Crankshaft sensor on Nissan Primera P12: where is it located, how to check and replace

The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is one of the most important elements of the engine management system. Nissan Primera P12. Its malfunction leads to engine malfunctions, difficult starting or a complete stop of the car. Owners Primera P12 with engines QR20DE, QR25DE, GA16DE or SR20DE Often faced with the need to find this sensor for diagnosis or replacement, but its location is not always obvious.

In this article you will find exact layout of the DPKV on all modifications Primera P12, including photos indicating mounting locations. We will also look at signs of trouble, methods for checking with a multimeter and step-by-step instructions for replacement. Particular attention is paid to the nuances for engines with timing chain and belt drives - they affect access to the sensor.

Where is the crankshaft sensor located on the Nissan Primera P12: diagrams and photos

On all versions Nissan Primera P12 (2002–2008) crankshaft sensor installed in in the same place - on oil sump from the outside gearboxes. However, its visibility and availability depend on the engine type:

• 🔧 Engines 1.6 (GA16DE) and 1.8 (QG18DE): The sensor is located to the right of the oil filter, closer to the front of the cylinder block. Visible from below when the protective screen is removed.
• 🔧 Engines 2.0 (QR20DE, SR20DE): DPKV is shifted closer to the gearbox, partially covered by the engine support bracket. Access may require removal of the right front wheel.

The photo below shows a typical sensor location on Primera P12 with engine QR20DE (view from below the car):

Key landmark: look for the sensor near flywheel ring gear (on automatic transmissions) or crankshaft pulley (on mechanics). It is secured with one bolt under the head on 10 mm and has a two-pin connector with a lock.

How to distinguish a crankshaft sensor from a camshaft sensor

On Primera P12 next to DPKV is often confused Camshaft position sensor (CPR). To avoid mistakes:

Parameter	Crankshaft sensor (CPCV)	Camshaft sensor (DPRV)
Location	On the oil sump, next to the flywheel	On the cylinder head, next to the camshaft
Form	Cylindrical body with cable ~30 cm	Compact plastic housing with short cable
Connector	2 contacts (signal + ground)	3 contacts (signal + power + ground)
Function	Determines the crankshaft position for injection timing	Controls valve timing

Important: on Primera P12 with engine QR25DE (2.5 l) DPRV can be installed in two places - on the intake and exhaust camshafts. The DPKV remains in the same place.

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor on Primera P12

Symptoms of DPKV failure on Nissan Primera P12 often similar to fuel system or ignition problems. However there is characteristic features, which directly point to the sensor:

• ⚡ Engine won't start, but the starter turns. In this case, there is no spark and the operation of the fuel pump cannot be heard.
• ⚡ "Floating" speed at idle (from 500 to 1500 rpm) with periodic dips.
• ⚡ Jerks during acceleration, especially at speeds of 60–90 km/h, as if it “cuts” the fuel supply.
• ⚡ Errors P0335 or P0336 in the ECU memory (read by scanner or flashing method Check Engine).

A critical feature of the Primera P12: if the DPKV fails, the engine can start after 5–10 attempts, but will operate extremely unstable. This is due to the ECU's fallback mode, which uses signals from the DPRV for approximate synchronization.

⚠️ Attention: if your car lights up at the same time Check Engine And ABS, the problem may not be in the DPKV, but in flywheel ring gear. On Primera P12 with a mileage of >150 thousand km, the ring teeth are often worn out, which leads to false sensor signals.

How to check the crankshaft sensor on Primera P12 with a multimeter

To diagnose DPKV you will need a multimeter with a measurement mode resistance (ohmmeter) and voltage (voltmeter). Check procedure:

1. Remove the connector from the sensor (press the latch and pull up).
2. Measure resistance between sensor contacts:
   • 📊 Norm for Primera P12: 550–750 Ohm (at +20°C).
   • 📊 If it shows 0 ohm (short circuit) or ∞ (break) - the sensor is faulty.
3. Check voltage on the power connector (with the ignition on):
   • 🔋 Between the mass (–) and signal wire (+) should be 4.5–5.5 V.

If the parameters are normal, but the symptoms of the malfunction persist, check:

• 🔌 Wiring integrity from the sensor to the ECU (breaks, oxidation).
• 🧲 Gap between sensor and flywheel (must be 0.5–1.5 mm).
• 🛠️ Ring gear condition (are there any chips or wear on the teeth).

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery|Remove the crankcase protection (if necessary)|Clean the sensor and connector from dirt|Prepare a multimeter and test leads-->

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the crankshaft sensor

Replacing DPKV with Nissan Primera P12 takes 20–40 minutes depending on access. You will need:

• 🔧 Head on 10 mm with extension cord.
• 🔧 Flat blade screwdriver (for connector lock).
• 🔧 New sensor (article for Primera P12: 23731-4M200 or 23731-4M205).
• 🔧 Thread sealant (optional if the mounting bolt is damaged).

Work order:

1. Disable negative battery terminal.
2. Remove protective screen crankcase (if any). On engines QR20DE It may be necessary to remove the right front wheel and fender liner.
3. Disconnect the sensor connector by pressing the latch.
4. Turn out the fastening bolt with the head on 10 mm and remove the sensor.
5. Install the new sensor, maintaining the gap 0.5–1.5 mm to the flywheel. Tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm.
6. Connect the connector and check the operation of the engine.

⚠️ Attention: on Primera P12 with an automatic transmission, when replacing the DPKV, do not turn the crankshaft by the pulley bolt - this can damage torque converter. Use only a starter (short-term starts) or a special tool to fix the flywheel.

What should I do if the engine does not start after replacing the sensor?

1. Check the connector connection - often the latch does not click completely.

2. Make sure there are no metal shavings or dirt between the sensor and the flywheel (may shield the signal).

3. Reset ECU errors by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes or using a scanner.

4. If the problem persists, check the sensor power supply circuit (open or short to ground).

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with DPKV on Primera P12. Here are the most common:

• ❌ Using a non-original sensor. Cheap analogues (for example, from Febi or SWAG) often have the wrong resistance, leading to an error P0336 after 1–2 thousand km. Recommended Brands: Nissan OEM, Hitachi, Denso.
• ❌ Failure to maintain clearance. If the sensor is recessed too deeply or, conversely, protrudes, the signal will be weak. Use gasket (comes with a new sensor).
• ❌ Wiring damage. When removing the connector, the wires often break off at the base. Before work, secure the cable with a tie so as not to strain it.

One more hidden problem: on Primera P12 with engine SR20DE the sensor may conflict with immobilizer (system Nats). If after replacement the engine starts and immediately stalls, you need to retraining keys through a diagnostic scanner.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

No. DPKV is a critical element. Without its signal, the ECU cannot determine the position of the crankshaft, which leads to lack of spark and fuel injection. The engine will either not start or will operate in emergency mode with jerking and loss of power.

Which crankshaft sensor is suitable for Primera P12 2.0 (QR20DE)?

Original article - 23731-4M205. Analogues: Hitachi DS-1001, Denso 550-0103. For engines GA16DE/QG18DE used 23731-4M200.

What happens if you mix up the crankshaft and camshaft sensors?

The engine will not start. DPKV and DPRV have different connectors (2 and 3 contacts, respectively), so it is difficult to physically confuse them. However, if the signal wires are connected incorrectly (for example, when repairing a harness), the ECU will receive incorrect data, which will lead to startup failure.

Do I need to reset errors after replacing the sensor?

Yes, but not always right away. After replacing the DPKV, start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes. If the error P0335 has not disappeared, reset it with a scanner or by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes. On Primera P12 with the system Nats Key retraining may be required.

Why did noise appear from under the hood after replacing the sensor?

The sensor is probably installed with incorrect clearance and touches the flywheel. Also check if the fastening is loose crankshaft pulley or oil pump - on Primera P12 these nodes are located next to the DPKV.