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

The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is one of the most important elements of the engine management system. Nissan Almera. Without its correct operation, the ECU will not be able to determine the moment of fuel and spark supply, which will lead to startup failure or unstable operation of the engine. Owners Almera N16, G15 And B10 people often encounter problems with this sensor, but not everyone knows where exactly it is located and how to check it.

In this article you will find exact layout diagrams of DPKV for different generations Almera, detailed photos indicating fasteners, as well as step-by-step instructions for diagnostics and replacement. We'll figure out what symptoms indicate a sensor malfunction, how to test it with a multimeter and what to do if the error does not disappear after replacement. We will pay special attention unique feature of mounting DPKV on engines HR16DE And QG16DE, which often causes incorrect installation.

Where is the crankshaft sensor located on Nissan Almera: diagrams and photos

The location of the DPKV depends on the generation Almera and the type of engine installed. On most models, the sensor is mounted next to flywheel ring gear or crankshaft pulley, but there are nuances:

• 🔧 Almera N16 (2000–2006) with engines QG16DE/QG18DE: sensor located on oil filter housing on the gearbox side, next to the cylinder block. Attaches with one bolt to 10 mm.
• 🔧 Almera Classic (B10, 2006–2012) with HR16DE: DPKV set to timing cover on the right (in the direction of travel), closer to the generator. Mounting bolt - 8 mm.
• 🔧 Almera G15 (2012–2019) with HR16DE/K4M: sensor is shifted towards bottom of cylinder block, next to the starter. The engine guard must be removed for access.

On all models the sensor has two-pin connector with lock. To avoid damaging the wiring, disconnect it only after disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery. On Almera N16 The connector is often hidden under the wiring harness - you need to carefully bend it back.

Model Almera	Engine	Location of DPKV	Bolt wrench
N16 (2000–2006)	QG16DE, QG18DE	Oil filter housing, gearbox side	10 mm
Classic (B10, 2006–2012)	HR16DE	Timing cover, to the right of the generator	8 mm
G15 (2012–2019)	HR16DE, K4M	Bottom of the block, next to the starter	10 mm

On Almera G15 with engine K4M (1.6 l, 114 hp) sensor can be hidden behind heat shield. To see it, you will have to unscrew 2 screen bolts with a key 10 mm and take him aside. Do not confuse DPKV with camshaft sensor — the latter is located on the cylinder head and has a three-pin connector.

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Almera

A faulty DPKV manifests itself immediately - the engine either refuses to start or operates with serious interruptions. Here main symptomsthat should alert you:

• ⚡ Engine won't start, but the starter turns. There is no spark and the injectors do not fire.
• ⚡ Lights up on the dashboard Check Engine with errors P0335 (DCCV circuit malfunction) or P0336 (signal out of acceptable limits).
• ⚡ Motor stalls while driving, especially when suddenly releasing gas or changing gears.
• ⚡ Floating speed at idle (from 500 to 1500 rpm) for no apparent reason.
• ⚡ Loss of power and "failures" When accelerating, it’s as if the engine is “choking.”

On Almera N16 with QG16DE faulty DPKV often leads to detonation under load, metallic knocks are heard from under the hood. On G15 with HR16DE characteristic sign - the engine starts only after several attempts, and when cold it runs with tripling.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the DPKV the problem does not disappear, check gap between sensor and ring gear. On Almera he must be 0.5–1.5 mm. A gap that is too large (more than 2 mm) results in a weak signal, while a gap that is too small leads to mechanical damage to the sensor.

For accurate diagnosis, use a scanner ELM327 or multimeter. Errors P0335 And P0336 directly indicate DPKV, but sometimes the problem lies in wiring or connector. For example, on Almera Classic The wires near the exhaust manifold often fray, which leads to a short circuit.

How to check the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Almera with a multimeter

Checking the DPKV takes 10–15 minutes and does not require special skills. You will need multimeter with resistance measurement mode (200 Ohm–2 kOhm) and, preferably, inductive sensor for signal test. Follow the instructions:

Disconnect the negative battery terminal

Remove the connector from the sensor (press the lock and pull up)

Measure the resistance between the sensor contacts

Check the power supply voltage (with the ignition on)

Inspect the sensor for mechanical damage -->

Step 1: Check Resistance

Connect the multimeter probes to the sensor contacts (polarity is not important). On a working DPKV, the resistance should be within the range 550–750 Ohm. If the readings are:

• 🔴 More than 1 kOhm - winding break.
• 🔴 Less than 200 Ohm - short circuit.
• 🔴 Indications "float" — unstable contact inside the sensor.

Step 2: Check the voltage

Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine) and measure the voltage between mass And positive wire DPKV connector. Must be 4.5–5.5 V. If there is no voltage, the problem is in the wiring or the ECU.

Step 3: Check Signal (Advanced Method)

For this you will need inductive sensor or oscilloscope. Connect it to the DPKV signal wire and crank the starter. The screen should display stable pulse signal with an amplitude of at least 0.3 V. If the signal is absent or chaotic, the sensor is faulty.

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

Replacing DPKV with Almera - a simple procedure that does not require the removal of additional components (except for the engine protection on G15). The main thing is to comply gap between sensor and ring gear, otherwise the new sensor will quickly fail.

Required tools:

• 🔧 Key or head on 8 mm or 10 mm (depending on model).
• 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for the connector lock).
• 🔧 Thick probe 0.5 mm to check the gap.
• 🔧 WD-40 or similar lubricant (if the bolt is stuck).

Procedure:

1. Disable negative battery terminal.
2. Disconnect the DPKV connector by pressing the latch.
3. Unscrew the sensor mounting bolt. On Almera N16 it often sticks - do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the thread.
4. Carefully remove the sensor by rocking it from side to side.
5. Clean the seat from dirt and oil. Check ring gear for damaged teeth.
6. Install the new sensor, making sure there is clearance between it and the ring 0.5–1.5 mm. Use a gasket if necessary.
7. Tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).
8. Connect the battery connector and terminal.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 with engine K4M after replacing the DPKV it may be necessary reset ECU adaptations. To do this, disconnect the battery for 10–15 minutes or use a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431) to reset errors.

If the engine does not start after replacement, check:

• 🔹 The connector is connected correctly (the latch should click).
• 🔹 No damage to the teeth of the flywheel crown.
• 🔹 Integrity of wiring from DPKV to ECU (especially near the exhaust manifold).

Common mistakes when replacing DPKV on a Nissan Almera

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated sensor failure or starting problems. Here are the most common:

• 🚫 Ignoring Gap. On Almera the gap between the DPKV and the crown should be 0.5–1.5 mm. If the sensor rests against the crown, it will quickly fail. If the gap is too large, the signal will be weak.
• 🚫 Connector damage. When detaching the clamp, it is easy to break the plastic latches. Always press down on the latch and do not pull on the wires.
• 🚫 Using a non-original sensor. Cheap analogues (for example, from Febi or Meat & Doria) often have an inconsistent frequency response, resulting in an error P0336.
• 🚫 Untested wiring. On Almera Classic DPKV wires go next to the exhaust manifold and often melt. Always check the circuit with a multimeter.

Another common mistake is confusing the DPKV with the camshaft sensor. They are similar in appearance, but have different connectors (2 contacts for DPKV and 3 for DPRV). Installing the wrong sensor will result in complete startup failure and error P0340.

How to distinguish the original DPKV from a fake?

Original sensor (article no. 23731-4M000 for HR16DE) has:

- Clear markings on the body (no blurred symbols).

- Plastic connector with metal contacts (counterfeits often have plastic contacts).

- A magnetic core that attracts small metal objects (counterfeit ones have a weak or absent magnet).

- Packaging with a hologram and barcode Nissan.

Cost of a crankshaft sensor and where is the best place to buy

DPKV price for Nissan Almera depends on the manufacturer and engine model. The table below shows current articles and average prices:

Model Almera	Engine	Original article	Price (original), ₽	Analogs (brand)
N16 (2000–2006)	QG16DE	23731-4M000	2 800–3 500	Bosch 0 261 210 115, Febi 27300
Classic (B10, 2006–2012)	HR16DE	23731-4M010	3 200–4 000	Denso 550-0101, Meat & Doria 2502007310
G15 (2012–2019)	HR16DE/K4M	23731-4M025	3 500–4 500	Valeo 587039, Siemens VDO 6XK935151-01

Where to buy:

• ✅ Official dealers Nissan - original guarantee, but the price is 20–30% higher.
• ✅ Verified online stores: Exist.ru, Autodoc, Emex — there are reviews and photographs of the product.
• ❌ Markets and "left" sites - high risk of running into a fake.

💡

When purchasing an analogue, be sure to check sensor dimensions And winding resistance (must match the original). Even if the item matches, the physical parameters may vary!

What to do if after replacing the DPKV the problem does not go away?

If the engine continues to run rough or does not start after installing a new sensor, the reasons may be the following:

• 🔍 The flywheel ring gear is damaged. Inspect it for chips or worn teeth. On Almera N16 Often 2-3 teeth are worn out in a row, which leads to signal misses.
• 🔍 Wiring problems. Use a multimeter to test the circuit from the DPKV to the ECU. Pay special attention to the area near the exhaust manifold - wires often melt there.
• 🔍 ECU malfunction. If the control unit “does not see” the signal from the DPKV, its input stage may be damaged. In this case, only diagnostics at a service station will help.
• 🔍 Timing timing mark offset. On Almera Classic with HR16DE When the timing belt breaks, the marks become lost and the sensor cannot correctly read the signal.

For diagnostics:

1. Check signal oscillogram DPKV (there must be clear impulses without gaps).
2. Remove timing cover and make sure that the marks on the pulleys match.
3. Call power circuit sensor (must be 5 V with the ignition on).

⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 with K4M after replacing the DPKV it may be necessary ECU flashing, if the previous sensor was not original. Some “Chinese” analogues change the frequency response of the signal, and the control unit “gets used” to it.

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

Is it possible to drive with a faulty DPKV?

No. The crankshaft sensor is a critical element. Without its signal, the ECU will not be able to determine the position of the pistons and the moment of spark/fuel supply. The engine will either not start or will work with serious interruptions, which will lead to damage to the catalyst or water hammer (if fuel is supplied to the wrong cylinder).

Which crankshaft sensor is better to choose for Almera N16: original or analogue?

For Almera N16 with QG16DE the best option is the original (23731-4M000) or Bosch 0 261 210 115. Cheap analogues (for example, Febi) often fail after 10–20 thousand km. The original lasts 2-3 times longer.

Why did error P0336 appear after replacing the DPKV?

Error P0336 (“The DPKV signal goes beyond acceptable limits”) occurs for three reasons:

1. Incorrect gap between the sensor and the ring (must be 0.5–1.5 mm).
2. Usage low-quality analogue with incorrect frequency response.
3. Damage ring gear flywheel (chips, wear).

Check all three points, especially if the sensor was not purchased from an authorized dealer.

Is it possible to clean the crankshaft sensor if it is dirty?

Cleaning is possible, but not always effective. Use alcohol or contact cleaner (For example, CRC Contact Cleaner) and a soft brush. Do not use abrasives or metal brushes as they will damage the protective coating. If after cleaning the sensor resistance is not normal (550–750 Ohm), it needs to be replaced.

Where is the crankshaft sensor fuse on Almera?

DPKV does not have a separate fuse. His chain is protected ECU main fuse (usually 10 A or 15 A), which is located in mounting block under the hood. On Almera N16 this is a fuse F10, on G15 — F20. But in 99% of cases the problem lies not in the fuse, but in the sensor itself or the wiring.