Crankshaft sensor on Nissan Bluebird Sylphy: where is it located and how to check it

Nissan Bluebird Sylphy is a popular sedan known for its reliability, but even it can develop problems with sensors over time. One of the most critical - Crankshaft position sensor (CPS). Its malfunction leads to engine malfunctions, difficult starting or a complete stop of the engine. In this article we will look at where exactly the sensor is located on Sylphy different generations (G10, G11), how to identify it visually and what to do if a breakdown is suspected.

Owners often confuse DPKV with a camshaft or knock sensor due to their similar appearance. To avoid diagnostic errors, we will describe in detail unique location of the crankshaft sensor on Nissan Bluebird Sylphy with engines MR20DE And QR25DE - the most common in Russia. We will also give signs of a malfunction that will help distinguish a problem with DPKV from other breakdowns.

Design and operating principle of DPKV on Nissan Bluebird Sylphy

Crankshaft position sensor Crankshaft Position Sensor, CPS) is inductive or Hall sensor, which reads pulses from a toothed disk (reference wheel) mounted on the crankshaft. On Bluebird Sylphy used predominantly inductive type, generating alternating current as metal teeth pass past the core.

Main functions of DPKV:

• 🔹 Fuel injection timing — The engine ECU uses the sensor signal to determine when fuel is supplied to the cylinders.
• 🔹 Ignition control — without accurate data on the position of the crankshaft, it is impossible to calculate the ignition timing.
• 🔹 Determining engine speed — the pulse frequency is directly proportional to the crankshaft rotation speed.

On Nissan Bluebird Sylphy the sensor works in tandem with ring gear 60 teeth (of which 2 are missing to create a reference point). When the crankshaft rotates, the magnetic field in the sensor changes, which leads to the generation of an electrical signal. If the sensor fails, the ECU loses synchronization and the engine either stalls or goes into limp mode.

Where is the crankshaft sensor located on the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy: photo and diagram

On Nissan Bluebird Sylphy (including restyled versions) the crankshaft sensor is located on the cylinder block on the flywheel side, next to the gearbox. Exact installation location:

• 📍 Under the thermostat — when viewed from the radiator, the sensor is located slightly lower and to the left of the thermostat.
• 📍 Near the starter - on engines MR20DE And QR25DE The sensor is attached to the block with a 10 mm bolt.
• 📍 Above the oil pan — on some modifications, access to the sensor is difficult due to the crankcase protection.

Visually, the sensor is a cylindrical body ~5 cm long with a 2 or 3 pin connector (depending on the type). A wiring harness is suitable for it, which is usually fixed with a plastic clamp to nearby pipes.

Engine model	Exact location	Sensor part number	Sensor type
MR20DE (2.0 l)	Cylinder block, under the thermostat, next to the starter	23731-4M010	Inductive
QR25DE (2.5 l)	Cylinder block, above the oil pan, to the left of the flywheel	23731-4M015	Inductive
HR16DE (1.6 l, rare)	Cylinder block, next to the generator	23731-4M005	Khollovsky

To accurately identify the sensor, refer to flywheel ring gear — the sensor is always located opposite it at a distance of 0.5–1.5 mm. The photo below shows its typical location (red circle):

Signs of DPKV malfunction: how to distinguish it from other problems

Symptoms of a faulty crankshaft sensor Nissan Bluebird Sylphy often coincide with signs of problems in the ignition or fuel supply system. However there is characteristic features, which help diagnose CPCV:

• ⚠️ Engine won't start — the starter turns, but there is no spark and no fuel injection (the ECU does not receive a signal about the crankshaft position).
• ⚠️ Floating speed — at idle, the speed spontaneously drops to 500–600 rpm or jumps to 1500 rpm.
• ⚠️ Jerks during acceleration — traction disappears at a speed of 60–80 km/h, as if the fuel supply is “cut off”.
• ⚠️ Check Engine with P0335 or P0336 errors - codes that directly indicate a malfunction of the DPKV circuit.

Distinguish a problem with the crankshaft sensor from a malfunction camshaft sensor (DPRV) can be based on the following sign: when the DPRV fails, the engine usually starts, but runs unstable, whereas when the DPRV fails, starting is most often impossible.

⚠️ Attention! On Nissan Bluebird Sylphy With an automatic transmission, a faulty DPKV can block gear shifting. If the car starts, but does not drive (the transmission “freezes” in one gear), first check the crankshaft sensor!

What to do if the engine does not start, but the starter turns?

If the starter turns the crankshaft but the engine does not catch, follow these steps:

1. Check for the presence of a spark on the spark plugs (the absence of a spark with working ignition coils often indicates DPKV).

2. Connect the diagnostic scanner - errors P0335 or P0327 will confirm the problem with the sensor.

3. Test the sensor circuit with a multimeter (winding resistance should be 500–700 Ohms).

How to check the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Bluebird Sylphy: 3 methods

DPCV diagnostics can be performed without removing the sensor using a multimeter or oscilloscope. Below are three proven methods, adapted for Sylphy:

1. Checking the winding resistance

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

• 🔧 Norm for Nissan Bluebird Sylphy: 550–750 Ohm (at +20°C).
• 🔧 If the resistance tends to zero - short circuit.
• 🔧 If the resistance is infinite - winding break.

2. Inductance check

To do this you will need a megohmmeter or LCR meter:

• 🔧 Inductance of a working sensor: 200–400 mH.
• 🔧 If the value is below 150 mH, the sensor is faulty.

3. Check with an oscilloscope (the most accurate method)

Connect the oscilloscope to the signal wire of the sensor (usually the middle pin) and start the engine. A working DPKV should issue stable sine wave with an amplitude of at least 0.5 V. Example of an oscillogram:

Disconnect the sensor connector|Check the winding resistance (550–750 ohms)|Measure the inductance (200–400 mH)|Check the signal with an oscilloscope (amplitude > 0.5 V)|Inspect the sensor for mechanical damage-->

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the crankshaft sensor

Replacing DPKV with Nissan Bluebird Sylphy takes 20–30 minutes and does not require special tools. You will need:

• 🔧 10 mm socket (for fastening bolt).
• 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for removing the connector lock).
• 🔧 Dielectric grease (for the contacts of the new sensor).
• 🔧 A rag and contact cleaner (for example, CRC Contact Cleaner).

Sequence of actions:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (to avoid short circuit).
2. Press the latch and disconnect the sensor connector.
3. Unscrew the sensor mounting bolt with a 10 mm socket.
4. Carefully remove the sensor by rocking it from side to side (do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the housing!).
5. Clean the seat from dirt and oil.
6. Install the new sensor, making sure that the gap between it and the ring gear is 0.5–1.5 mm.
7. Tighten the fastening bolt (tightening torque: 8–10 Nm).
8. Connect the connector and return the terminal to the battery.

⚠️ Attention! When installing a new sensor do not use sealant — it can get on the working surface and distort the signal. A tight fit of the rubber seal is sufficient.

💡

After replacing the DPKV, be sure to reset the errors from the ECU memory! Even if the sensor is working properly, old fault codes may prevent the engine from operating correctly.

Frequent mistakes when diagnosing and replacing DPKV

Many owners Nissan Bluebird Sylphy make typical mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns or false diagnoses. Here are the most common:

• ❌ Ignoring Gap - if the sensor is installed too close or too far from the ring gear, the signal will be weak or distorted. Optimal clearance: 0.5–1.5 mm.
• ❌ Checking resistance only - even if the resistance is normal, the sensor may be faulty due to damage to the magnetic core.
• ❌ Using non-original sensors - cheap analogues often have inappropriate inductance, which leads to malfunctions of the ECU.
• ❌ Forgetting to clear contacts — oxidation of the connector can simulate a sensor malfunction.

Another common mistake is confusion with sensors. On Sylphy A knock sensor is often located next to the DPKV (it has a different connector and shape). To avoid confusion, focus on:

• 🔹 DPKV — cylindrical body, 2–3-pin connector, located opposite the ring gear.
• 🔹 Knock sensor — flat case, 1-pin connector, attached to the block closer to the top.

Cost of sensor and replacement services in 2026

Crankshaft sensor price for Nissan Bluebird Sylphy depends on the type (original or analogue) and region of purchase. Current prices for 2026:

Sensor type	Article	Price, ₽	Manufacturer
Original (Nissan)	23731-4M010	3 500–4 800	Japan
Analogue (Denso)	555-6201	2 200–2 800	Japan
Analogue (Bosch)	0 261 210 115	1 800–2 300	Germany
Budget analogue	FAE 46044	900–1 400	China/Turkey

Service replacement cost:

• 🔧 Official dealer: 1,500–2,500 ₽ (with diagnostics).
• 🔧 Independent service: 800–1 500 ₽.
• 🔧 Self-replacement: 0 ₽ (if tools are available).

You can save money by purchasing the sensor in advance and coming to the service center only for replacement. However, if you are not confident in your skills, it is better to entrust the work to professionals - installation errors can lead to damage to the ECU or wires.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about DPKV on Nissan Bluebird Sylphy

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

No. If the DPKV is completely out of order, the engine will either not start or will operate in emergency mode with misfires. Driving for a long time in this condition will lead to catalyst overheating and increased engine wear.

Which crankshaft sensor is better to choose: original or analogue?

For Nissan Bluebird Sylphy optimal choice - original (23731-4M010) or a high-quality analogue from Denso. Cheap sensors (for example, Chinese) often have unstable inductance, which leads to errors P0335 after 10–20 thousand km.

What should I do if, after replacing the DPKV, error P0335 does not disappear?

The reasons may be as follows:

1. Incorrect gap between sensor and ring gear.
2. Damage to the wiring or oxidation of the contacts in the connector.
3. ECU malfunction (rare, but occurs on cars with mileage > 200 thousand km).
4. The new sensor is defective (check it with an oscilloscope).

Start by checking the clearance and power circuit.

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

Cleaning is only possible if the problem is contamination of the working surface (oil, metal shavings). Use isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush. If the malfunction is due to a broken winding or damage to the core, the sensor must only be replaced.

How often should I check the DPKV on a Nissan Bluebird Sylphy?

Preventive inspection is recommended:

• 🔹 When symptoms appear (jerks, poor startup).
• 🔹 Every 100,000 km (as part of scheduled diagnostics).
• 🔹 After engine repairs involving removal of the flywheel or crankshaft.

The service life of the original sensor is 150–200 thousand km.