Crankshaft sensor on Nissan Almera N16: where is it located, how to check and replace

Crankshaft position sensor (DPKV) - one of the key elements of the engine management system Nissan Almera N16. Its malfunction leads to malfunctions in the engine: from floating speed to complete failure to start. Owners of this model are often faced with the question: where exactly is the sensor located on the engines? QG16DE And QG18DE, how to identify it among other components of the engine compartment?

In this article you will find exact coordinates of the location of the DPKV with reference to visual landmarks, as well as practical advice on diagnosis and replacement. We will analyze the design features, typical symptoms of a malfunction and nuances that will help avoid mistakes during repairs. The material was prepared on the basis of technical documentation Nissan and experience of car services specializing in Japanese cars.

Design and operating principle of DPKV on Almera N16

Crankshaft position sensor on Almera N16 refers to inductive type (magnetic operating principle). It generates an AC signal as teeth pass past its core synchronization disk (60-2 teeth)mounted on the crankshaft. This signal is processed by the ECU to determine:

• 🔹 Exact position of the crankshaft at the moment
• 🔹 Its rotation speed (rpm)
• 🔹 Synchronization of the ignition and fuel injection systems

Feature of the sensor on Nissan Almera N16 - him non-demountable design with a sealed housing. Inside there is a winding of copper wire (about 200-400 turns) and a magnetic core. The case is made of heat-resistant plastic, and the connector has a standard configuration for models Nissan early 2000s.

Important: DPKV on Almera N16 has no tuning elements. If it fails, it can only be replaced - the device cannot be repaired. The average service life of the original sensor is 100-150 thousand km, but may decrease due to external factors (overheating, vibration, contact corrosion).

Where exactly is the crankshaft sensor located: photo and diagram

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

Engine	DPKV location	Landmarks
QG16DE (1.6 l)	To the right of the flywheel, under the intake manifold	Next to the speed sensor, above the timing drive
QG18DE (1.8 l)	To the left of the flywheel, closer to the gearbox	Under the thermostat, next to the ignition wiring harness
Both types	At a height of 5-7 cm from the pallet	Attached with one M6 bolt with 10mm head

Visually, the sensor is a cylinder with a diameter of ~25 mm and a length of ~50 mm with a plastic connector. A harness of 2 wires (signal and ground) in black insulation is suitable for it. To access DPKV on Almera N16 required:

1. Remove the engine protection (if installed).
2. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
3. On the engine QG16DE — dismantle the air duct from the filter to the throttle.
4. On the engine QG18DE - Remove the thermostat cover.

How to distinguish DPKV from camshaft sensor?

The camshaft sensor (CPR) on the Almera N16 is located in the cylinder head and has a connector with 3 wires. The DPKV is always attached to the cylinder block and has 2 contacts.

Important! On some modifications Almera N16 after 2004, the sensor may be hidden under a metal screen. In this case, you will need a star key to gain access. T20 to remove the screen mounts.

Symptoms of DPKV malfunction: how to recognize the problem

A breakdown of the crankshaft sensor appears characteristic features, which are difficult to confuse with other faults. Main symptoms on Nissan Almera N16:

• ⚠️ Engine won't start (the starter turns, but there is no spark or injection)
• ⚠️ Floating speed at idle (from 500 to 1500 rpm)
• ⚠️ Loss of power and "failures" during acceleration
• ⚠️ Lights up Check Engine with errors P0335 or P0336
• ⚠️ Detonation under load (loud knocking sound in the engine)

Feature Almera N16: If the DPKV malfunctions, the ECU may block launch the engine completely, in contrast to the camshaft sensor, when the camshaft sensor breaks down, the engine usually starts, but runs unstable. You can diagnose the problem using:

• 🔧 OBD-II scanner (will show errors P0335 - DPKV circuit malfunction)
• 🔧 Multimeter (check the winding resistance - should be 500-700 Ohms)
• 🔧 Visual inspection (cracks, corrosion, damaged wiring)

⚠️ Attention: On Almera N16 with automatic transmission, a faulty DPKV can cause jerks when changing gears — The transmission ECU uses the sensor signal to synchronize with the engine.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing DPKV on Almera N16

Replacing the crankshaft sensor with Nissan Almera N16 takes 20-30 minutes if tools are available. You will need:

• 🔧 10 mm wrench (head or open-end)
• 🔧 Flat blade screwdriver (for removing the connector)
• 🔧 New sensor (original Nissan 23731-4M000 or analogues Bosch 0 261 210 115)
• 🔧 Dielectric grease (for connector contacts)

Procedure:

Critical moment: when installing a new sensor do not use sealant - it can get on the core and distort the signal. The gap between the sensor and the timing disk should be 0.5-1.5 mm (adjusts automatically when installed correctly).

⚠️ Attention: On engines QG18DE When replacing the DPKV, it is necessary to temporarily remove the wiring harness mounting bracket, otherwise access to the bolt will be blocked. Use a wrench with an extension.

How to check DPKV without a scanner: 3 working methods

If there is no diagnostic equipment at hand, the performance of the sensor can be assessed using improvised means. Methods for Almera N16:

1. Checking the winding resistance

Use the multimeter in ohmmeter mode:

1. Disconnect the sensor connector.
2. Connect the probes to the sensor contacts (polarity is not important).
3. Resistance must be within 550-750 Ohm.

A deviation of more than 10% indicates open or short circuit windings

2. Inductance check

You will need a megger or multimeter with an inductance measurement function:

• Normal value for Almera N16: 200-400 mH.
• If the value is below 150 mH, the sensor must be replaced.

3. Visual inspection

Please note:

• 🔍 Cracks on the case or connector
• 🔍 Corrosion contacts (green coating)
• 🔍 Chips on the core (visible in bright light)
• 🔍 Oil stains - indicate damage to the seal

Typical mistakes when replacing DPKV and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with the crankshaft sensor on Almera N16. Common mistakes:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Using sealant during installation	Hit the core → signal distortion → error P0335	Install the sensor “dry”, without sealants
Incorrect bolt torque	Padding → body crack; weak tightening → vibrations	Tighten with torque 8-10 Nm
Confusion with sensors (DPKV and DPRV)	Installing a camshaft sensor instead of a crankshaft → the engine will not start	Check the catalog numbers: DPKV - 23731-4M000
Ignoring disc clearance	Too much gap → weak signal; small → grazing	Control the gap 0.5-1.5 mm feeler gauge

Particular attention to Almera N16 should be given wiring. Often the problem lies not in the sensor itself, but in:

• 🔌 Signal wire break (usually at the connector)
• 🔌 Oxidation of the "mass" (check the contact on the body under the sensor)
• 🔌 Rubbing insulation o gearbox bracket

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about DPKV on Nissan Almera N16

Is it possible to drive with a faulty DPKV?

No. If the sensor breaks down, the engine will either not start or will operate with critical interruptions. The ECU goes into emergency mode, cutting off the fuel supply to 2-3 cylinders to protect the catalyst. Driving for a long time in this mode leads to overheating And detonation.

Which crankshaft sensor is best to replace?

Recommended options for Almera N16:

• Original: Nissan 23731-4M000 (price ~2500 rub.)
• Analogues:
  • Bosch 0 261 210 115 (2000 rub.)
  • Blue Print ADS30501 (1800 rub.)
  • Febi 23731 (1500 rub.)

Avoid cheap Chinese analogues - they often have unstable winding characteristics.

Why does the engine run unstably after replacing the DPKV?

The reasons may be as follows:

1. Incorrect gap between sensor and timing disk.
2. Damage to the connector during connection (bent contacts).
3. Malfunction of the synchronization disk itself (teeth chipped).
4. ECU firmware failure (adaptation reset required).

Check Live Data scanner - the DPKV signal should be stable (amplitude 0.3-1.5 V at idle speed).

Is it possible to clean the DPKV if it is dirty?

Yes, but only in-place method:

1. Remove the sensor from the engine.
2. Clean the body and core alcohol solution (do not use acetone!).
3. Blow with compressed air (pressure no more than 2 bar).

It is strictly prohibited:

• Disassemble the sensor (the seal will be broken).
• Use metal brushes (they will damage the core).
• Apply lubricant to the work surface.