Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor

The CKP signal source is a variable reluctance sensor mounted in the right front side of the engine block. The sensor reacts to a target wheel on the crankshaft. The target wheel is a 60 minus 2 tooth steel disk with 58 evenly spaced teeth and a SYNC gap (a minus 2 slot wide tooth). The sensor produces pulses for each tooth edge that passes it. The crankshaft speed is derived from the frequency of the CKP sensor signal. The crankshaft position is determined by synchronizing the SYNC tooth with the SYNC gap signals from the target wheel. Diagnostic information on the CKP input signal is obtained by carrying out accuracy checks on the frequency and duty cycle with software strategies. The PCM uses the CKP and CMP signals to calculate the engine speed and piston position. The CKP creates a signal used by the PCM to indicate cylinder identification in a particular bank. The CKP contains a permanent magnet that creates a magnetic field. The signal is created when the target wheel rotates and breaks the magnetic field created by the sensor. The engine will not operate without a CKP signal.

Fig 1: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.