the DPKV and the flywheel - on gas it should be 0.8–1.0 mm (vs standard 0.5–0.7 mm on gasoline).

Crankshaft sensor diagnostics: 3 methods without a scanner

Before replacing the sensor, be sure to confirm that it is faulty. On Nissan AD There are three reliable diagnostic methods that do not require expensive equipment:

1. Checking resistance with a multimeter

Remove the connector from the sensor and measure the resistance between the contacts 1 And 2 (on AD These are usually brown and black wires). Normal values:

• 🔧 GA16DE/SR20DE: 500–700 Ohm at +20°C.
• ⚙️ CD20 (diesel): 800–1200 Ohm.

If resistance 0 ohm (short circuit) or ∞ (break) - sensor needs to be replaced. On diesel ADs, the resistance of the sensor may temporarily “restore” after cooling, but when heated, it breaks again - this is a sure sign of a malfunction.

2. Inductance check

Less known, but more accurate method. Connect the multimeter in AC voltage measurement mode (AC 200 mV) to the sensor contacts. Crank the engine with the starter (without starting it) - a signal will appear on a working DPKV 0.3–1.0 V. No signal or its amplitude is lower 0.1 V talk about a malfunction.

3. Visual inspection

On Nissan AD The sensor often fails due to mechanical damage:

• 🔍 Cracks on the body (especially at the base of the connector).
• 🧲 Metal shavings at the end of the sensor - a sign of wear on the flywheel or crankshaft pulley.
• 💧 Traces of oil inside the connector - indicates liquid has entered through the seal.

Choosing a crankshaft sensor for Nissan AD: original vs analogues

Original sensor from Nissan has an article number 23731-4M000 (for gasoline engines) or 23731-5N000 (for diesels CD20). However, its price (~3500–5000 rubles) often forces owners to look for analogues. The table below shows proven replacements indicating compatibility:

Engine	Original article	Analogs (brand + article)	Notes
GA16DE	23731-4M000	Bosch 0 261 210 115 Blue Print ADS30001 Febi 23731	Bosch may require modification of the connector (crimp contacts)
SR20DE	23731-4M000	Hella 6PT 009 101-041 Valeo 587038 Denso 555-1001	Hella and Valeo come with O-ring
CD20 (diesel)	23731-5N000	Mitsubishi MN184609 Delphi SS10103 ERA 550451	Delphi may generate false errors below -10°C

Important: on Nissan AD with SR20DE after 1996, a sensor with modified connector (article 23731-4M010). It is externally identical 23731-4M000, but has a different pinout! When purchasing an analogue, check the year of manufacture of the car.

⚠️ Attention: Sensors from Nissan Primera P10/P11 (article 23731-4M200) not compatible with AD, despite the visual similarities. Installing them will result in an error P0339 (incorrect sensor signal).

Step-by-step replacement of the crankshaft sensor on Nissan AD

The replacement procedure takes ~30–40 minutes and does not require special tools. You will need:

• 🔧 Key on 10 mm (for mounting the sensor).
• 🔩 Socket wrench on 12 mm (to remove protection on diesel engines AD).
• 🧲 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for prying off the connector).
• 📏 Probe 0.5 mm to check the gap.

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery|Clean the area around the sensor from dirt|Take a photo of the location of the connector|Prepare a new sensor and o-ring-->

Step 1. Removing the old sensor

The sensor is located on oil pump housing (gasoline) or clutch housing (diesel). On AD with GA16DE It’s easier to get to it from the right wheel (after removing the protection). Carefully press the connector lock and disconnect the wires. Then unscrew the fastening bolt with a wrench 10 mm and remove the sensor.

Step 2: Clean the seat

Pay attention to cleaning the hole for the sensor - metal shavings often accumulate there. On diesel AD additionally check the condition thrust ring (article 11026-4M000), which may be damaged.

Step 3: Install a new sensor

Before installation, apply a thin layer copper grease on the o-ring - this will prevent it from sticking. Insert the sensor until it stops and tighten the bolt to a torque 8–10 Nm. Don't overtighten - on AD With an aluminum oil pump housing, this can cause the threads to strip.

Step 4: Checking the Gap

The gap between the end of the sensor and flywheel ring gear must be 0.5–0.7 mm (for gasoline engines) or 0.8–1.0 mm (for diesel engines). You can check it with a probe or special plastic gasket (comes with the original sensor).

What should I do if the engine does not start after replacing the sensor?

1. Check the polarity of the connector - on AD with SR20DE mixed up wires cause an error P0337>.

2. Make sure that the gap between the sensor and the flywheel does not exceed 1.0 mm - on diesel AD even 1.2 mm may block startup.

3. Reset ECU errors by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes or using a scanner. On AD Before 1995, the sensor may need to be “trained” (the procedure is described in the service manual).

Common mistakes when replacing DPKV on a Nissan AD

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes that lead to repeated malfunctions. Here TOP-5 misses specific to AD:

1. Ignoring code P0339 after replacement.
   

   On AD with SR20DE this code often appears due to incompatible sensor (for example, from Primera). The solution is to install the original or an analogue with the correct pinout.

2. They forget about the o-ring.
   

   On diesel AD its absence leads to air leaks and an error P0234 (low fuel pressure). The ring comes complete with the original sensor, but is often lost when purchasing an analogue.

3. Incorrect bolt tightening torque.
   

   Padding (more 12 Nm) deforms the sensor housing on aluminum engines (GA16DE). Shortage (less 6 Nm) leads to vibrations and false signals.

4. Do not clear the seat from chips.
   

   Metal particles remaining in the hole may short-circuit the winding new sensor. Use a magnet to clean.

5. They don't check the power supply.
   

   On AD Before 1997, the wiring near the DPKV connector often frayed. Ring the circuit from the sensor to the ECU (contacts 1 And 2 on the ECU connector - usually A25 And A26).

What to do if replacing the sensor did not help?

If the problem persists after installing a new DPKV, check the following components (in order of priority for Nissan AD):

1. Flywheel or crankshaft pulley.
   

   On AD With a mileage of more than 200 thousand km, the teeth on the flywheel crown often wear out. Inspect it through the inspection window in the clutch housing (on a manual transmission) or by removing the starter.

2. ECU.
   

   On AD with SR20DE before 1998, the microcircuit was “buggy” IC301 in the control unit. Symptom: error P0335 appears only when the engine is warm.

3. Wiring from the sensor to the ECU.
   

   A typical break location is near the ECU connector (under the dash on the passenger side). Check the wires for a short circuit to ground.

4. Camshaft sensor (CPRV).
   

   On AD with GA16DE a faulty DPPV can simulate DPPV failures. An error code will not appear - check the sensor resistance (200–500 Ohm).

If all components are in good working order, but the engine is unstable, perform DPKV calibration via a scanner (for example, Launch X431 or Nissan Consult III). On AD Before 1995 calibration is done manually:

1. Отключите АКБ на 10 минут.
2. Включите зажигание (не заводя двигатель) на 3 секунды.
3. Выключите зажигание, подождите 5 секунд.
4. Повторите шаги 2–3 ещё 2 раза.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing DPKV on Nissan AD

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

On Nissan AD with gasoline engines (GA16DE/SR20DE) driving is possible, but the engine will run emergency mode: loss of power, increased fuel consumption, jerking. On diesel AD (CD20) a faulty DPKV usually blocks the engine from starting.

Which crankshaft sensor is better to choose for Nissan AD: original or analogue?

Original sensor (23731-4M000) more reliable, but more expensive. Of the analogues, the best reviews are from Bosch 0 261 210 115 (for gasoline AD) and Hella 6PT 009 101-041 (for SR20DE). The main thing is to avoid “no-name” sensors from China, which often have incorrect signal calibration.

Do I need to reset errors after replacing the sensor?

Yes, but not right away. First, start the engine and let it idle for 5-10 minutes. If the error P0335/P0336 has not disappeared, then reset it through the scanner or by disconnecting the battery. On AD with CD20 (diesel) may be required ECU retraining.

What is the difference between sensors for gasoline and diesel Nissan AD?

Sensors externally identical, but have different characteristics:

• Gasoline (23731-4M000): resistance 500–700 Ohm, gap 0.5–0.7 mm.
• Diesel (23731-5N000): resistance 800–1200 Ohm, gap 0.8–1.0 mm, enhanced vibration protection.

Installing a gasoline sensor on a diesel engine will lead to an error P0336 and startup difficulties.

Is it possible to test the crankshaft sensor without a multimeter?

Yes, but with reservations:

1. Check visually for cracks and chips.
2. Try it move the connector with the engine running - if the speed changes, the problem is in the contacts.
3. Replace the sensor with known good (for example, from disassembly).

However, without a multimeter you will not be able to check inductance signal, which is critical for diagnosis.