Where is the crankshaft sensor located on a Nissan Qashqai: photo, signs of malfunction and replacement instructions

The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is one of the key elements of the engine management system Nissan Qashqai. Its malfunction leads to engine malfunctions, difficult starting or a complete stop of the car. Many owners are faced with the problem of finding this sensor, especially when doing their own repairs. In this article we will look in detail at Where is the crankshaft sensor located on a Nissan Qashqai? (including models J10 and J11), how to identify it, and also tell you about the signs of malfunction and the nuances of replacement.

Structurally DPKV on Qashqai located at the bottom of the engine, but its exact position depends on the type of power unit (gasoline/diesel) and year of manufacture. For example, on gasoline engines MR20DE And HR16DE the sensor is attached to the cylinder block next to the flywheel, and on diesel K9K — in the area of the crankshaft pulley. We will show its location in detail in photos and diagrams so that you can quickly find the part without disassembling half of the engine compartment.

Design and principle of operation of the crankshaft sensor on Nissan Qashqai

Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) on Nissan Qashqai refers to inductive type. Its main task is to record the passage of teeth reference disk (flywheel) and transmit signals to the electronic control unit (ECU). Based on this data, the ECU determines:

• 🔹 Crank angle - for precise fuel injection and ignition.
• 🔹 Rotational speed - to adjust engine operation in different modes.
• 🔹 Piston position - to synchronize valve timing.

Structurally, the sensor is a core with a winding placed in a plastic housing. On Qashqai sensors with connector are used 2-pin (less often 3-pin on diesel versions). The peculiarity of the work of DPKV is that it does not require external power — the signal is generated due to a change in the magnetic field as the metal teeth of the flywheel pass through.

It is important to understand: if the sensor fails, the ECU loses its “reference point” for calculating engine parameters. This leads to emergency operationwhen the engine may stall, stall or not start at all. On Nissan Qashqai with the system CONSULT DPKV malfunction is usually recorded as an error P0335 or P0336.

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

The exact location of the DPKV depends on the engine model. Below we have provided diagrams and descriptions for the most common versions Qashqai:

1. Gasoline engines HR16DE (1.6 l) and MR20DE (2.0 l)

On these motors the sensor is located on the cylinder block on the gearbox side, next to the flywheel. To see it:

1. Remove plastic protection engine (if any).
2. Look down, closer to the junction of the engine and transmission.
3. The sensor is attached with one bolt (usually at “10”) and has a plastic connector with two wires.

The photo below shows its location on MR20DE (the arrow indicates the sensor and the direction of installation):

2. K9K diesel engine (1.5 l)

On diesel Qashqai DPKV installed front of the cylinder block, next to the crankshaft pulley. It can be identified by:

• 🔧 Metal body with an outgoing cable in a protective braid.
• 🔧 Single bolt mounting (sometimes two) with a head at “10” or “12”.
• 🔧 3-pin connector (on some versions).

Access to the sensor on a diesel engine is more difficult - removal may be required right engine mount or protection. The diagram below shows its approximate location relative to the pulley:

Engine model	DPKV location	Fastening	Connector type
HR16DE (1.6 petrol)	Cylinder block, gearbox side	1 bolt (M6)	2-pin
MR20DE (2.0 petrol)	Cylinder block, next to flywheel	1 bolt (M6)	2-pin
K9K (1.5 diesel)	In front of the block, at the crankshaft pulley	1-2 bolts (M8)	2-pin or 3-pin

If you cannot find the sensor visually, use diagnostic scanner (For example, ELM327). With the ignition on and the starter rotating, check for the presence of a signal from the DPKV in real time. Lack of data will indicate a malfunction of the sensor or its circuit.

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Qashqai

A faulty DPKV manifests itself in different ways, but there is characteristic symptomsthat should alert you:

• ⚠️ Engine won't start or starts with difficulty (especially when hot).
• ⚠️ Floating speed at idle (from 500 to 1500 rpm).
• ⚠️ Power Loss and “failures” during acceleration.
• ⚠️ Check Engine with errors P0335, P0336, P0325.
• ⚠️ Detonation under load (knock of “fingers”).

A distinctive feature of the DPKV malfunction on Nissan Qashqai — no spark when trying to start. This is due to the fact that the ECU cannot determine the position of the crankshaft and blocks the ignition. In some cases, the engine may “catch” and stall immediately - this is also a sign of a problem with the sensor.

⚠️ Attention: Similar symptoms can cause malfunctions camshaft sensor, timing belt or postings. Before replacing the DPKV, check the circuit with a multimeter (the winding resistance should be within 500–700 Ohm).

On diesel Qashqai faulty DPKV often leads to hard engine operation And black smoke from the exhaust pipe. This is due to untimely fuel injection. If you notice these signs, do not delay diagnosis - prolonged driving with a faulty sensor can lead to damage to injectors.

How to check the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Qashqai: 3 ways

Before changing the DPKV, make sure that this is the problem. Here three proven methods diagnostics:

1. Checking the winding resistance

You will need multimeter in ohmmeter mode:

1. Disconnect the sensor connector.
2. Connect the probes to the sensor terminals (polarity is not important).
3. Measure the resistance: normal for Qashqai — 550–750 Ohm.

If resistance tends to zero (short circuit) or infinity (break), the sensor is faulty.

2. Inductance check

A more accurate method requiring megohmmeter or oscilloscope:

• 📊 Measure the winding inductance (should be within 200–400 mH).
• 📊 Check the insulation resistance (at least 20 MOhm at voltage 500 V).

3. Checking the signal with an oscilloscope

The most reliable way is signal analysis when rotating the crankshaft:

1. Connect an oscilloscope to the sensor leads.
2. Crank the engine with the starter.
3. The screen should display sine wave with an amplitude of at least 0.5 V.

If there is no signal or it is “torn”, the sensor must be replaced. On Nissan Qashqai with the system CONSULT-III You can also check the DPKV parameters in real time through the diagnostic connector.

Replacing the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Qashqai: step-by-step instructions

Replacing DPKV with Qashqai does not require special skills, but there are nuances that are important to consider. Below - universal instructions for petrol and diesel versions.

Required tools:

• 🔧 Head at “10” or “12” (depending on the mount).
• 🔧 Extension and ratchet handle.
• 🔧 Flat blade screwdriver (for removing the connector).
• 🔧 Torque wrench (optional).
• 🔧 New sensor (article for MR20DE: 23731-4M515, for K9K: 23731-4M500).

Step by step process:

1. Disconnect the battery (remove the negative terminal).
2. Find the sensor (see diagrams above) and clean it of dirt.
3. Disconnect the connectorby pressing the latch.
4. Unscrew the fastening bolt and carefully remove the sensor.
5. Install a new sensor, aligning it with the seat. Tightening torque: 8–12 Nm.
6. Connect the connector and check engine operation.

⚠️ Attention: On diesel Qashqai when replacing DPKV it may be necessary reset ECU adaptations through a diagnostic scanner. Without this, the engine may operate unstably for the first 10–15 minutes.

After replacement be sure to clear errors from the ECU memory. If the engine does not start, check:

• 🔹 The connector is connected correctly.
• 🔹 Presence of metal shavings at the end of the sensor (there should not be any!).
• 🔹 Wiring integrity (wires near the connector are often frayed).

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

Check the gap between the sensor and the flywheel (should be 0.5–1.5 mm). If the gap is too large, the signal will be weak. Also make sure that the sensor is not skewed during installation - this can lead to false alarms.

Common mistakes when replacing DPKV on a Nissan Qashqai

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated malfunctions. Here most common:

1. Using a non-original sensor. Cheap analogues often have inappropriate inductance parameters, which leads to false signals and error P0335.
2. Incorrect tightening torque. An overtightened bolt can deform the sensor body, and a loose bolt can lead to vibrations and signal loss.
3. Entry of metal shavings. If the seat is not cleaned, metal particles can become magnetized at the end of the sensor and distort the signal.
4. Connector damage. When disconnecting the connector, do not pull on the wires - this may lead to breakage of the contacts inside the insulation.

Another common mistake is ignoring clearance check. On Nissan Qashqai the gap between the end of the sensor and the flywheel should be 0.5–1.5 mm. If it is larger, the signal will be weak; if it is smaller, the sensor may touch the flywheel during vibrations.

⚠️ Attention: On diesel Qashqai after replacing DPKV it is sometimes required ECU flashing, if the sensor has been replaced with a non-original one with different characteristics. This is true for cars with the system EDC16.

If the problem persists after replacing the sensor, check:

• 🔧 Wiring integrity from the sensor to the ECU (often grinds near the exhaust manifold).
• 🔧 State of the reference disk (teeth may be worn or damaged).
• 🔧 ECU supply voltage (must be 12 V with the ignition on).

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

Is it possible to drive with a faulty DPKV?

No. The crankshaft sensor is a critical element. Without its signal, the ECU cannot synchronize ignition and fuel injection. The engine will either not start or will operate in emergency mode with the risk of damage to the catalyst or injectors.

Which crankshaft sensor is suitable for Nissan Qashqai J11?

For petrol Qashqai J11 (2014–2021) with engines MR20DD And HR16DE fits original sensor with article number 23731-4M515. For diesel K9K — 23731-4M500. Analogues: Bosch 0 261 210 115, Valeo 587032.

What happens if the sensor is installed incorrectly?

If the sensor is installed misaligned or with too much clearance, the signal will be unstable. This will lead to misfires, bad launch and error P0336. In the worst case, the sensor may touch the flywheel and fail.

How to check DPKV without an oscilloscope?

Can be used multimeter in voltmeter mode:

1. Connect the probes to the sensor terminals.
2. Crank the engine with the starter.
3. The voltage should fluctuate within 0.1–0.5 V.

No vibration indicates a malfunction.

How much does it cost to replace the DPKV in the service?

Cost of work in the service - from 800 to 1500 rubles (depending on the region). Taking into account the price of the sensor (original ~ 2500–3500 rub., analog ~ 1200–1800 rub.) the total amount will be 3500–5000 rub. Self-replacement will take no more than 30 minutes.