The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is one of the key elements of the engine management system Nissan Bluebird Sylphy (including models G10, G11 and restyled versions). This small but critical sensor is responsible for synchronizing the operation of the fuel injectors and the ignition system. If it fails, the engine may refuse to start at all or run intermittently, and the dashboard will light up. error P0335 or P0336.

In this article we will look at all aspects of crankshaft sensor operation on Bluebird Sylphy: from the principle of operation to step-by-step instructions for replacement. You will learn how to distinguish a faulty DPKV from problems with the timing belt or ignition coils, what tools are needed for repairs, and why the original sensor Nissan 23731-4M000 lasts longer than analogues. We will pay special attention unique feature of Sylphy with motor MR20DD: on these engines the sensor is located in an inconvenient place, and to replace it you will have to remove the crankcase protection.

How does the crankshaft sensor work on a Nissan Bluebird Sylphy?

DPKV on Bluebird Sylphy - this is inductive sensor, which reads signals from the ring gear on the crankshaft. As the shaft rotates, the teeth pass the sensor core, generating voltage pulses. These impulses enter Engine ECU, which calculates based on them:

  • 🔹 Crankshaft position (to determine the timing of fuel injection)
  • 🔹 Rotational speed (engine speed)
  • 🔹 Direction of rotation (to prevent reverse scrolling)

On Sylphy with engines MR20DE (2.0 l) and MR20DD (2.0 L, direct injection) sensor installed on oil pump cover from the gearbox side. It is easily identified by two mounting bolts and a connector with three wires (signal, ground, +5V power). Design feature: on MR20DD the sensor is moved closer to the pallet, which complicates access.

If the DPKV fails, the ECU loses synchronization and goes into emergency mode. In this case, the engine can:

  • 🚗 Stall while driving and won’t start
  • 🔥 Jerky when accelerating (misfire)
  • ⚡ Show errors P0335 ("Crankshaft sensor circuit") or P0327 ("Low Signal Level")
📊 What engine is installed on your Bluebird Sylphy?
  • MR20DE (2.0 atmo)
  • MR20DD (2.0 direct injection)
  • QR25DE (2.5 l)
  • Other

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor

Symptoms of DPKV malfunction on Nissan Bluebird Sylphy often confused with problems ignition coils, fuel pump or timing belt. However there are several unique features, which directly point to the sensor:

Symptom Probable Cause Additional check
The engine does not start, the starter turns DPKV does not send a signal to the ECU Check the signal at the connector with an oscilloscope
Floating idle speed Unstable sensor signal Diagnostics with a scanner for errors P0335/P0336
Jerks during acceleration (especially at rpm 2000–3000) Misfire due to timing failure Check the sensor circuit with a multimeter
Lights up Check Engine after the engine warms up Thermal damage to the sensor Replace sensor and reset errors

Important: on Sylphy with engine MR20DD a faulty DPKV can cause false activation of the start-stop system. If the car stalls when stopping with the Eco Mode, in 70% of cases this sensor is to blame.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the crankshaft sensor the engine still does not start, check ring gear condition on the crankshaft. On Bluebird Sylphy With a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, the teeth can wear out, which leads to false signals.

How to check the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Bluebird Sylphy

Diagnosis of DPCV can be carried out three ways: visually, with a multimeter and an oscilloscope. First, inspect the sensor for:

  • 🔍 Cracks on the body (especially at the base of the connector)
  • 🧲 Chipping on the magnetic core
  • 🔌 Oxidation of contacts in the connector

If visually everything is in order, proceed to checking with a multimeter:

  1. Remove the connector from the sensor (on Sylphy it is secured with a plastic latch).
  2. Set the multimeter to mode 2000 Ohm and measure the resistance between the terminals 1 and 2 (norm: 550–750 Ohm).
  3. Check the resistance between each terminal and ground - there should be infinity (no short circuit).

For an accurate diagnosis, use oscilloscope (or a scanner with an oscilloscope function, for example, Launch X431). Connect the probes to the signal wire (usually the middle pin) and ground. When scrolling with the starter, the screen should display sine wave with uniform peaks. If the signal is intermittent or absent, the sensor is faulty.

Remove crankcase protection (on MR20DD)

Clean the sensor from dirt (use alcohol)

Check the power circuit (plus +5V on the third contact)

Reset ECU errors before test-->

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the crankshaft sensor

Replacing DPKV with Nissan Bluebird Sylphy takes 20–40 minutes, but requires caution. You will need:

  • 🔧 Head on 10 mm (for fastening bolts)
  • 🔧 Extension and ratchet
  • 🔧 Flat blade screwdriver (for removing the connector)
  • 🧴 WD-40 or similar cleaner

Sequence of actions:

  1. Disable negative battery terminal (required!).
  2. On engines MR20DD remove crankcase protection (4 bolts per 14 mm).
  3. Press the DPKV connector lock and disconnect it. Don't pull the wires!
  4. Unscrew the two sensor mounting bolts (they may be stuck - use WD-40).
  5. Carefully remove the sensor without damaging the O-ring.
  6. Install a new sensor (original Nissan 23731-4M000 or equivalent Denso), tighten the bolts to torque 8–10 Nm.
  7. Connect the battery connector and terminal.

After replacement be sure to clear errors through a diagnostic scanner or by removing the battery terminal for 10 minutes. If the engine does not start, check:

  • 🔌 The connector is connected correctly (the contacts should click)
  • 🔧 Tightening the bolts (an undertightened sensor will vibrate)
  • 🛠️ Condition of the ring gear (there should be no chips on it)
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Before installing a new sensor, apply a little dielectric grease on the connector contacts - this will prevent oxidation in high humidity conditions (relevant for Sylphy operating in coastal regions).

Sensor selection: original vs analogues

On Nissan Bluebird Sylphy Two types of sensors are installed:

Sensor type Article Manufacturer Price, rub. Notes
Original 23731-4M000 Nissan 3 500–4 200 12 months warranty, best quality
Analogue 555-10500 Denso 2 800–3 300 The quality is not inferior to the original
Analogue SS20103 Standard 1 800–2 200 Budget option, resource ~50 thousand km

We recommend installing original sensor or equivalent from Denso, since cheap Chinese substitutes often fail after 10–20 thousand km. This is especially true for Sylphy with engine MR20DD, where the sensor operates under more severe conditions due to the high pressure in the direct injection system.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing an analogue, pay attention to wire length - on some sensors it is 5–10 cm shorter than the original one, which will complicate installation. Also check availability o-ring included.

Common mistakes when replacing DPKV and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing the crankshaft sensor with Nissan Bluebird Sylphy. Here are the most common:

  1. Failure to maintain clearance between the sensor and the ring gear. Optimal clearance - 0.5–1.5 mm. If it is larger, the signal will be weak; if less, the sensor may touch the crown.
  2. Using sealant instead of an o-ring. Sealant can get on the sensor core and interfere with its operation.
  3. Connector damage when disconnected. On Sylphy The latch is fragile - you need to carefully press it out with a flat screwdriver.

Another typical problem is misinterpretation of errors. For example, code P0335 may appear not only due to a faulty sensor, but also due to:

  • 🔋 Poor contact in the ECU connector (clean contacts with alcohol)
  • 🔌 Signal wire break (check the circuit from the sensor to the ECU)
  • 🛠️ Ring gear wear (requires flywheel or crankshaft replacement)
What should I do if the error does not disappear after replacing the sensor?

If the code P0335 remains, check:

1. **Sensor power circuit** (plus +5V must come from the ECU).

2. **Resistance of the “signal” wire** - it should not exceed 1 Ohm per meter of length.

3. **ECU status** - on Sylphy With a mileage of more than 200 thousand km, the board tracks may oxidize.

As a last resort, try flashing the ECU to stock firmware (relevant for cars with chip tuning).

Cost of service work vs independent replacement

Crankshaft sensor replacement cost Nissan Bluebird Sylphy in service depends on the region and type of service station:

  • 🔧 Official dealer: 4,000–6,000 rub. (with diagnostics)
  • 🔧 Unofficial service: 2,500–3,500 rub.
  • 🔧 On your own: 0 rub. (if you do not take into account the cost of the sensor)

The savings when replacing yourself will be 2,000–6,000 rub., but it is important to consider the risks:

  • ⚠️ Damage to the ECU connector during diagnostics
  • ⚠️ Incorrect installation of the sensor (misalignment, insufficient tightening)
  • ⚠️ Loss of warranty if the car is being serviced by a dealer

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the service. This is especially true for Sylphy with engine MR20DD, where it is necessary to remove the crankcase protection and work in cramped conditions.

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Independent replacement of DPKV with Nissan Bluebird Sylphy justified only if you have the tools and experience working with car electronics. If after replacement new errors appear (for example, P0328 - high signal level), it is better to contact specialists.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the crankshaft sensor on the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

No, it's dangerous. Without a signal from the DPKV, the ECU cannot control injection and ignition correctly. The engine will run intermittently, it is possible water hammer (on engines with direct injection) or overheating due to a suboptimal mixture. The maximum that can be done is to get to the service station in a tow truck or tow truck.

How often should the crankshaft sensor be replaced?

DPKV is not a consumable, and there is no need to change it “according to the regulations”. Average resource of the original sensor - 150–200 thousand km. It fails only if there is mechanical damage, short circuit or severe contamination. If the sensor is working properly, it is not touched even during a major engine overhaul.

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

Cleaning is possible, but not always effective. If the problem is oxidized contacts, they can be cleaned with an eraser or alcohol. If the sensor itself is faulty (crack, broken winding), cleaning will not help. On Sylphy with engine MR20DD The sensor is located in an area of increased contamination, so after cleaning it is recommended to apply dielectric grease to the connector.

What errors besides P0335 and P0336 may indicate problems with the DPKV?

On Nissan Bluebird Sylphy A malfunction of the crankshaft sensor can also be manifested by other codes:

  • P0327 — low signal level (often due to oxidation of contacts)
  • P0328 - high signal level (may indicate a short circuit in the circuit)
  • P0339 — incorrect sensor signal (typical of a worn ring gear)

If together with P0335 appears P0340 (camshaft sensor), the problem may be timing belt (phase shift).

Where can I buy an original crankshaft sensor for Sylphy?

Original sensor Nissan 23731-4M000 you can order:

  • 🛒U official dealers (12 month warranty, but the price is higher)
  • 🛒 In trusted online stores: Exist.ru, Autodoc, PartReview
  • 🛒 On showdown (only if the donor's mileage is less than 100 thousand km)

Beware of fakes! The original sensor should have Nissan hologram and labeling Made in Japan.