Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) on Nissan Primera P12 - A critical element of the engine management system. Its malfunction leads to failure to start the engine, unstable idling or a complete stop of the car. Owners Primera P12 with engines QG16 (1.6 l) and QG18 (1.8 l) are often faced with the need to find this sensor for diagnosis or replacement, but its location is not always obvious.
Unlike many cars, where the DPKV is installed in a visible place, in Primera P12 it is hidden behind the engine guard and requires the removal of several elements to gain access. In this article you will find exact sensor coordinates with reference to visual landmarks, photo of actual location, as well as step-by-step instructions for checking and replacing. We will also look into symptoms of malfunction, which will help distinguish a problem with DPKV from breakdowns of other systems.
Design and principle of operation of the crankshaft sensor on Primera P12
Crankshaft position sensor on Nissan Primera P12 refers to inductive type. It consists of a permanent magnet, winding and core, which respond to the passage of metal teeth master disk (aka - sync disk). This disk is mounted on the crankshaft and has 60 teeth, of which 2 are missing - this gap serves as a reference point for determining the position of the shaft.
When the teeth of the disk pass by the sensor, voltage pulses appear in its winding. These signals arrive at Engine ECU (ECU), which calculates on their basis:
- 🔹 Exact position of the crankshaft at every moment of time
- 🔹 Rotation speed (engine speed)
- 🔹 Moment of spark supply to the cylinders
- 🔹 Fuel injection time
Feature Primera P12 - use single wire sensor (signal + ground through the body), while newer Nissan models often use three-wire options. This is important to consider when purchasing a replacement: the original sensor has a part number 23731-4M000 or 23731-4M005 (depending on the year of manufacture).
If, when purchasing a sensor, you are offered a “universal” option without an article number, refuse. DPKV for Primera P12 must be strictly original or from trusted manufacturers (for example, Denso or Hitachi).
The exact location of the crankshaft sensor: photos and diagrams
On Nissan Primera P12 crankshaft sensor installed on the cylinder block on the gearbox side, next to the flywheel. To see it you need to:
- Remove engine protection (4 bolts x 10 mm).
- Disconnect air pipe from the air filter housing.
- Dismantle wiring harness mounting bracket (1 bolt per 10 mm).
After this you will have access to the sensor. It's fixed one 10 mm bolt and has a connector with a lock. The photo below shows its exact location (red arrow):
Search guidelines:
- 📍 Located below the starter, towards the rear of the engine.
- 📍 Nearby there is a wiring harness going to the gearbox.
- 📍 The sensor is inserted into the hole in the cylinder block at an angle of ~30° to the vertical.
- No, I'm just reading the instructions
- I searched but didn't find it
- Found it, but couldn't remove it
- Already changed it myself
| Engine | Sensor part number | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| QG16DE (1.6 l) | 23731-4M000 |
Cylinder block, gearbox side | One mounting bolt, connector with locking mechanism |
| QG18DE (1.8 l) | 23731-4M005 |
Similar to QG16, but slightly higher | May require removal of harness bracket |
| QR20DE (2.0 l, restyle) | 23731-AL500 |
On the timing side, next to the oil filter | Three-wire sensor |
Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor
Faulty DPKV on Primera P12 manifests itself with clear symptoms that are difficult to confuse with other breakdowns. Main features:
1. Engine won't start - the most common symptom. The starter turns, but the engine does not “start” because the ECU does not receive a signal about the crankshaft position. Important: if all the lights on the dashboard are on (including ABS and Check Engine), the problem is almost certainly in the DPKV or its wiring.
2. Floating idle speed — the engine goes out spontaneously or the speed jumps from 500 to 1500 rpm. This occurs due to an unstable sensor signal.
3. Loss of power and “dips” during acceleration — The ECU incorrectly calculates the ignition timing, which leads to detonation or misfire.
4. Error P0335 or P0336 - codes indicating a malfunction of the DPKV circuit. They can be read through OBD-II scanner or by self-diagnosis method (closing contacts in the diagnostic connector).
How to call self-diagnosis on Primera P12?
1. Turn off the ignition.
2. Press and hold the daily mileage reset button.
3. Turn the key to turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
4. After 5 seconds, error codes will begin to be displayed by flashing the lamp Check Engine.
⚠️ Attention: If the engine does not start, but the starter turns very slowly, the problem is not in the DPKV, but in low battery or a faulty starter. Before diagnosing the sensor, check the voltage at the terminals (must be at least 12.4 V).
How to check crankshaft sensor on Primera P12: 3 methods
Before replacing the sensor, it must be checked. There are three reliable diagnostic methods that do not require special equipment.
Method 1: Checking Winding Resistance
You will need multimeter in ohmmeter mode:
- Disconnect the sensor connector.
- Connect the multimeter probes to the sensor terminals (polarity is not important).
- Measure the resistance: it should be within 550–750 Ohm.
If the resistance tends to zero - short circuit, if to infinity - winding break.
Method 2: Inductance Test
A more accurate method that requires a multimeter with an inductance measurement function:
- Remove the sensor from the engine.
- Connect the probes to the terminals.
- The inductance must be within 200–400 mH.
Method 3: Checking the Signal with an Oscilloscope
The most reliable way, but it requires automotive oscilloscope or USB oscilloscope (For example, Hantek):
- Connect the probes to the sensor terminals.
- Crank the engine with the starter.
- The screen should display sine wave with clear peaks (amplitude ~1–2 V).
Multimeter with ohmmeter mode|Screwdriver for removing sensor|10 mm wrench for mounting bolt|Dielectric grease for connector|Oscilloscope (optional)-->
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the sensor
Replacing DPKV with Primera P12 takes ~30 minutes and does not require special skills. You will need:
- 🔧 10 mm wrench (head or open-end)
- 🔧 Flat blade screwdriver (for connector lock)
- 🔧 New sensor (original or analogue Denso 550301-0710)
- 🔧 Rags and metal brush for cleaning the seat
Step 1. Preparation
Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Remove the engine protection and disconnect the sensor connector by pressing the latch. Be careful - the plastic latches are fragile!
Step 2. Removing the old sensor
Unscrew the fastening bolt with a 10 mm wrench. Carefully remove the sensor by rocking it from side to side. Don't use force - If the sensor does not come out, check if the wiring harness is in the way.
Step 3: Clean the seat
Remove dirt and metal shavings from the mounting hole. Critical: If debris remains between the sensor and the unit, the gap will increase and the signal will be unstable. Wipe the area with a rag soaked in WD-40.
Step 4: Install a new sensor
Insert the sensor all the way (it should “sit” with a slight click). Tighten the mounting bolt to torque 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!). Connect the connector and check the fixation.
After replacing the sensor, be sure to reset the errors from the ECU memory! To do this, disconnect the battery for 10 minutes or use a scan tool to reset P0335/P0336 codes.
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 of them:
1. Incorrect gap between sensor and timing disk
Optimal clearance - 0.5–1.5 mm. If the sensor is installed crookedly or there is dirt underneath it, the gap will increase and the signal will be weak. Check the gap with a feeler gauge after installation.
2. Damage to the connector when disconnected
DPKV connector lock on Primera P12 It's plastic and breaks often. To avoid this, before disconnecting spray the connector with WD-40 and gently press the lock with a screwdriver.
3. Using a non-original sensor
Cheap analogues (for example, Chinese ones without a brand) may give an unstable signal. If the problem remains after replacement, check the sensor with an oscilloscope.
4. Forgetting to reset ECU errors
After replacing the sensor Check Engine may continue to light even if the problem is corrected. Be sure to clear errors using a scanner or by disconnecting the battery.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the sensor the engine still does not start, check wiring integrity from the sensor to the ECU. Wires near the exhaust manifold often fray (due to high temperatures).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the crankshaft sensor on Primera P12
Is it possible to drive with a faulty DPKV?
No. The crankshaft sensor is the only one in the system without which the engine won't start. If it is completely out of order, the car will not move. However, when unstable signal (e.g. oxidized contacts) the motor may run rough.
How to distinguish a faulty DPKV from a problem with the timing belt?
If the timing belt breaks, the engine the starter will not turn (pistons will rest against valves). If the starter turns, but the engine does not start, the DPKV, immobilizer or ignition system is to blame. Check spark on the candles: if it is not there, the problem is in the sensor or ECU.
What analogues of the original sensor can be used?
Proven analogues for Primera P12:
- 🔧 Denso 550301-0710 (complete analogue of the original)
- 🔧 Hitachi CPS0004 (high quality, but more expensive)
- 🔧 Blue Print ADS30501 (budget option)
Avoid unbranded sensors - they often fail after 1-2 months.
Do I need to adjust the sensor gap after replacement?
On Primera P12 The gap is adjusted automatically - the sensor rests on the thrust ring. However, if you removed the synchronization disk or cylinder block, you need to check the gap with a feeler gauge (optimally - 1 mm).
Can DPKV affect fuel consumption?
Yes, but indirectly. If the sensor produces an unstable signal, the ECU incorrectly calculates the injection timing, which leads to over-enrichment of the mixture. As a result, fuel consumption may increase by 10–15%, and black smoke will appear from the exhaust pipe.