Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) on Nissan Primera P12 - one of the most important elements of the engine management system. Without its correct operation, the ECU will not be able to determine the timing of fuel injection and ignition, which will lead to failure to start the engine or unstable operation. Owners Primera P12 with engines QR20DE, QR25DE, GA16DE or SR20DE often encounter problems with this sensor, but do not always know where it is located and how to diagnose it.
In this article you will find exact location of DPKV with photographs and diagrams, signs of trouble, specific to Primera P12, as well as step-by-step instructions for checking and replacing. We will also look at why the sensor fails on this car more often than on other models. Nissan, and how to avoid common mistakes during repairs.
Where is the crankshaft sensor located on the Nissan Primera P12: photo and diagram
On Nissan Primera P12 (including restyled versions 2002–2008) the crankshaft sensor is installed in bottom of cylinder block, next to the flywheel. The specific location depends on the engine type:
- 🔧 Engines GA16DE (1.6 l) and SR20DE (2.0 l): sensor is located right (in the direction of travel) from the oil filter, next to the gearbox. A long wiring harness with a connector comes to it.
- 🔧 Engines QR20DE (2.0 l) and QR25DE (2.5 l): The sensor is moved closer to the front of the engine, under the thermostat. Often covered with a protective cover that must be removed.
On all versions Primera P12 the sensor is attached one 10 mm bolt and has a characteristic connector with a lock. To see it you will need to remove it plastic engine protection (if installed) and possibly move the wiring harness away.
- GA16DE (1.6 l)
- SR20DE (2.0 L)
- QR20DE (2.0 l)
- QR25DE (2.5 l)
- Other
Visually crankshaft sensor on P12 looks like a cylindrical case ~5–6 cm long with a ~30 cm wire and connector. There may be markings on it 23731-XXXX (where XXXX is the manufacturer code). Original article from Nissan: 23731-4M200 (for QR20DE) or 23731-3M000 (for GA16DE/SR20DE).
📌 DPKV location diagram on QR20DE:
| element | Description | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Crankshaft sensor | Installed in the cylinder block, next to the flywheel | Attached with a 10mm bolt |
| Sensor connector | Black or gray plastic connector with locking mechanism | Often hidden under the wiring harness |
| Protective cover | Metal or plastic cover (on QR motors) | Requires removal to access |
| Flywheel | Toothed disk with which the sensor interacts | It should not have damaged teeth |
Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor on Primera P12
Faulty DPKV on Nissan Primera P12 manifests itself specifically - unlike other cars, problems often occur here "floating" symptomswhich are difficult to diagnose. Main features:
- ⚡ Engine won't start, but the starter turns. There is no spark and the injectors do not fire.
- ⚡ Dips during acceleration at speeds of 2000–3000 rpm, especially on a cold engine.
- ⚡ Check Engine lights up periodically, and the scanner shows errors
P0335orP0340(but not always!). - ⚡ Unstable idle with vibrations that disappear after warming up.
Important: On Primera P12 with QR20DE/QD25DE engines, a faulty DPKV is often disguised as problems with the ignition coils or fuel pump. If the symptoms remain after replacing the coils, check the crankshaft sensor!
🔍 A typical mistake of P12 owners: ignoring periodic failures. The sensor may work fine on a hot engine, but fail when it is cold. This is due to cracks in the winding or oxidation of connector contacts.
⚠️ Attention: If your Primera P12 has problems with overclocking only in rain or wet weather, the problem is 90% likely in the crankshaft sensor connector - water gets into the contacts and causes a short circuit.
How to check the crankshaft sensor on Primera P12 without removing it
Before removing the sensor, you can check it without dismantlingusing a multimeter or oscilloscope. To do this:
- Disconnect the sensor connector (press the lock and pull up).
- Set the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (200 ohms).
- Connect the probes to the sensor contacts (polarity is not important).
📊 Normal values for Primera P12:
- 🔹 Winding resistance: 550–750 Ohm (for original sensor).
- 🔹 Voltage at the connector (with the ignition on): 4.5–5.5 V (between "+" and mass).
If resistance below 500 ohms or above 900 Ohm - the sensor is faulty. Also a sign of failure is open circuit (resistance tends to infinity).
☑️ Checking DPKV on Primera P12
🛠️ Advanced diagnostics: If you have an oscilloscope, connect it to the signal wire of the sensor (usually the middle pin) and start the engine. On a working DPKV you will see clear sine wave signal with an amplitude of ~1–2 V. If the signal intermittent or too weak - The sensor needs to be replaced.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the crankshaft sensor on Primera P12
Replacing DPKV with Nissan Primera P12 takes ~20–30 minutes and does not require special tools. You will need:
- 🔧 10 mm key or socket.
- 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for removing the connector lock).
- 🔧 New sensor (original or analogue: Bosch 0 261 210 115, Denso 550-0101).
- 🔧 Dielectric grease (for processing connector contacts).
Sequence of actions:
- Disable negative battery terminal (required!).
- Remove the plastic engine protection (if equipped). On engines QR20DE additionally remove the thermostat casing.
- Press the latch of the DPKV connector and disconnect it. Inspect the contacts for oxidation or moisture.
- Unscrew the sensor mounting bolt (10 mm wrench) and carefully pull it out of the seat.
- Clean the mounting hole from dirt and metal shavings (they may interfere with the operation of the new sensor).
- Install the new sensor, tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).
- Connect the connector and return all removed elements to their place.
⚠️ Attention: On engines SR20DE when replacing DPKV be sure to check the gap between the sensor and the flywheel - he must be 0.5–1.5 mm. If the gap is larger, the sensor will not read the signal correctly.
🔄 After replacement reset ECU errors (you can disconnect the battery for 10 minutes or use a scanner). Start the engine and check its operation at idle and under load.
If after replacing the sensor the engine still runs unstable, check flywheel ring gear condition - chipped or worn teeth will lead to the same symptoms as a faulty DPKV.
Common mistakes when replacing DPKV with Primera P12
Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with the crankshaft sensor on Primera P12. Here are the most common:
- ❌ Using non-original sensors without checking resistance. Cheap analogues (for example, Chinese no-name) often have resistance outside the tolerance, which leads to an error
P0335. - ❌ Metal shavings entering the seat. If you do not clean the hole before installing a new sensor, it will quickly fail.
- ❌ Tightening the fastening bolt. This deforms the sensor housing and disrupts the clearance to the flywheel.
- ❌ Ignoring the connector. Oxidized or damaged contacts are the cause of 30% of “false” DPKV faults.
🔧 How to avoid problems:
- 🔹 Before installing a new sensor test it with a multimeter.
- 🔹 Treat the connector contacts dielectric grease (For example, CRC 2-26).
- 🔹 After replacement check errors with a scanner - sometimes the ECU needs to be adapted.
What happens if you drive with a faulty DPKV?
Driving for a long time with a non-functioning crankshaft sensor on the Primera P12 leads to:
- Re-enrichment of the fuel mixture (fills the spark plugs, fuel consumption increases).
- Misfirewhich damage the catalyst.
- Engine vibrations, accelerating wear of supports and cushions.
- Startup failure at the most inopportune moment (especially in wet weather).
Which crankshaft sensor to choose for Primera P12: original vs analogues
There are many DPKV options available on the market for Nissan Primera P12, but not all of them are equally reliable. Here is a comparison table:
| Manufacturer | Article | Resistance (Ohm) | Price (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (original) | 23731-4M200 (QR20DE)23731-3M000 (GA16DE/SR20DE) | 600–700 | 2500–3500 ₽ | The most reliable option, but expensive |
| Bosch | 0 261 210 115 | 620–680 | 1200–1800 ₽ | Good quality, suitable for all P12 engines |
| Denso | 550-0101 | 580–650 | 1500–2000 ₽ | Original supplier for Nissan, high resource |
| Febi | 23731 | 550–700 | 800–1200 ₽ | Budget option, but there are defective copies |
| No-name (China) | Without article | 400–900 | 300–600 ₽ | The risk of purchasing a faulty sensor is 50% |
💡 Advice: If you buy an analogue, be sure to check the resistance before installation. Even famous brands (Bosch, Denso) there are sensors with non-standard parameters.
Critical: On QR25DE (2.5 l) engines, it is not recommended to install sensors with a resistance below 600 Ohms - this will lead to error P0335 and unstable engine operation.
Prevention: how to extend the life of the crankshaft sensor on Primera P12
crankshaft sensor Primera P12 does not have a specific replacement schedule, but its service life depends on operating conditions. To avoid premature failure:
- 🛡️ Protect the connector from moisture. Handle contacts regularly dielectric grease or WD-40.
- 🛡️ Avoid driving through deep puddles. On Primera P12 The DPKV connector is located low and can be filled with water.
- 🛡️ Change your oil on time. Metal shavings in the oil settle on the sensor and interfere with its operation.
- 🛡️ Check the sensor fastening. Engine vibrations can loosen the bolt, causing the clearance to change.
🔧 Useful lifehack: If you often drive off-road, install additional protective cover to the DPKV connector. It can be made from a plastic bottle or bought ready-made (for example, from Nissan X-Trail - fits in size).
On Primera P12 with QR20DE/QD25DE engines, the crankshaft sensor more often fails due to overheating — it is located next to the manifold outlet. Check its condition regularly during maintenance!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the crankshaft sensor on Nissan Primera P12
Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?
No. The crankshaft sensor is a critical element. Without its signal, the ECU will not be able to determine the position of the crankshaft, which will lead to engine start failure or operation in emergency mode (if the ECU switches to backup data). On Primera P12 with engines QR20DE Driving with a faulty DPKV can damage the catalyst due to an over-rich mixture.
What clearance should be between the sensor and the flywheel?
For all engines Primera P12 the optimal gap is 0.5–1.5 mm. On engines SR20DE the gap is more critical - if it exceeds 2 mm, the sensor will not be able to correctly read the signal. Check with a feeler gauge after installing the sensor (before tightening the bolt).
Why doesn't P0335 go away after replacing the sensor?
There are several reasons:
- Defective new sensor (check the resistance!).
- Damaged flywheel ring gear (inspect for chips).
- Oxidized connector contacts or damaged wiring.
- Required reset ECU adaptations (sometimes disconnecting the battery for 15+ minutes helps).
On Primera P12 with engines QR25DE error P0335 may appear due to incompatible sensor - use only the original or Bosch/Denso.
Is it possible to clean the crankshaft sensor instead of replacing it?
Cleaning is possible, but not always effective. If the problem is case crack or damaged winding, the sensor can only be replaced. If the malfunction is caused pollution (oil, metal shavings), you can clean it carefully alcohol solution and blow out with compressed air. However, on Primera P12 This is a temporary solution - the problem will return in 1-2 months.
Where to buy an original crankshaft sensor for Primera P12?
Original sensors Nissan you can order:
- 🛒 Official dealers Nissan (guaranteed, but expensive).
- 🛒 Online stores: Exist.ru, Autodoc, Emex (price is lower, but check the article!).
- 🛒 Disassembly (it is not recommended to take used sensors - there is a high risk of repeated breakdown).
When purchasing, please check that the sensor is suitable for your engine modification (GA16DE, SR20DE, QR20DE, etc.) as they differ in resistance and wire length.