Crankshaft position sensor on Nissan Almera N16: location, check and replacement

The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is one of the most important elements of the engine management system. Nissan Almera N16. The correct operation of the ignition, fuel injection, and even the ability to start the engine depends on its serviceability. If your car suddenly stalls, loses power, or lights up on the dashboard Check Engine, this sensor may be the culprit.

In this article we will look in detail at where the DPKV is located on Almera N16 with engines 1.5 (QG15DE) And 1.8 (QG18DE), how to check it with a multimeter, and also give step-by-step instructions for replacement. You will learn what tools you will need, how to avoid mistakes during dismantling and what pitfalls may arise during the process. The material will be useful for both beginners and experienced car owners who prefer to repair the car themselves.

Where is the crankshaft sensor located on Nissan Almera N16?

On Nissan Almera N16 The crankshaft position sensor is installed at the bottom of the cylinder block, next to the flywheel. The exact location depends on the engine type:

• 🔧 On motors 1.5 (QG15DE) — to the right of the block (in the direction of travel), next to the gearbox. The sensor is inserted into a special hole and secured with one 10mm bolt.
• 🔧 On motors 1.8 (QG18DE) — similar, but a little higher, closer to the starter. It can be detected if you look from the front right wheel (after removing the protection).
• 🔍 Visually, the DPKV looks like a cylindrical plastic case with a connector and a metal core. It comes with a wiring harness that runs along the cylinder block.

To get to the sensor you will have to:

1. Remove plastic engine protection (if installed).
2. Disconnect power connector from DPKV (by pressing the latch).
3. Unscrew mounting bolt (usually 10mm wrench).

On some versions Almera N16 Access to the sensor is difficult due to the close location of the exhaust manifold. In this case, it may be necessary to remove inlet pipe or parts of thermal insulation.

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor

The DPKV has no mechanical moving parts, but can fail over time due to contamination, corrosion or internal damage. Main symptoms of malfunction:

• ⚠️ Engine won't start or stalls immediately after starting (the most obvious sign).
• ⚠️ Floating speed at idle (from 500 to 1500 rpm).
• ⚠️ Power Loss and “failures” during acceleration (especially noticeable at speeds of 60–90 km/h).
• ⚠️ Lights up Check Engine with errors P0335 or P0336 (DPKV circuit errors).
• ⚠️ Detonation when you press the gas sharply (metallic knocks are heard).

Important: similar symptoms can be caused by other malfunctions - for example, problems with camshaft sensor, ignition coils or fuel pump. Therefore, before replacing the DPKV, it is recommended to carry out diagnostics.

⚠️ Attention! If the engine suddenly stops and will not start again, do not attempt to tow the vehicle on a tie-down as this may damage the transmission. It's better to call a tow truck or try to temporarily connect a working sensor to check.

Symptom	Probable Cause	Action
Engine won't start	Complete failure of the DPKV or open circuit	Check the connector and circuit with a multimeter
Floating speed	Unstable sensor signal	Clean the sensor from dirt, check the gap
Error P0335	DPKV circuit malfunction	Check the wires for open or short circuit
Detonation during acceleration	Incorrect shaft position signal	Replace the sensor, check the timing marks

How to check the crankshaft sensor on Almera N16?

Before replacing the DPKV, you can check it yourself using multimeter. To do this:

1. Remove the sensor from the engine (disconnect the connector and unscrew the bolt).
2. Clean it from dirt and oil (use lint-free cloth And alcohol).
3. Set the multimeter to mode resistance measurements (Ω).
4. Connect the probes to the sensor terminals (polarity is not important).

Normal indicators for Nissan Almera N16:

• 📊 Winding resistance: 500–700 Ohm (at +20°C).
• 📊 If resistance less than 400 ohms or more than 900 Ohm - the sensor is faulty.
• 📊 Also check isolation: between the sensor body and the terminals, the resistance should tend to infinity (no short circuit).

Additionally, you can check inductance windings (you will need LC meter): normal value - 200–400 mH. If the inductance is below 150 mH, the sensor must be replaced.

How to check DPKV without a multimeter?

If you don’t have a tester at hand, you can temporarily install a known-good sensor (for example, removed from another car). If the symptoms disappear, your DPCV is faulty. Also pay attention to the physical condition: cracks, melting or signs of corrosion on the connector indicate the need for replacement.

If the sensor is working, but there is an error P0335 remains, check:

• 🔌 Wiring integrity from DPKV to ECU (breaks, chafing).
• 🔌 Oxidation of contacts in the connector (clean WD-40 or contact spray).
• 🔌 Gap between sensor and flywheel (must be 0.5–1.5 mm).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the crankshaft sensor

Replacing DPKV with Nissan Almera N16 takes no more than 30 minutes. You will need:

• 🔧 10 mm wrench (or ratchet head).
• 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for removing the connector lock).
• 🔧 New sensor (see table below for part numbers).
• 🔧 Dielectric grease (to protect contacts).

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery|

Remove the plastic engine protection (if equipped)|

Clean the area around the sensor from dirt|

Prepare a new sensor and tools-->

Sequence of actions:

1. Disconnect power connector from the sensor by pressing the latch.
2. Unscrew mounting bolt 10mm wrench.
3. Carefully remove the sensor from its seat. Be careful - there may be o-ring, which is easy to lose.
4. Clean the mounting hole from oil and dirt (use carbcleaner or gasoline).
5. Install new sensor, aligning it with the guide sleeve. Tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).
6. Connect the connector and lock it until it clicks.
7. Connect the battery terminal and start the engine to test.

⚠️ Attention! When installing the sensor, do not use sealant or glue - this may damage the plastic housing the next time it is removed. If the O-ring is torn or missing, replace it with a new one (Part No. 30527-31X00).

Critical point: after replacing the DPKV, it may be necessary to reset the ECU adaptations. To do this, disconnect the battery for 10–15 minutes or use a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch CReader).

Articles and analogues of the crankshaft sensor for Almera N16

Original crankshaft position sensor for Nissan Almera N16 has an article number 23731-4M000 (for engines QG15DE/QG18DE). However, there are many high-quality analogues on the market that fit the parameters and are cheaper.

Manufacturer	Article	Note	Average price, ₽
Nissan (original)	23731-4M000	Guaranteed Compatibility	2500–3500
Bosch	0 261 210 115	High quality, long service life	1800–2200
ERA	550457	Budget option, good reviews	900–1200
Febi	21616	German quality, suitable for QG18DE	1500–1800
Blue Print	ADG02403	Analogue of the original, time-tested	1200–1500

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Winding resistance (must match the original).
• 🔍 Case dimensions (length and diameter of the core).
• 🔍 Connector type (may differ on some analogues).

Advice: buy sensors only from trusted stores (for example, Exist.ru, Autodoc or from official dealers). Avoid cheap Chinese fakes - they often break down after 10-20 thousand km.

Common mistakes when replacing DPKV and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when replacing the crankshaft sensor. Here are the most common of them:

• ❌ Using sealant - this may damage the sensor the next time it is dismantled. A clean seat and a working O-ring are sufficient.
• ❌ Tightening the fastening bolt - maximum tightening torque 10 Nm. If you overtighten, you can break the plastic case.
• ❌ Incorrect clearance — if the sensor is installed crookedly, the gap between the core and the flywheel will be larger than normal, which will lead to a weak signal.
• ❌ Ignoring errors after replacement - if Check Engine does not go out, you need to check the circuit and reset the ECU adaptations.

Also, many people forget about cleanliness of the seat. If dirt or metal shavings get into the hole, this can lead to:

• 🔧 False positives sensor (the engine will stall).
• 🔧 Accelerated wear new DPKV.
• 🔧 Flywheel damage (if chips get between the teeth).

⚠️ Attention! If after replacing the sensor the engine begins to run worse (for example, vibrations or misfires appear), check timing marks. In rare cases, incorrect installation of the DPKV can disrupt the valve timing.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the crankshaft sensor on Almera N16

Is it possible to drive with a faulty DPKV?

No. If the sensor fails completely, the engine will either not start or will run intermittently. In rare cases, the car may move, but with serious jerking and loss of power. Driving for a long time in this mode will lead to damage to the catalyst And engine overheating.

Which sensor is better to choose: original or analogue?

Original sensor (23731-4M000) is guaranteed to fit and last longer, but costs more. High-quality analogues (Bosch, Febi) are no worse if you buy them from trusted suppliers. Cheap sensors from unknown brands often fail after 10–20 thousand km.

Do I need to reset errors after replacing the DPKV?

Yes, it is desirable. Even if the engine began to work normally, old errors (P0335, P0336) may remain in the ECU memory. They can be reset:

• Disconnecting the battery for 10–15 minutes.
• Using a diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327).
• On your own - if you drive 50–100 km without repeated failures, the error may disappear on its own.

What happens if the sensor is installed incorrectly?

If the sensor is installed crookedly or with a large gap, the ECU will receive incorrect signal. This will lead to:

• Difficulty starting the engine.
• Floating speed at idle.
• Loss of power and jerking during acceleration.
• Possible flywheel damage (if the sensor touches the teeth).

At the first sign of a malfunction, check the gap (should be 0.5–1.5 mm) and reliability of fastening.

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

Temporary solution - clean core And connector from dirt and oxidation. To do this:

1. Remove the sensor and clean it lint-free cloth, soaked in alcohol or carburetor cleaner.
2. Clean the connector contacts eraser or special liquid (For example, Kontakt 60).
3. Check the resistance with a multimeter.

If the sensor works after cleaning, it can be left as a temporary option. But remember: the service life of a restored DPKV is unpredictable - it can last a week or several months.