Where is the crankshaft position sensor located on Nissan Almera Classic: photo, diagram and signs of malfunction

Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Sunny or Samsung SM3 in some markets) - a reliable sedan with engines QG15DE (1.5 l) and QG18DE (1.8 l), but even it has weak points. One of them is Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) - a critical element of the engine management system. If it fails, the car either refuses to start or runs intermittently.

In this article you will find exact coordinates of the location of the DPKV on Almera Classic with photo and diagram, and also learn how to independently diagnose its malfunction without visiting a service station. We will analyze typical symptoms of a breakdown, methods of checking with a multimeter and oscilloscope, as well as the nuances of replacing the sensor on gasoline engines QG-series.

Where is the crankshaft sensor located on Nissan Almera Classic: photo and diagram

On Nissan Almera Classic (body B10, 2006–2012) the crankshaft position sensor is installed at the bottom of the cylinder block, next to the flywheel. Specific location:

• 🔧 To the right of the oil filter (if you look in the direction the car is moving).
• 📍 At a height of approximately 10–15 cm from the oil pan, closer to the gearbox.
• 🔌 Fits the sensor two-pin connector with black and white (or gray) wires.
• 🛠️ To access you will need to remove plastic engine protection (if installed) and it is possible to unscrew the air conditioning tube fastening.

The photo below shows the exact location of the DPKV on the engine QG15DE (similar for QG18DE):

Photo of the location of the DPKV on the Nissan Almera Classic

The image shows the sensor (black cylinder with connector) installed in the cylinder block to the right of the oil filter. Secured with one 10mm socket bolt. The distance to the flywheel is 1–1.5 mm (the gap is critical for correct operation!).

The sensor is fixed one 10mm wrench bolt and has inductive operating principle: reads pulses from the flywheel ring gear. Important: when installing a new sensor the gap between its end and the crown should be 0.8–1.2 mm - this guarantees a stable signal.

Signs of a faulty DPKV on Almera Classic: how to recognize a breakdown

The crankshaft position sensor has no mechanical wear, but may fail due to:

• 🔥 Overheating (located next to the manifold outlet).
• 💧 Oil or antifreeze gets on the contacts.
• 🔌 Broken wiring or oxidation of the connector.
• ⚡ Electromagnetic interference from high-voltage wires.

Typical symptoms of a malfunction:

Sign	Probable Cause	Additional diagnostics
The engine does not start, the starter turns	There is no signal from DPKV	Checking with an oscilloscope or multimeter
RPM fluctuates at idle	Unstable sensor signal	Checking the gap and power circuit
Loss of power, jerking during acceleration	Missing DPKV pulses	OBD-II scanner (errors P0335, P0336)
Check Engine Lights Intermittently	Short circuit or open circuit	Wiring continuity

⚠️ Attention: If the engine Almera Classic suddenly stalled and will no longer start, but there is a light on the dashboard immobilizer (key with an exclamation point), the problem may not be in the DPKV, but in anti-theft system. In this case, diagnostics is required NATC/Immobilizer.

How to check the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Almera Classic: 3 ways

Diagnosis of DPKV can be carried out without dismantling. Will be required multimeter (ohmmeter/voltmeter mode) or oscilloscope (to accurately check the signal).

Method 1: Checking winding resistance

Disconnect the connector from the sensor and measure the resistance between the terminals:

• 📊 Norm for Almera Classic: 550–750 Ohm.
• ❌ If resistance <500 Ohm or >900 Ohm - the sensor is faulty.
• ⚡ Check also isolation: there must be resistance between any pin and the sensor body >20 MOhm.

Method 2: Checking the supply voltage

Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine) and measure the voltage at the sensor connector:

• 🔋 Between white (+) And black (–) there should be wires 4.5–5.5 V.
• ⚠️ Attention: If there is no voltage, the problem is ECU or wiring (check the fuse ECU-IG in the block under the hood).

Method 3: Oscilloscope (most accurate method)

Connect an oscilloscope to the sensor terminals and crank the engine with the starter. A working DPKV will show sine wave with amplitude 0.5–1.5 V and a frequency proportional to the crankshaft speed.

Ring the sensor winding (550–750 Ohm)

Check the power supply at the connector (4.5–5.5 V)

Inspect the connector for oxidation/damage

Check the gap between the sensor and the flywheel (0.8–1.2 mm)

View the signal with an oscilloscope (if available) -->

Replacing the crankshaft position sensor on Almera Classic: step-by-step instructions

To replace the DPKV you will need:

• 🔧 10 mm wrench (head or open-end).
• 🧲 Flat blade screwdriver (for removing the connector lock).
• 📏 Feeler gauge 0.8–1.2 mm (to check the gap).
• 🧴 Contact cleaner (eg. CRC Contact Cleaner).

Work order:

1. Disable negative battery terminal (required!).
2. Disconnect the connector from the sensor by pressing the latch.
3. Unscrew the sensor mounting bolt with a 10 mm wrench.
4. Carefully remove the sensor, rocking it from side to side (it may “stick” to the block).
5. Clean the seat from dirt and oil.
6. Install the new sensor, making sure that the clearance to the flywheel is 0.8–1.2 mm (use a feeler gauge if necessary).
7. Tighten the fastening bolt firmly 8–10 Nm.
8. Connect the connector and battery terminal.

⚠️ Attention: After replacing the DPKV, it may be necessary reset ECU adaptations. To do this:

1. Remove the battery terminal for 10–15 minutes.
2. Reconnect and start the engine.
3. Let it idle for 3-5 minutes (the ECU will relearn).

Catalog numbers and analogues of DPKV for Nissan Almera Classic

Original crankshaft position sensor for Almera Classic (B10) has the article number:

• 📌 Nissan 23731-4M500 or 23731-4M505 (depending on the year of manufacture).
• 💰 Cost of the original: ~1,500–2,500 rubles.

Proven analogues (compatible with QG15DE/QG18DE):

Manufacturer	Article	Price, rub.	Notes
Bosch	0 261 210 115	1 200–1 600	High quality, fits without modifications
ERA	550448	800–1 100	Budget option, check the gap
Blue Print	ADG02101	900–1 300	Good price/quality ratio
Valeo	587039	1 400–1 800	Original quality, but more expensive than analogues

🔍 How to choose a sensor:

• 🛒 Buy only from trusted suppliers (the risk of running into a fake is high).
• 📏 Compare the dimensions of the new sensor with the old one (case length, diameter).
• 🔧 Pay attention to body material: the original and high-quality analogues have a metal case, cheap fakes have a plastic case.

Frequent mistakes when diagnosing and replacing DPKV

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with the crankshaft sensor. Here are the most common:

1. Ignoring Gap: Installing the sensor without checking the distance to the flywheel will result in a weak or no signal. The optimal gap is 0.8–1.2 mm.
2. Connector damage: When disconnecting a chip, many people pull on the wires rather than the connector body, which leads to broken contacts.
3. Poor polarity: When checking with a multimeter, it is important not to confuse the “+” and “–” on the connector (white wire is positive, black wire is negative).
4. Replacement without inspection: Many people change the sensor “at random” without checking its resistance or signal. In 30% of cases the problem lies in the wiring or ECU.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the DPKV the engine starts but is unstable, check:

• 🔌 Integrity of wire shielding (often rubs against the bracket).
• 🛠️ Flywheel ring gear condition (may be damaged or contaminated with metal shavings).
• 📶 Presence of interference from high-voltage wires (check their condition).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about DPKV on Nissan Almera Classic

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

No. The crankshaft position sensor is a critical element of the engine management system. If it breaks down, the engine will either not start or will operate with critical interruptions, which will lead to:

• 🔥 Overheating of the catalyst (due to incorrect fuel mixture).
• 💥 Detonation in the cylinders (risk of damage to the pistons).
• 🚗 Complete engine stop while moving (dangerous!).

Allowed one-time launch to move the car to the service station, but no more.

What clearance should there be between the DPKV and the flywheel?

For Nissan Almera Classic with engines QG15DE/QG18DE the optimal gap is 0.8–1.2 mm. Exceeding this value results in:

• 📉 Weak signal (the engine may not start).
• 📊 Unstable operation at idle.

To adjust, use non-magnetic probe (a metal probe may distort the readings of the inductive sensor).

What errors does the ECU give when the DPKV malfunctions?

On Almera Classic With a faulty crankshaft sensor, the following codes most often appear:

• P0335 — Malfunction of the DPKV circuit.
• P0336 — DPKV signal is outside the permissible range.
• P0320 — There is no sensor signal (less often).

Anyone can read errors. OBD-II scanner (For example, ELM327 or Launch CReader).

Is it possible to clean the DPKV instead of replacing it?

Yes, but only if the problem is dirty contacts or housing. To clean:

1. Remove the sensor and wipe its housing lint-free cloth, soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
2. Clean the connector pins special spray (For example, CRC Contact Cleaner).
3. Blow out the seat with compressed air (remove metal shavings).

❌ Don't use: acetone, gasoline, WD-40 (they leave a film or damage the plastic).

Where can I buy DPKV for Almera Classic cheaper?

Sensor prices vary depending on the supplier:

Source	Cost, rub.	Pros	Cons
Official dealer	2 000–3 000	1 year warranty, original	Expensive, long wait
Exist.ru, Autodoc	900–1 800	Fast delivery, wide range	Risk of counterfeiting
Avito, Yula	500–1 200	Cheap, you can bargain	No guarantee, high risk of defects
Showdown	300–800	Very cheap	Service life is unpredictable

💡 Advice: When purchasing a used sensor, check its resistance with a multimeter (should be 550–750 Ohms).