Where is the crankshaft sensor located on the Nissan Primera P11: photo, diagram and replacement tips

The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is one of the key elements of the engine management system Nissan Primera P11. Its malfunction leads to malfunctions in the engine: from floating speed to complete failure to start. Owners Primera P11 with gasoline engines GA16DE, SR20DE or diesel CD20T Often faced with the question: where exactly is this sensor located and how to get to it without removing the protection or pan?

In this article you will find exact sensor coordinates for each modification Primera P11 (1996–2002), and step-by-step diagnostic instructions taking into account the characteristics of the electrical circuit. We'll look at why standard recommendations for locating DPKV (for example, "look near the pulley") are often misleading, and show how to avoid mistakes when replacing. For clarity, we present location comparison table sensor on different engine versions, and also indicate unique marks on the sensor body that will help distinguish the original from the fake.

Design and principle of operation of the crankshaft sensor on Primera P11

DPKV on Nissan Primera P11 refers to inductive type and works on the principle of generating pulses as the metal teeth of the drive disk (or “ring gear”) pass past its core. Unlike Hall sensors used in some modern cars, inductive DPKV does not require external power - it generates a signal independently due to changes in the magnetic field.

Main components of the sensor:

• 🧲 Permanent magnet — creates a magnetic field around the core.
• 🔄 Winding — converts changes in the magnetic field into an electrical signal.
• 🛡️ Heat-resistant plastic housing — protects internal elements from moisture and oil.
• 🔌 2-pin connector - transmits a signal to the computer (to Primera P11 standard connector is used Nissan 28445-4M000).

The drive disk (also known as the “ring gear”) is rigidly mounted on the crankshaft and has 58 teeth with two missing (on Primera P11 with engines GA16DE/SR20DE). These gaps serve as a reference point for the ECU, allowing the position of the crankshaft to be determined with an accuracy of 1-2 degrees. On diesel CD20T the disc may have a different number of teeth (60), which is important to consider when replacing the sensor.

Where is the crankshaft sensor located: exact coordinates for each modification

Location of DPKV on Nissan Primera P11 depends on the engine type and year of manufacture. General rule: sensor is always installed near the crankshaft ring gear, but its exact position varies. Below are diagrams for the most common motors.

For gasoline engines GA16DE (1.6 l) And SR20DE (2.0 L):

• 🔧 The sensor is located on the back of the cylinder block, next to the flywheel (transmission side).
• 📍 More precisely - under the thermostat, closer to the top of the clutch housing.
• 🔍 To see it, you need to remove it air filter and move the wiring harness away.

For diesel engine CD20T (2.0 L):

• 🔧 Sensor is displaced to the left of the flywheel (if you look in the direction the car is moving).
• 📍 Located below the starter, next to the place where the gearbox is attached to the block.
• 🔍 To access you will need to remove protective cover and partially unscrew the engine mount.

Engine model	Exact location of DPKV	Difficulty of access (1–5)	Required Tools
GA16DE (1.6 l, petrol)	Rear of the unit, under the thermostat	2	10mm wrench, screwdriver
SR20DE (2.0 l, petrol)	Near the flywheel, on the gearbox side	3	10mm wrench, 12mm socket
CD20T (2.0 l, diesel)	Below the starter, to the left of the flywheel	4	Head 14, extension

Step-by-step instructions: how to get to the sensor without removing the protection

To save time and avoid unnecessary disassembly, follow this algorithm. For gasoline engines GA16DE/SR20DE:

1. Open the hood and remove air filter (unscrew the 4 bolts with a 10mm wrench and disconnect the pipe).

2. Move aside the wiring harness going to camshaft sensor And ignition coils.

3. Find black plastic sensor housing with two wires (gray and green on Primera P11). It is secured with one 10mm bolt.

4. Disconnect the connector by pressing the latch and unscrew the bolt. The sensor is pulled up.

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery|Remove the air filter|Disconnect the sensor connector|Check the integrity of the wiring|Clean the seat from oil-->

For diesel CD20T:

1. Remove protective cover under the engine (6 bolts by 12).

2. Unscrew engine mount (2 bolts for 14) and lift the engine with a jack by 3–5 cm.

3. The sensor is located below the starter — it can be seen after removing the casing. Disconnect the connector and unscrew the bolt with a 12mm socket.

What to do if the sensor is “stuck” to the block?

If the sensor does not come out after unscrewing the bolt, do not pull it by force! Spray the seat WD-40 or rust remover, wait 10–15 minutes and gently rock the sensor from side to side. On Primera P11 Corrosion of the aluminum sensor housing is common, so clean the seat before installing a new one wire brush and apply a thin layer copper grease onto the o-ring.

Signs of a faulty DPKV: how to distinguish it from problems with the camshaft

Symptoms of a failed crankshaft sensor Primera P11 often coincide with malfunctions camshaft sensor or ignition coils. To avoid making a mistake in diagnosis, pay attention to the following nuances:

• ⚡ Engine won't start, but the starter turns - a classic sign of CPCV. If the camshaft sensor is faulty, the engine usually “troubles”, but starts.
• 🔄 Floating speed at idle speed (from 500 to 1500 rpm) - may indicate both DPKV and air leaks.
• 🚗 Jerks during acceleration (especially at speeds of 60–80 km/h) - most often the fault of the DPKV, if there are no errors in the fuel system.
• 💡 Check Engine with codes P0335 or P0336 — direct indications of DPKV. Codes P0340/P0341 refer to the camshaft sensor.

On Primera P11 with SR20DE There is a peculiarity: if the DPKV is faulty, the ECU may block fuel injectors, which leads to a complete lack of spark. In this case, check for voltage at the sensor connector (there should be voltage between the gray and green wires). 0.5–1.5 V when cranking with starter).

How to check the crankshaft sensor on Primera P11 without a scanner

To diagnose DPKV you will need multimeter (or even a simple 12V light bulb). Follow this method:

1. Remove the sensor, but leave it connected to the connector.

2. Set the multimeter to mode AC (alternating voltage) with a limit of 200 mV.

3. Place the probes on the sensor contacts (polarity is not important).

4. Quickly move a screwdriver or metal object in front of the sensor core. A working DPKV will produce pulses 0.3–1.0 V.

Alternative method (without removing the sensor):

1. Disconnect the DPKV connector and connect to its contacts 12 V light bulb.

2. Crank the engine with the starter. If the sensor is working properly, the light will be blink.

Critical resistance values:

• 🔋 Norm for Primera P11: 550–750 Ohm (at +20°C).
• ❌ If the resistance is < 500 Ohm or > 1000 Ohm, the sensor is faulty.
• ⚡ If there is no voltage when the starter is scrolling, the winding is broken.

What if the multimeter shows "0" when testing?

This could mean:

1) Break inside the sensor (replacement required).

2) Oxidation of contacts in the connector - clean them alcohol solution and repeat the measurement.

3) Damage to the wiring from the sensor to the ECU (check the integrity of the gray and green wires).

Subtleties of replacement: errors that spoil the new sensor

Even if you bought the original sensor (Nissan 23731-4M000 or 23731-4M010), its incorrect installation may lead to repeated failure. Avoid these mistakes:

• 🛑 Installation without O-ring - will lead to oil getting into the winding and a short circuit.
• 🔨 Tightening the fastening bolt (tightening torque - 8–10 Nm). On Primera P11 The threads in an aluminum block are often stripped.
• 🧲 Using metal objects near the sensor when installed - can magnetize the core and distort the signal.
• 🔌 Connecting the connector under load (with the ignition on) - risk of burning the ECU input.

After replacing the sensor be sure to clear errors from the ECU memory, even if Check Engine went out on its own. On Primera P11 with SR20DE for this you need:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for 10 minutes.

2. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine) and wait 30 seconds.

3. Start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes.

1) Turn on the ignition for 3 seconds.

2) Turn off for 10 seconds.

3) Repeat 3 times.

This will reset the adaptive settings of the ECU.-->

Frequently asked questions about DPKV on Nissan Primera P11

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

No. On Primera P11 The ECU blocks the fuel supply in the absence of a signal from the DPKV, so the engine either will not start or will run intermittently and stall. Driving in this mode will lead to catalyst overheating and increased wear of the piston group.

Which crankshaft sensor is suitable for Primera P11 instead of the original?

Proven analogues:

• Blue Print — ADT30506 (for GA16DE/SR20DE).
• Febi — 23731 (universal for all modifications).
• Valeo — 587039 (best price/quality ratio).

Avoid cheap Chinese copies - they often have incorrect magnetic field calibrationwhich results in an error P0335.

Why does the engine run unstably after replacing the DPKV?

Probable reasons:

• Incompatibility of the sensor with the type of drive disk (for example, a sensor for 58 teeth is installed on a disk with 60 teeth).
• Damage to the wiring between the DPKV and the ECU (check the gray and green wires for breaks).
• Incorrect gap between sensor and ring gear (should be 0.5–1.5 mm).
• Errors in the ECU that require a reset (see instructions above).

Where to buy an original sensor for Primera P11 by article number?

Original sensors Nissan 23731-4M000 or 23731-4M010 you can order:

• From official dealers Nissan (price ~3500–4500 rub.).
• On Exist.ru or Autodoc.ru (price ~2800–3200 rub.).
• In Japanese spare parts stores (for example, JapanParts).

Check before purchasing marking on the sensor body - the original must have an engraving NISSAN and batch number.

What tool is needed to replace the DPKV on a diesel Primera P11?

For CD20T Additionally you will need:

• Head 14 with extension (for engine support).
• Jack for raising the engine.
• Socket wrench 12 for the sensor mounting bolt.
• Metal brush for cleaning the seat.