Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) on Nissan Primera - A critical element of the engine management system. Its incorrect operation leads to ignition failures, unstable engine operation or complete startup failure. Owners Primera P11 (1996–2002) and P12 (2002–2008) are often faced with the need to find this sensor for diagnosis or replacement, but its location is not always obvious - especially on engines QR20DE, QR25DE and diesel YD22DDTi.

In this article you will find exact layout diagrams of DPKV for all modifications Primera, including photos showing fasteners, as well as step-by-step instructions for inspection and replacement. We will look at why the sensor fails, how to test it with a multimeter, and what to do if there is an error after replacement P0335 (DPCV circuit malfunction) does not disappear.

Where is the crankshaft sensor located on Nissan Primera: photo and diagram

On Nissan Primera P11/P12 The crankshaft sensor is located at the bottom of the cylinder block, near the flywheel or crankshaft pulley. Its exact position depends on the engine type:

  • 🔧 Gasoline engines QR20DE/QR25DE: sensor is located right (in the direction of travel) on the cylinder block, next to the gearbox. A wiring harness with a connector fits to it.
  • ⚙️ Diesel engines YD22DDTi: DPKV is located left (radiator side) on the oil pump housing, just above the sump.
  • 🔍 Models with automatic transmission: Access to the sensor may be difficult due to the starter or transmission elements - you will need to remove the air filter or protection.

The photo below shows the location of the sensor on Primera P12 with engine QR25DE:

(Image: sensor circled in red, arrow pointing to mounting bolt)

Engine model DPKV location Sensor type Original spare part code
QR20DE (P11/P12) On the right side of the cylinder block, next to the gearbox Induction 23731-4M500 or 23731-4M505
QR25DE (P12) On the right side of the block, under the intake manifold Induction 23731-4M510
YD22DDTi (diesel) Left on the oil pump housing Hall 23731-ED000

Important! On diesel Primera The crankshaft sensor is often confused with camshaft sensor (DPRV), which is located higher on the block head. DPKV on diesel has two-pin connector, and DPRV is three-pin.

📊 What engine is installed on your Nissan Primera?
  • QR20DE
  • QR25DE
  • YD22DDTi (diesel)
  • Other

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor on Primera

A faulty DPKV appears characteristic symptoms, which are difficult to confuse with other problems. Here are the most common signs:

  • ⚡ Engine won't start or stalls immediately after starting (there is no signal about the crankshaft position - the ECU blocks the ignition).
  • 🔥 Misfires at idle or under load, especially in wet weather.
  • 📉 Power drop and “jerking” of the car during acceleration (the ECU goes into emergency mode).
  • 🚨 Check Engine with errors P0335 (DPKV circuit), P0336 (signal outside the permissible range).
  • 🔊 Uneven engine operation at low speeds (triple movement, vibration).

On Primera P11 with engine SR20DE (Dorestayl) faulty DPKV may appear false immobilizer activation — the car does not start, and the key indicator on the dashboard is flashing. This is due to the fact that the ECU does not receive a signal that the crankshaft is rotating and blocks the fuel supply.

⚠️ Attention: If on your Primera There are signs of a malfunction of the DPKV, do not rush to change it. Check first wiring integrity And connector cleanliness — often oxidation of contacts or wire breakage simulates sensor failure.

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

Diagnosing DPKV takes 10–15 minutes and requires a minimum set of tools: a multimeter (in ohmmeter/voltmeter mode) and a screwdriver. Follow the step by step instructions:

  1. Remove the sensor: disconnect the connector, unscrew the mounting bolt (usually on 10 mm) and carefully remove the DPKV.
  2. Inspect the sensor: there should be no metal shavings, cracks or traces of oil on it. If the core is dirty, clean it with alcohol.
  3. Ring the winding: connect a multimeter to the sensor terminals (polarity is not important) and measure the resistance.
    • 📊 Standard for gasoline engines: 550–750 Ohm.
    • 📊 Standard for diesel YD22DDTi: 200–400 Ohm.
  • Check induction (induction sensors only): connect the multimeter in mode 200 mV, quickly move a metal object (such as a screwdriver) in front of the core. A working sensor will show a voltage surge.

    • If resistance tends to zero or infinity, the sensor is faulty. Also a sign of failure is the lack of reaction to a metal object when checking induction.

    Remove the sensor from the engine|Check the winding resistance|Inspect the core for contamination|Check the induction (for induction sensors)|Make sure the wiring is intact-->

    Step-by-step instructions for replacing the crankshaft sensor

    Replacing DPKV with Nissan Primera does not require special skills, but there are nuances depending on the engine model. Below are universal instructions taking into account the features QR20DE/QR25DE and diesel YD22DDTi.

    Tools and materials:

    • 🔧 Head or key on 10 mm (for fastening bolt).
    • 🔌 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for removing the connector).
    • 🧴 WD-40 or a similar composition (if the bolt is stuck).
    • 📦 New sensor (original or analogue: Bosch 0 261 210 115, Febi 23731).

    Work order:

    1. Disconnect the battery: remove the negative terminal to avoid short circuit.
    2. Remove the air filter (if necessary): on QR25DE Access to the sensor is difficult - you will need to remove the filter housing.
    3. Disconnect the connector: press the latch and carefully pull out the block. Don't pull the wires!
    4. Unscrew the fastening bolt: on gasoline engines it is located on top of the sensor, on diesel engines it is located on the side.
    5. Remove the sensor: pull it towards you, rocking it from side to side. If it doesn’t work, don’t apply force - check to see if the bolt remains in the block.
    6. Install a new sensor: insert it all the way, tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).
    7. Connect the connector and check operation: start the engine. If the error P0335 remains, reset it with a scanner or by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes.
    ⚠️ Attention: On diesel Primera after replacing the DPKV it may be necessary throttle valve relearning (procedure "Throttle Valve Closed Position Learning"). Without this, the engine will operate unstably. For retraining instructions, see the service manual.
    What should I do if the error does not disappear after replacing the sensor?

    If the code P0335 remains, check:

    1. **Wiring integrity** from the sensor to the ECU (often frays near the exhaust manifold).

    2. **Condition of the ring gear** on the flywheel/pulley - if the teeth are chipped or worn, the signal will be incorrect.

    3. **Supply voltage** at the DPKV connector (there should be 5 V between “+” and ground).

    4. **Reset adaptations** of the ECU using a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch CReader or ELM327).

    Common mistakes when replacing DPKV and how to avoid them

    Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with the crankshaft sensor. Here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

    • 🔨 Tightening the fastening bolt: this leads to deformation of the sensor body or breakage of the threads in the block. Use a torque wrench 8–10 Nm.
    • 🧲 Installing a sensor with a dirty core: metal shavings or oil at the end distort the signal. Clean the seat with alcohol.
    • 🔌 Damage to the connector when disconnected: You cannot pull on the wires - only on the plastic housing of the block. If the latch is broken, replace the connector.
    • 🔧 Using a non-original sensor: cheap analogues (for example, no-name Chinese ones) often have incorrect resistance or induction. Please check the settings before installation.

    On Primera P11 with engine SR20DE A specific problem occurs: after replacing the DPKV, the engine starts, but runs intermittently. Reason - incompatibility of sensors from different years of manufacture. For models before 1999, only the original is suitable 23731-4M500, for later ones - 23731-4M505.

    💡

    Before purchasing a new sensor, take a photo of the old one and show it to the seller - this will help avoid compatibility errors.

    Cost of the sensor and where is the best place to buy

    DPKV price for Nissan Primera varies depending on engine type and manufacturer brand:

    Sensor type Original (Nissan) Analogue (Bosch/Febi) Budget analogue
    For QR20DE/QR25DE 2 500–3 200 ₽ 1 800–2 300 ₽ 800–1 200 ₽
    For YD22DDTi (diesel) 3 800–4 500 ₽ 2 500–3 000 ₽ 1 500–2 000 ₽
    For SR20DE (P11) 2 200–2 800 ₽ 1 600–2 000 ₽ 700–1 100 ₽

    Where to buy:

    • 🏬 Official dealers Nissan: original guarantee, but high price.
    • 🛒 Online stores: Exist.ru, Autodoc, Emex — a wide selection of analogues with delivery.
    • 🔧 Car disassembly: used sensors cost 300–800 ₽, but the risk of buying a faulty one is high.

    Advice: When buying an analogue, give preference to brands Bosch, Febi, Blue Print or Meyle. Avoid “no-name” manufacturers - their sensors often fail after 10–20 thousand km.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the crankshaft sensor on Primera

    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 (as opposed to the camshaft sensor or mass air flow sensor). If the DPKV is completely out of order, the car will not start. In the event of a partial malfunction (for example, a break in the signal wire), the engine will operate intermittently, but you cannot drive like this for a long time - this will lead to damage to the catalyst or overheating.

    How to distinguish the crankshaft sensor from the camshaft sensor on Primera?

    On petrol Primera:

    • 🔹 DPKV located below, on the cylinder block, has one plastic block with 2–3 wires.
    • 🔹 DPRV worth it higher, on the block head, with three-pin connector.

    On diesel YD22DDTi DPKV has two contacts, and DPRV - three.

    Why doesn't P0335 go away after replacing the sensor?

    The reasons may be as follows:

    1. Faulty wiring between the sensor and the ECU (open or short circuit).
    2. Damaged ring gear on the flywheel/crankshaft pulley.
    3. The ECU did not reset the error - try disconnect the battery for 10 minutes or use a diagnostic scanner.
    4. Installed incompatible sensor (for example, from another modification Primera).

    Check connector voltage (there should be 5 V between "+" and ground) and signal oscillogram (for this you need a motor tester).

    Is it possible to clean the crankshaft sensor instead of replacing it?

    Yes, but only if the problem is core contamination metal shavings or oil. To clean:

    1. Remove the sensor and wipe its end part lint-free cloth, soaked in isopropyl alcohol or carburetor cleaner.
    2. Blow out the connector with compressed air.
    3. Check the resistance - if it is normal, the sensor can be reinstalled.
    Do not use acetone, gasoline or hard brushes - they will damage the plastic or winding.

    What other sensors can cause similar symptoms?

    If the symptoms are similar to a malfunction of the DPKV, but the sensor is working, check:

    • 🔧 Camshaft sensor (DPRV) - error P0340.
    • 🔥 Ignition module or coils - misfires.
    • ⚡ Mass air flow sensor (MAF) - error P0100.
    • ⛽ Fuel injectors - clogged or faulty.

    On diesel Primera similar symptoms are caused by a malfunction fuel pressure sensor or injection pump.

    💡

    If after replacing the DPKV the problem remains, be sure to check the wiring and ring gear - in 30% of cases the reason lies not in the sensor itself, but in the circuit or mechanical damage.