The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is one of the key elements of the engine management system Nissan Almera Classic. Its malfunction leads to malfunctions of the engine: from unstable idling to complete failure to start. Owners of this model often face the problem of finding a sensor - especially when it comes to versions with engines QG15DE or QG16DE, where the location may differ from the usual patterns.

In this article you will find exact sensor coordinates with reference to visual landmarks under the hood, photo of actual location (including hard-to-reach areas), as well as step-by-step instructions for diagnosis. We'll look at why standard manuals are often misleading and show you how to avoid replacement mistakes. If your Almera Classic suddenly stalled or caught fire Check Engine with an error P0335 - this material will help save time and money at the service station.

Design and role of the crankshaft sensor in the engine Almera Classic

Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) on Nissan Almera Classic - this is inductive sensor, which reads pulses from a toothed disk (the so-called “synchronization disk”) mounted on the crankshaft. These impulses are converted into electrical signals entering the Engine ECU (electronic control unit). Based on them, the block calculates:

  • 🔹 Exact position of the crankshaft at every moment of time
  • 🔹 Rotation speed (rpm)
  • 🔹 The moment of supplying fuel and spark to the cylinders
  • 🔹 Valve timing (together with camshaft sensor)

On Almera Classic (body B10 And N16) two types of DPKV were installed depending on the year of manufacture and engine:

Engine type Sensor model Article number (OEM) Features
QG15DE (1.5 l) Inductive (magnetic) 23731-4M000 or 23731-4M005 Black housing, 2-pin connector
QG16DE (1.6 l) Inductive (improved) 23731-4M010 Gray housing, enhanced vibration protection
GA16DE (1.6 l, early versions) Inductive 23731-31U00 M6 bolt mount, long cable

Critical Feature: on Almera Classic with engine QG16DE The crankshaft sensor is often confused with knock sensor, which is located nearby. Both have similar connectors, but perform different functions. An error in diagnosis can lead to replacement of a working part!

Where exactly is the crankshaft sensor located: step-by-step search diagram

Location of DPKV on Nissan Almera Classic depends on the engine type. Below is a search algorithm linked to visual landmarks under the hood.

For engines QG15DE And QG16DE (most common)

1. Open the hood and remove the protective plastic cover engine (if installed). It is attached with 4 clips.

2. Focus on oil filter — the sensor is located to the right of it (in the direction of movement of the car), 近い on the cylinder block.

3. Search black or gray cylindrical body (diameter ~20 mm) with a protruding wire 30–40 cm long. A connector with two contacts.

4. The sensor is screwed into the block at an angle of ~45° to the horizontal, next to flywheel ring gear (visible through the inspection window in the clutch housing).

Photo of the sensor location

On most Almera Classic (QG16DE) the DPKV is located between the oil filter and the gearbox, closer to the passenger compartment. It is secured with a single 10mm bolt and has a distinctive curved wire bracket.

📊 What engine is installed on your Almera Classic?
  • QG15DE (1.5 l)
  • QG16DE (1.6 l)
  • GA16DE (1.6 l, early versions)
  • I don't know

Visual cues:

  • 🔧 Passes next to the sensor fuel line (metal tube).
  • 🔧 Located above it ignition coil (black block with 4 high-voltage wires).
  • 🔧 When viewed from the driver's side, the sensor is located to the right of the thermostat.
⚠️ Attention: On some versions Almera Classic (especially after 2008) the sensor may be hidden under intake manifold. To gain access, you will need to remove the air duct and partially dismantle the manifold.

For engines GA16DE (early models, 1995–2000)

On these engines the DPKV is located higher — closer to the cylinder head, next to camshaft sensor. It can be identified by:

  • 🔹 Longer cable (up to 50 cm)
  • 🔹 Mounted on two bolts (instead of one)
  • 🔹 The presence of a metal screen (protection from interference)

Signs of DPKV malfunction: when is it time to check

Faulty crankshaft sensor Nissan Almera Classic manifests itself in different ways - from barely noticeable glitches to complete immobilization of the car. Here key symptoms, requiring diagnostics:

  • 🚗 Engine won't start, but the starter turns (no spark/fuel).
  • 🔥 Lights up on the dashboard Check Engine with errors P0335, P0336 or P0320.
  • 📉 “Floating” idle speed (from 500 to 1500 rpm).
  • 💥 Engine "troit", misfires in random cylinders.
  • ⚡ A sharp loss of power during acceleration (as if “letting off the gas”).
  • 🔄 The car stalls when changing gears or releasing the gas.

Important! The same symptoms can cause:

  • 🔌 Malfunction camshaft sensor (error P0340).
  • 🔋 Discharged battery or oxidized terminals.
  • 🛢️ Clogged nozzles or fuel filter.
⚠️ Attention: If on your Almera Classic errors are flashing at the same time P0335 (DPKV) and P0340 (camshaft sensor), check first flywheel ring gear condition. Its damage or displacement can cause false alarms of both sensors.

How to check the crankshaft sensor for Almera Classic without scanner

You can diagnose DPKV yourself using multimeter (ohmmeter mode) or oscilloscope. Below are step-by-step methods for both cases.

Method 1: Resistance Test (Ohmmeter)

1. Disconnect the sensor connector. On Almera Classic it is fixed with a plastic latch - press it and pull it up.

2. Set the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (range 200–2000 Ohm).

3. Connect the probes to sensor contacts (polarity is not important).

Connect a multimeter to the sensor contacts|

Measure resistance (normal: 550–750 ohms)|

Test the circuit for an open circuit (the resistance should not be infinite)|

Check the wire insulation for breakdown (between the contacts and the body) -->

Normal values for Almera Classic:

  • 🔹 QG15DE/QG16DE: 550–750 Ohm.
  • 🔹 GA16DE: 800–900 Ohm.

If resistance:

  • 🔴 0 ohm - short circuit (sensor faulty).
  • 🔴 ∞ (infinity) - winding break.
  • 🟢 Within normal limits - proceed to checking the signal.

Method 2: Signal Test (Oscilloscope or LED Probe)

For this method you will need:

  • 🔹 Oscilloscope (or LED probe with 12V power supply).
  • 🔹 Two wires (“crocodiles”) for connection.

Procedure:

  1. Connect negative probe oscilloscope to engine ground.
  2. Connect the positive probe to signal contact sensor (on the connector this is usually the middle wire).
  3. Start the engine (or crank the starter).
  4. It should appear on the oscilloscope screen sinusoid with amplitude 0.5–1.5V.

If there is no signal or unstable:

  • 🔹 Check it out wiring integrity from the sensor to the ECU.
  • 🔹 Take a look flywheel ring gear for chips or dirt.
  • 🔹 Make sure that gap between sensor and ring amounts to 0.5–1.5 mm.
💡

If you don't have an oscilloscope at hand, use an LED probe: connect it to the signal wire of the sensor and crank the starter. A working DPKV will cause the LED to blink at a frequency proportional to the crankshaft speed.

Replacing the crankshaft sensor: step-by-step instructions with photos

Replacing DPKV with Nissan Almera Classic takes 15–30 minutes if you have the tools. You will need:

  • 🔧 Head or key on 10 mm (for fastening bolt).
  • 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for removing the connector).
  • 🔧 New sensor (see the table above for the article number).
  • 🔧 Rags and WD-40 (if the bolt is stuck).

Sequence of actions:

  1. Disconnect the battery (remove the negative terminal).
  2. Disconnect sensor connectorby pressing the latch.
  3. Unscrew fastening bolt (it may be hidden under a layer of dirt - clean the area in advance).
  4. Carefully remove the sensor by rocking it from side to side (do not pull on the wire!).
  5. Clean the seat from oil and dirt. Check o-ring - if it is damaged, replace it.
  6. Install the new sensor, observing gap 0.5–1.5 mm to the ring gear.
  7. Tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).
  8. Connect the battery connector and terminal.

Critical moments:

  • 🔴 Do not use sealant during installation, it can get on the sensitive element of the sensor.
  • 🔴 If after replacement there is an error P0335 left, check wiring from the sensor to the ECU (often grinds near the exhaust manifold).
  • 🔴 On engines QG16DE after 2006 the sensor may have plastic retainer - do not break it when dismantling.
💡

After replacing the DPKV, be sure to reset the errors from the ECU memory! To do this, disconnect the battery for 10 minutes or use a diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327).

Common mistakes when diagnosing and replacing

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with DPKV on Almera Classic. Here top 5 missesthat lead to repeated breakdowns:

  1. Sensors are confused: As mentioned earlier, the DPKV is often confused with the knock or camshaft sensor. Visual difference: DPKV always two contacts, the camshaft sensor has three.
  2. Ignore the gap: If the sensor is installed too close or too far from the ring gear, the signal will be unstable. Optimal clearance - 1 mm (checked with a dipstick).
  3. Do not check the flywheel crown: Chipped or bent ring teeth cause the same symptoms as a faulty sensor. Inspect the ring through the inspection window in the clutch housing.
  4. Use non-original sensors: cheap analogues (for example, from Febi or Meat & Doria) often have unstable resistance. We recommend the original Nissan or proven brands: Bosch (article 0 261 210 115), Denso.
  5. Doesn't reset errors: after replacing the sensor error P0335 may remain in the ECU's memory, masking other problems. Always clear errors with a scanner or by disconnecting the battery.
⚠️ Attention: On Almera Classic With an automatic transmission, if the DPKV is faulty, gear shifting may be blocked! This is due to the fact that the transmission ECU uses the crankshaft signal to calculate the load on the engine. If after replacing the sensor the problem with the automatic transmission remains, check wiring between the engine ECU and the transmission ECU.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

No. The crankshaft sensor is a critical element. Without its signal, the ECU cannot synchronize fuel injection and ignition. The engine will either not start or will run rough catastrophic misfires, which will lead to:

  • 🔥 Overheating of the catalyst (risk of fire!).
  • 💥 Damage to the piston group due to detonation.
  • 🛢️ Filling candles with fuel.

Allowed one-time starting to take the car to the service station (no more than 5–10 km), but only if the engine speeds above 1000 rpm.

Which crankshaft sensor is suitable for Almera Classic 2007 with a 1.6 engine?

For Nissan Almera Classic 2007 with motor QG16DE fit:

  • 🔹 Original: Nissan 23731-4M010.
  • 🔹 Analogues:
    • Bosch 0 261 210 115 (the best option for reliability).
    • Denso 550-0103.
    • Febi 21616 (budget, but less durable).

Important: Please check before purchasing cable length - on some analogues it is 5–10 cm shorter than the original, which will complicate installation.

What happens if the crankshaft sensor is installed incorrectly?

Incorrect installation of DPKV leads to:

  1. No signal: the engine will not start, there will be an error P0335.
  2. False impulses: If the sensor is skewed or the gap is too large, the ECU will receive a distorted signal. Symptoms: jerks during acceleration, spontaneous increase in speed.
  3. Mechanical damage: If the sensor hits the flywheel crown, it will break during the first start.

Check the installation if after replacement:

  • 🔹 The engine starts only after 2-3 attempts.
  • 🔹 At idle, the speed “floats” in the range of 300–1200 rpm.
  • 🔹 When driving at a speed >80 km/h, power failures appear.
How to check the wiring from the crankshaft sensor to the ECU?

To test the circuit you will need a multimeter in calls or resistance measurements. Proceed like this:

  1. Disconnect the sensor connector and the ECU connector (located under the dashboard, on the passenger side).
  2. Call signal wire (usually black or green) between the sensor contact and pin 24 on the ECU connector (see diagram below).
  3. Call ground wire (brown or black) between the sensor and pin 15 ECU.
  4. Make sure the circuit resistance is < 1 ohm (no open) and no short to ground.

Typical problems:

  • 🔹 Grinded insulation about exhaust manifold (the wire melts from the heat).
  • 🔹 Oxidized contacts in the ECU connector (clean contact fluid, for example, CRC).
  • 🔹 Broken wire under harness near the battery (check for bending).
Is it possible to clean the crankshaft sensor instead of replacing it?

Cleaning the DPKV possible, but is effective only in the following cases:

  • 🔹 Contamination with metal shavings (if the sensor is magnetic, it can be cleaned).
  • 🔹 Oil ingress to the housing (for example, due to a leak in the crankshaft oil seal).

How to clean:

  1. Remove the sensor and clean it lint-free cloth, soaked in isopropyl alcohol or carburetor cleaner.
  2. To remove metal shavings, use soft brush (not metal!).
  3. Blow out the connector with compressed air.

When cleaning is useless:

  • 🔴 Cracks on the sensor body.
  • 🔴 Burnt or melted contacts.
  • 🔴 Changed winding resistance (not up to standard).

If after cleaning the problem remains, the sensor must be mandatory replacement.