The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is a key element of the engine management system, on which the correct operation of the ignition and fuel injection depends. On Nissan Expert (also known as Nissan Vanette or Nissan NV200 in some markets) this sensor often becomes a source of problems, especially when the mileage is over 150,000 km. Its malfunction leads to misfires, unstable idle or complete engine failure.

Unlike many modern cars, where the DPKV is located in an easily accessible place, on Nissan Expert finding it can be difficult due to the dense layout of the engine compartment. In this article we will look at exact location of the sensor on different modifications (gasoline/diesel), we will show photo showing fastenings, and we’ll also tell you how to check and replace it without contacting service. We will pay special attention unique feature of mounting DPKV on engines GA16DE And CD20, where the sensor is hidden behind the oil filter.

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

On most versions Nissan Expert (including models with engines GA15DE, GA16DE, SR20DE and diesel CD20) the crankshaft sensor is installed at the bottom of the cylinder block, next to flywheel or crankshaft pulley. The exact location depends on the engine type:

  • 🔧 Gasoline engines (GA16DE, SR20DE): The sensor is located on the front of the block, just above the oil pan, to the right of the crankshaft pulley (when viewed in the direction of travel). A wiring harness with a connector fits to it.
  • ⚙️ Diesel engines (CD20, CD20T): DPKV is located on the rear side of the block, closer to the gearbox. Access to it is difficult due to the exhaust manifold.
  • 🔍 Modifications with automatic transmission: On automatic transmissions, the sensor can be shifted 10–15 cm to the left relative to the standard position.

The photo below shows a typical location of the DPKV on a gasoline Nissan Expert V16 (engine GA16DE):

For visual search, be guided by the following signs:

  • 🔌 Connector with three-pin connection (black or gray plastic case).
  • 🛠️ Mounting on one M6 bolt (sometimes M8 on diesels).
  • 📏 Distance from the sensor to the flywheel ring gear - 0.5–1.5 mm (the gap is critical for correct operation!).
📊 What engine is installed on your Nissan Expert?
  • GA16DE (petrol)
  • SR20DE (petrol)
  • CD20 (diesel)
  • Other
  • I don't know

How to distinguish DPKV from camshaft sensor

Beginners often get confused crankshaft sensor with camshaft sensor (DPRV), since both have similar connectors and are located at the bottom of the engine. Key differences:

Parameter Crankshaft sensor (CPCV) Camshaft sensor (DPRV)
Location Bottom of the block, next to the flywheel Upper part of the cylinder head, next to the camshaft
Function Reads crankshaft position for ignition timing Determines valve timing
Connector 3 contacts (signal, ground, +12V) 3–4 pins (depending on model)
Consequences of a malfunction The engine does not start or runs intermittently Increased fuel consumption, error P0340

If the dashboard lights up Check Engineand the scanner shows errors P0335 or P0336, with a 95% probability the problem is in DPKV. On diesel Nissan Expert A sensor malfunction may also occur difficult starting when cold And smoke from the exhaust pipe.

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On petrol Nissan Expert with engine GA16DE The crankshaft sensor often “dies” after washing the engine - water gets into the connector. Before diagnosing, check the contacts for oxidation!

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor

DPKV on Nissan Expert rarely fails suddenly - usually the malfunction develops gradually. Pay attention to the following symptoms:

  • ⚠️ Engine stalls at idle or is unstable (the speed “jumps” in the range of 500–1000 rpm).
  • 🚗 Difficult start — the starter turns, but the engine “does not catch” or starts only after several attempts.
  • ⚡ Misfires under load (during acceleration or climbing a hill).
  • 💻 Errors in the ECU: P0335 (DPKV circuit malfunction), P0336 (signal out of acceptable limits).
  • 🔥 Detonation when you press the gas sharply (especially on gasoline versions).

On diesel Nissan Expert (CD20) a faulty DPKV can also cause:

  • 🌫️ Black smoke from the exhaust pipe (over-rich mixture due to injection failure).
  • 🔊 Metallic knock in the timing belt area when warming up.
⚠️ Attention: If the engine suddenly stalls and will no longer start, but the indicator light is on Check Engine, do not rush to change the DPKV! Check first fuse #15 (10A) in the block under the hood - it is responsible for powering the sensor. On Nissan Expert V17 This fuse often blows when there is a short circuit in the harness.

How to check the crankshaft sensor for Nissan Expert multimeter

To diagnose DPKV you will need multimeter with resistance and voltage measurement mode. Follow the step by step instructions:

Disconnect the DPKV connector (press the latch and pull up)|

Set the multimeter to resistance mode (200-2000 ohms)|

Connect the probes to pins 1 and 2 of the sensor (winding resistance should be 500–700 Ohms)|

Switch the multimeter to AC mode (alternating voltage, 200 mV limit)|

Bring a metal object to the end of the sensor - the voltage should change from 0 to 50–100 mV |

Check the integrity of the insulation (there should be no short circuit between the sensor body and the contacts) -->

Normal indicators for DPKV Nissan Expert:

  • 🔄 Winding resistance: 550–650 Ohm (at +20°C).
  • 📊 Inductance: 200–400 mH (tested with a specialized device).
  • 🔋 Trigger voltage: 30–100 mV (depending on the speed of movement of the metal object near the sensor).

If the sensor does not show resistance or voltage, it must be replaced. Please note: on diesel Nissan Expert (CD20) DPKV may have different resistance range — 700–900 Ohm. Check the parameters in the repair manual for your modification.

What to do if the sensor is working, but the error remains?

If the DPKV shows normal parameters, but there is an error P0335 does not reset, check:

1. Integrity of the wiring from the sensor to the ECU (wires near the exhaust manifold often fray).

2. Condition of the flywheel ring gear - chips or dirt can distort the signal.

3. Supply voltage at the connector (must be 12V between pin 3 and ground).

4. Correct installation of the sensor - the gap between it and the flywheel should be 0.5–1.5 mm.

Step-by-step replacement of the crankshaft sensor with Nissan Expert

Replacing DPKV with Nissan Expert does not require special tools, but may be necessary on diesel versions extension for key due to inconvenient access. You will need:

  • 🔧 10 mm wrench (or ratchet head).
  • 🧲 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for prying off the connector).
  • 🧴 WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant (if the bolt is soured).
  • 📏 0.5 mm feeler gauge for checking the gap.

Procedure:

  1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (required!).
  2. Disconnect the DPKV connector by pressing the plastic lock.
  3. Unscrew the sensor mounting bolt (on gasoline models it is usually accessible from the top, on diesel models - from the bottom).
  4. Carefully remove the sensor by rocking it from side to side (do not force it - you may damage the housing!).
  5. Clean the seat from dirt and oil.
  6. Install the new sensor, making sure that the gap between its end and the flywheel is 0.5–1.5 mm.
  7. Tighten the bolt with a torque of 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).
  8. Connect the connector and check the operation of the engine.
⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Expert with engine CD20 (diesel) when replacing the DPKV, it is necessary to reset the ECU adaptations! To do this, after installing a new sensor, disconnect the battery for 10 minutes or use a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch CReader) to reset errors. Otherwise, the engine may operate unstably for the first 50–100 km.
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On petrol Nissan Expert After replacing the DPKV, be sure to check the ignition timing! Incorrect sensor clearance can throw off the ECU settings, leading to detonation.

Sensor cost and selection nuances

The price of a new DPKV for Nissan Expert depends on the manufacturer and type of engine:

Manufacturer Article Price, rub. Notes
Original (Nissan) 23731-4M000 (gasoline)
23731-5W000 (diesel)		 3 500–4 800 12 month warranty, fully compatible
Bosch 0 261 210 115 2 200–2 800 High-quality analogue, suitable for gasoline models
Denso 550-0101 2 500–3 000 Optimal price/quality ratio
Febi 23731 1 800–2 200 Budget option, possible resource problems

When purchasing, pay attention to:

  • 🔍 Article matching — sensors for gasoline and diesel engines are not interchangeable!
  • 📦 Complete set — there should be an o-ring in the box (if not, buy it separately).
  • 🛡️ Guarantee — original sensors last 100,000+ km, analogues — 50,000–80,000 km.

Avoid purchasing sensors without packaging or with signs of counterfeit (uneven plastic, lack of markings). On Nissan Expert counterfeit DPKVs under the brand are often found Bosch, which fail after 1–2 months.

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing DPKV with Nissan Expert. Here are the most common:

  • 🔧 Incorrect clearance: If the sensor is installed too close to the flywheel (less than 0.5 mm), the signal will be distorted. If it is too far (more than 1.5 mm), the ECU will not be able to count it.
  • 🔌 Connector damage: When disconnecting the wire, the plastic retainer often breaks. As a result, the connector is not fixed and the contact is lost.
  • 🛑 Ignoring errors: After replacing the sensor, be sure to reset the errors via the scanner! Otherwise, the ECU will continue to operate in emergency mode.
  • 🔋 Undisconnected battery: When working on engine management system sensors, always remove the terminal to avoid short circuits.

On diesel Nissan Expert (CD20) additional error - incorrect assembly after replacement. For example, if you forget to connect the coolant temperature sensor connector (located nearby), the ECU will generate false errors.

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Before installing a new DPKV, clean the seat from metal shavings - they can be attracted to the sensor and cause a short circuit. Use a magnet or compressed air.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the crankshaft sensor on Nissan Expert

Is it possible to drive with a faulty DPKV?

No. The crankshaft sensor is a critical element of the engine management system. If it malfunctions, the engine will run intermittently or will not start at all. On some modifications Nissan Expert (for example, with an engine SR20DE) long-term driving with a faulty DPKV can lead to damage to ignition coils due to inconsistent operation of the ECU.

Which crankshaft sensor is suitable for Nissan Expert V16 with engine GA16DE?

The following items are suitable for this model:

  • Original: 23731-4M000 or 23731-4M010.
  • Analogues: Bosch 0 261 210 115, Denso 550-0101.

Make sure the sensor has three-pin connector (some equivalents for other Nissan models may have 2 or 4 contacts).

What happens if the sensor gap is set incorrectly?

Too small a gap (less than 0.5 mm) will lead to:

  • False triggering of the sensor due to vibrations.
  • Mechanical contact with the flywheel and damage to the sensor.

Too large a gap (more than 1.5 mm) will cause:

  • A weak signal that the ECU cannot process correctly.
  • Error P0336 (“DPKV signal is outside the permissible range”).
Is it possible to clean the crankshaft sensor instead of replacing it?

Cleaning is only possible if contamination of the sensor end metal shavings or oil. To do this:

  1. Remove the sensor and wipe the end of it with a lint-free cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
  2. Blow out the connector with compressed air.
  3. Check resistance and inductance (see section above).

If the sensor does not show the correct parameters, cleaning will not help - replacement is required.

Where to buy an original crankshaft sensor for Nissan Expert?

Original sensors can be purchased:

  • From official dealers Nissan (12–24 month warranty).
  • In trusted online stores: Exist.ru, Autodoc, Emex.
  • At a showdown (only if the mileage of the donor car is less than 100,000 km).

Avoid shopping on Avito or Yule — there is a high risk of running into a fake.