Replacing the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Bluebird Sylphy: instructions with photos and tips

Crankshaft position sensor (DPKV) - one of the key elements of the engine management system Nissan Bluebird Sylphy (body G10 And G11). Its malfunction leads to malfunctions of the engine: from unstable idling to complete failure to start. Unlike many European cars, where the sensor is located in an accessible place, on Sylphie with engines HR16DE, MR20DE or QR25DE getting to it is more difficult due to the cramped layout of the engine compartment.

This article will help you figure out when replacement is really required, how to correctly diagnose the problem (including errors P0335 And P0336), and how to do the work yourself without the risk of damaging the connector or the magnetic core of the sensor. We will also compare original spare parts (Nissan 23731-4M51A) with analogues from Denso, Bosch And Standard Motor Productsso that you can choose the best option in terms of price and quality.

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Bluebird Sylphy

Symptoms of failure DPKV on Bluebird Sylphy often disguised as other problems - for example, malfunctions of the ignition coils or fuel pump. However, there are a number of specific signs that directly point to the sensor:

• 🔴 Engine won't start (the starter turns, but there is no spark and no fuel injection). This is the most obvious symptom - the ECU does not receive a signal about the crankshaft position and blocks the operation of the system.
• 📉 Floating speed at idle (from 500 to 1500 rpm) with periodic dips. Often accompanied by an error P0335 ("Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit").
• ⚡ Detonation during acceleration or under load. The ECU incorrectly adjusts the ignition timing due to an unstable signal.
• 🚗 Jerks and dips when driving at a speed of 60–90 km/h. It is especially noticeable on cars with automatic transmission, where gears can “jump” without a command.

On Nissan Bluebird Sylphy with engine HR16DE (1.6 l) faulty sensor often appears false immobilizer activation — the car starts and immediately stalls, and the key icon lights up on the dashboard. This is due to the fact that the ECU loses synchronization with the crankshaft and activates protection.

⚠️ Attention: If on your Sylphie an error appeared P0336 ("Crankshaft sensor range/performance"), do not rush to change it. Check first gap between sensor and drive disk (should be 0.5–1.5 mm). Often the problem is solved by cleaning metal shavings from the disk or adjusting the position of the sensor.

Crankshaft Sensor Diagnosis: Tools and Techniques

Before replacement DPKV it is necessary to confirm its malfunction. On Nissan Bluebird Sylphy for this you will need:

• 🔧 Diagnostic scanner (For example, Launch CReader or ELM327 with the program Torque Pro).
• 📊 Multimeter with resistance and alternating voltage measurement mode.
• 🔍 Endoscope (optional) - to inspect the drive disk for damage.

Check procedure:

1. Reading errors. Connect the scanner to the connector OBD-II (located under the steering wheel on the left). Errors P0335 or P0336 directly indicate a problem with the sensor. If there are no errors but symptoms persist, check the wiring.
2. Chain continuity. Disconnect the sensor connector (located on the oil pump housing) and measure the resistance between the contacts 1 And 2. Norm for Nissan: 500–700 Ohm at +20°C. If the resistance approaches zero or infinity, the sensor is faulty.
3. Checking the signal. Connect the multimeter in mode AC 200mV to the sensor contacts, start the engine and tap the sensor body with a screwdriver. A working sensor will show voltage surges (0.3–1 V). Lack of response is a sign of a breakdown.

Parameter	Normal value	Symptom of malfunction
Winding Resistance (Ohm)	500–700	<100 or >1000
Signal voltage (V)	0.3–1.0 (when cranking with starter)	Absent or <0.1
Disc clearance (mm)	0.5–1.5	>2.0 or <0.3
Insulation Resistance (Mohm)	>20	<5

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Bluebird Sylphy with engine MR20DE The crankshaft sensor is located next to the oil filter. When checking, do not touch the connector contacts with your bare hands - static electricity can damage the sensitive element of the sensor.

Choosing a crankshaft sensor: original vs analogues

For Nissan Bluebird Sylphy (2005–2012) the original sensor has an article number 23731-4M51A (for engines HR16DE/MR20DE) or 23731-3M500 (for QR25DE). The cost of the original is from 4,500 to 7,000 rubles. However, there are high-quality analogues on the market that are cheaper:

• 🔹 Denso 550-0101 - Japanese manufacturer, supplier of conveyor spare parts for Nissan. Price: ~3,200 rub.
• 🔹 Bosch 0 261 210 115 - German quality, but requires checking for compatibility with the ECU Sylphy. Price: ~2,800 rub.
• 🔹 Standard Motor Products PC352 - American brand, good price/quality ratio. Price: ~2,100 rub.
• 🔹 Febi Bilstein 27320 - a budget option, but there are fakes. Price: ~1,500 rub.

What to choose? If your budget allows, take the original or Denso. Suitable for temporary replacement Standard Motor Products, but keep in mind that cheap analogues may have a shorter resource (30–50 thousand km versus 100+ thousand km for the original).

When purchasing, pay attention to:

• 📦 Packaging — the original comes in a branded box Nissan with a hologram.
• 🧲 Magnetic core - must attract metal objects (non-magnetic alloys are often used in counterfeits).
• 🔌 Connector — the contacts must be gold-plated, and the case must be free of cracks.

How to distinguish a fake DPKV?

Fake sensors often have:

- plastic body instead of metal,

- unclear markings (blurry symbols),

- lack of magnetic properties of the core,

- contacts made of non-gold-plated copper.

The original weighs ~120 grams, the fake is usually lighter (80–100 g).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the crankshaft sensor

Replacement DPKV on Nissan Bluebird Sylphy takes 30–60 minutes. It is more convenient to carry out the work on an inspection hole or overpass, since the sensor is located at the bottom of the engine. You will need:

• 🔧 A set of sockets and an extension (for unscrewing the sensor bolt).
• 🔨 Socket wrench on 10 mm.
• 🧴 WD-40 or similar cleaner (the bolt often sticks).
• 📏 Feeler gauge for checking the gap (optional).

Procedure:

1. Disconnect the battery. Remove the negative terminal to avoid short circuit when working with the sensor.
2. Remove the engine protection. On Sylphie it is secured with 4–6 bolts on 10 mm.
3. Find the sensor. It is located on the oil pump housing (to the right of the oil filter). On the engine HR16DE it is covered by the generator bracket - it needs to be temporarily removed.
4. Disconnect the connector. Press the latch and carefully pull out the block. Don't pull the wires!
5. Remove the fastening bolt. Use an extension cord as access is limited. If the bolt does not budge, treat it with WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes.
6. Remove the sensor. Pull it up, rocking it from side to side. Do not use force - you may damage the housing.
7. Install a new sensor. Clean the seat from dirt, insert the sensor as far as it will go and tighten the bolt to torque. 8–10 Nm.
8. Check the gap. He must be 0.5–1.5 mm. If necessary, adjust the position of the sensor by placing a washer.

Cool the engine (run on a cold engine)

Disconnect the negative battery terminal

Prepare the tool (10 mm socket, extension)

Buy a new sensor with authentication check

Clean the seat from metal shavings -->

Important nuance: On Nissan Bluebird Sylphy with automatic transmission, after replacing the sensor it may be necessary reset adaptations throttle valve. To do this:

1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
2. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Turn off the ignition for 5 seconds.
4. Start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes.

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Inexperienced car owners often make mistakes that lead to repeated malfunction or damage to the new sensor. Here are the most common of them:

• 🛑 Using sealant. Some people coat the seat with sealant to “stick it better.” This leads to silicone getting on the sensitive element of the sensor and causing it to fail. Solution: The sensor should fit tightly without additional means.
• 🛑 Incorrect tightening torque. An overtightened bolt deforms the sensor body, and a loose tightening leads to vibrations and false signals. Solution: Tighten with torque 8–10 Nm (use a torque wrench).
• 🛑 Damage to the connector. When disconnecting a block, many people pull on the wires rather than the latch. This leads to broken contacts. Solution: Press the plastic tab of the connector and only then pull.
• 🛑 Ignoring the gap. If the gap between the sensor and the drive disc exceeds 1.5 mm, the signal will be weak. Solution: Check the gap with a feeler gauge and adjust the position of the sensor.

Another typical problem is metal shavings on the drive disc. On Nissan Bluebird Sylphy with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, the disk is often covered with magnetic dust, which interferes with signal reading. Solution: Clean the disc with a rag soaked in gasoline and check its integrity (there should be no chips or deformations).

Error reset and adaptation after replacement

After installing a new sensor, it is not enough to simply reset the errors with the scanner. On Nissan Bluebird Sylphy with systems CONSULT-II or CONSULT-III+ required to complete adaptation procedureso that the ECU gets used to the new sensor. To do this:

1. Connect a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431 or Nissan DataScan).
2. Select menu Special Function → Crankshaft Position Sensor Learn.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions (usually start the engine and let it idle for 10-15 minutes).

If you don’t have a professional scanner, you can get by with a “manual” reset:

1. Reset the battery terminal for 10 minutes.
2. Plug it back in and turn on the ignition (without starting the engine) for 30 seconds.
3. Start the engine and let it run for 5-7 minutes without load.

After adaptation, check:

• 🔹 No errors in the ECU memory.
• 🔹 Stability of idle speed (should be within 650–750 rpm).
• 🔹 No jerking during acceleration.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Bluebird Sylphy with engine QR25DE (2.5 l) after replacing DPKV may be required throttle learning. To do this:

1. Turn on the ignition for 3 seconds.
2. Press the gas pedal all the way down 5 times quickly.
3. Wait 7 seconds, then press the gas pedal all the way down and hold for 20 seconds.
4. Release the pedal and turn off the ignition.

If the procedure is performed correctly, the idle speed will stabilize.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the crankshaft sensor

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

No. If the sensor is completely out of order, the engine will either not start or will operate with critical interruptions. In rare cases (during periodic failures), you can drive to a service station, but it’s not worth the risk - an unstable spark can damage the catalyst or ignition coils.

Which crankshaft sensor fits the 2010 Nissan Bluebird Sylphy with the MR20DE engine?

For MR20DE (2.0 l) fits original sensor with article number 23731-4M51A or analogues:

• Denso 550-0101,
• Bosch 0 261 210 115,
• Standard Motor Products PC352.

Before purchasing, check the VIN of your car - restyled models (after 2012) may have different part numbers.

What happens if the crankshaft sensor is installed incorrectly?

If the sensor is installed misaligned or with too much clearance, the ECU will receive an incorrect signal. This will lead to:

• misfires,
• unstable idle,
• loss of power
• errors appear P0335 or P0336.

In the worst case, the engine will not start.

Do I need to reset the ECU after replacing the sensor?

Resetting to zero (resetting adaptations) is desirable, but not always necessary. If after replacement the engine runs smoothly and there are no errors, you don’t have to reset it. However, on Nissan Bluebird Sylphy with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km, it is recommended to perform a reset, since the ECU could “adjust” to the faulty sensor.

Is it possible to clean an old crankshaft sensor?

Cleaning is possible only in one case - if dirt or metal shavings get on the sensitive element. To do this:

1. Remove the sensor.
2. Wipe its contact part with a cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
3. Blow with compressed air (do not use metal brushes!).

If the sensor is faulty due to an internal winding break or core demagnetization, cleaning will not help.