Crankshaft sensor on Nissan Primera: where is it located, how to check and replace

Nissan Primera is one of the most popular sedans of the 90s and 2000s, but even this reliable car is not immune to problems with the crankshaft position sensor (CPS). If the engine stalls while driving, won't start or works intermittently, this small but critical sensor may be to blame. Unlike many modern cars, where the DPKV is hidden behind a layer of plastic, on Primera P11/P12 its location is relatively accessible - but you need to know where to look.

In this article you will find exact sensor coordinates for all generations Primera (including rare modifications with engines GA16DE, SR20DE, QR20DE), and also step-by-step instructions for diagnosis and replacement. We will look at why the DPKV fails, how to check it with a multimeter, and what to do if there is an error after replacement P0335 (sensor circuit malfunction) does not go away. At the end - answers to frequently asked questions and unique sensor compatibility table for different engines Nissan.

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

On all generations Nissan Primera (P10, P11, P12, W10) DPKV installed in the same place - on the cylinder block on the flywheel side, next to the gearbox. More specifically:

• 🔧 For GA16DE/SR20DE engines (P11, 1996–2002): The sensor is screwed into the block on the right (in the direction of travel) above the oil pan, under the thermostat. To see it, you need to remove the air filter or look from below (from the inspection hole).
• 🔧 For QR20DE/QG18DE engines (P12, 2002–2007): The location is similar, but the sensor is shifted closer to the starter. It's easier to find if you remove the engine protection.
• 🔧 For diesel versions (YD22DDTi): The DPKV is installed on the timing cover on the belt side. Here it looks like a cylindrical body with a long wire.

The photo below shows the exact location for Primera P11 with SR20DE engine (view from the driver's side, air filter removed):

Photo of the location of the DPKV on the Nissan Primera P11 (SR20DE)

The image shows a black plastic sensor housing (marked "Nissan 23731-4M000" or similar) screwed into the cylinder block near the flywheel. A two-pin connector with a gray chip fits it. On GA16DE engines the sensor may be green (part number 23731-65F00).

To get to DPKV you will need:

• 🔩 10 mm socket (for fastening bolt).
• 🔧 Extension or flexible cardan for ratchet.
• 🔦 Flashlight (required - the place is poorly lit!).
• 🧤 Gloves (the sensor is often covered with an oil film).

2. Signs of a faulty DPKV on a Nissan Primera

The crankshaft position sensor has no mechanical moving parts, but over time it fails due to:

• 🔥 Overheating (located next to the manifold outlet).
• 💧 Oil or antifreeze contamination to contacts.
• 🔌 Connector oxidation (especially relevant for humid climates).
• ⚡ Electrical interference from high voltage wires.

Symptoms of DPKV malfunction on Primera often confused with ignition or fuel system problems. Pay attention to these unique features:

Symptom	What's going on	Additional checks
Engine won't start	The starter turns, but there is no spark and no fuel injection. There may be a light on the dash CHECK ENGINE.	Check the power supply to the DPKV chip (there should be 12V on one of the contacts).
Floating speed	The speed spontaneously drops to 500–600 rpm or jumps to 1500.	Treat errors as a scanner. Code P0335 - direct pointer to DPKV.
Jerking when accelerating	The car stalls at speeds of 60–80 km/h, as if it was misfiring.	Check the DPKV signal with an oscilloscope (there should be a smooth “jagged” graph).
Stalls while driving	The engine suddenly stops, but then starts again.	Check the wires from the DPKV to the ECU for a break.

Important! On Primera P12 with QR20DE engine a faulty DPKV can cause immobilizer false alarm (the key light on the dash flashes). This is due to the fact that the ECU does not receive a signal about the crankshaft position and blocks the start.

3. How to check the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Primera: 3 methods

Before changing the DPKV, make sure that this is the problem. Here three reliable verification methodsthat do not require complex equipment:

Method 1: Resistance Test (Multimeter)

Disconnect the connector from the sensor and measure the resistance between its terminals. Normal values:

• 🔹 GA16DE/SR20DE: 550–750 Ohm.
• 🔹 QR20DE/QG18DE: 800–1000 Ohm.
• 🔹 YD22DDTi (diesel): 200–300 Ohm.

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

Method 2: Inductance Test (Advanced)

You will need a megohmmeter or LCR meter. Normal inductance DPKV - 200–400 mH. If the value is below 150 mH, the sensor is “tired” and will soon fail.

Method 3: Check with an oscilloscope (most accurate)

Connect the oscilloscope to the DPKV signal wire (usually the middle pin) and start the engine. The screen should show a smooth “jagged” signal with an amplitude 0.5–1.5 V. If the schedule torn or missing — the sensor or wiring is faulty.

1. Check the sensor resistance with a multimeter

2. Inspect the connector for oxidation and damage.

3. Make sure there is 12V on the chip (plus from the ECU)

4. Test the signal wire for a break

5. Reset errors with the scanner after replacement -->

4. Step-by-step replacement of the crankshaft sensor on Nissan Primera

Replacing DPKV with Primera takes 15–30 minutes, but there are some nuances. Follow the instructions:

1. Preparation:

   Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Remove the air filter (on SR20DE) or engine protection (on QR20DE). Clean the area around the sensor from dirt (use WD-40 or carburetor cleaner).

2. Removing the old sensor:

   Disconnect the connector by pressing the latch. Unscrew the fastening bolt with a 10 mm socket. Carefully pull out the sensor - it may “stick” to the block. Do not use force! If it doesn't work, spray it WD-40 and wait 5 minutes.

3. Installing a new sensor:

   Check that there are no metal shavings or oil on the seat. Insert new DPKV all the way (it should “click”). Tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!). Connect the connector.

4. Check:

   Connect the battery, start the engine. If the error P0335 remains - reset it with a scanner (for example, ELM327). If the engine does not start, check gap between sensor and flywheel (should be 0.5–1.5 mm).

Attention! On Primera P12 with QR20DE engine When replacing the DPKV, the settings sometimes get lost electronic throttle. If after replacement the speed “floats”, perform damper learning procedure through a diagnostic scanner.

5. Which crankshaft sensor to choose for Nissan Primera: articles and analogues

Original DPKV from Nissan It’s expensive (RUB 1,500–3,000), but there are high-quality analogues. The table below shows proven options for different engines:

Engine	Original article	Analogs (brand + article)	Price, rub.
GA16DE	23731-65F00	BOSCH 0 261 210 115, DENSO 550-0103	800–1200
SR20DE	23731-4M000	HITACHI CPS-A003, MEAT & DORIA 71701	900–1500
QR20DE	23731-AL50A	BOSCH 0 261 210 118, ERA 550453	1000–1800
YD22DDTi (diesel)	23731-ED000	DELPHI SS10103, VEMO V10-72-0009	1500–2500

Selection tips:

• 🛒 For GA16DE/SR20DE best budget option - Bosch 0 261 210 115. It also fits Almera N16, and on Sunny N15.
• 🛒 On QR20DE take only the original or Denso — cheap analogues often “glitch” at high speeds.
• 🛒 For diesel YD22DDTi Avoid no-name sensors! Poor-quality DPKV can cause wrong injection and damage to the injection pump.

Attention! On Primera P11 with motor SR20DE sensors from GA16DE not interchangeable, despite the external resemblance! They differ in frequency response, and the ECU will generate an error P0325 (incorrect DPKV signal).

6. Common mistakes when replacing DPKV and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when working with the crankshaft sensor. Here TOP-5 misses and how not to repeat them:

1. Incorrect clearance.

   The DPKV should rest against the thrust ring on the block. If you overtighten the bolt, the sensor will “sink” and the clearance to the flywheel will increase. Consequences: weak signal → misfires.

2. Damage to the connector.

   When disconnecting the chip, do not pull the wires! The contacts inside are fragile and easy to pull out. If the connector is damaged, replace it entirely (part number 23732-4M000).

3. Ignoring oil leaks.

   If there is oil around the sensor, before installing a new one necessarily Find the source of the leak (crankshaft oil seal or valve cover gasket). The oil will quickly damage the new DPKV.

4. Unreset errors.

   Error after replacing sensor P0335 may remain in the ECU memory. It needs to be reset with a scanner or by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes.

5. Using sealant.

   Some “masters” coat the sensor threads with sealant. This blunder — the next time you replace the DPKV, you will have to cut it out with a knife. It is enough to clean the seat and tighten the sensor with the correct torque.

What to do if after replacing the DPKV the car does not start?

1. Check the connection of the connector (often the chip does not snap fully into place).

2. Make sure that the sensor is inserted all the way (it should rest against the ring).

3. Check the wires from the DPKV to the ECU for a break (especially important for P12 with a harness under the coils).

4. Reset errors and “learn” the throttle valve (for QR20DE).

5. If all else fails, check the flywheel for damaged teeth (sometimes they break and disrupt the signal).

7. Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to drive with a faulty DPKV?

No. Crankshaft sensor - critical element engine control systems. Without its signal, the ECU does not know when to spark and inject fuel. In the best case, the car will not start, in the worst case, the engine will work with detonation, which will lead to damage to the pistons.

What should be the clearance between the DPKV and the flywheel on a Primera?

Optimal clearance - 0.5–1.5 mm. In practice, it is adjusted automatically when the sensor rests against the thrust ring on the block. If the gap is larger (for example, due to ring wear), the signal will be weak and the ECU will generate an error P0335.

Why did a knocking sound appear in the engine after replacing the DPKV?

The knocking noise may be due to:

1. Incorrect installation of the sensor (for example, misalignment).
2. Damage to the flywheel teeth (check through the inspection window in the clutch housing).
3. Timing phase failure (relevant for SR20DE after disconnecting the battery).

Immediately turn off the engine and check the sensor installation!

Is it possible to clean the DPKV instead of replacing it?

Theoretically yes, but the effect will be temporary. Clean the sensor contacts and connector with alcohol or WD-40 Contact Cleaner. However, if the problem is internal damage (coil break, case crack), cleaning will not help. In 80% of cases replacement is required.

Where to buy DPKV for Nissan Primera cheaper?

The most profitable options:

• 🛒 AliExpress - cheap analogues (for example, Fortech or Febi), but wait 2–3 weeks.
• 🛒 Auto analysis — used originals for 300–500 rubles. (risk of marriage 50/50).
• 🛒 Exist.ru / Autodoc — optimal in price/quality (delivery 1–3 days).

Tip: before purchasing, check the sensor part number with the table above!