Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost

The crankshaft position sensor tells the car’s onboard computer what position the crankshaft is in. That crankshaft is required for turning the wheels and essentially making the car move. So, if the car doesn’t know the piston of the crankshaft, it can’t carry out important functions that help the car to operate smoothly.

To get this sensor fixed, you are going to pay around $180, on average, but you could pay as much as $210. This includes all parts and labor for the sensor replacement. The parts alone will cost you between $100 and $120. The labor should range between $70 and $90.

Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost Comparison

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What Is Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement?

Relocating the sensor is usually a simple job, but if there are other damaged parts, you can expect to pay a lot more and have to wait much longer for the car to be repaired. The sensor can fail on its own, and that’s not uncommon for cars that have been out on the road for a while, but it’s also, possible that the crankshaft or parts of the engine will need to be replaced at the same time.

Benefits of Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement

Your vehicle could have trouble operating properly or may not move at all if the sensor isn’t working, so getting that fixed means that you will be able to drive your car again. This is the kind of problem that makes it nearly impossible to drive until it is repaired, so it’s definitely in your best interests to have it taken care of as soon as you can. You will prevent your car from becoming more damaged or from shutting down at inopportune places.

What Is Done during Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement?

Your mechanic is going to check the engine and crankshaft when replacing the sensor. This is to ascertain if there is any further damage or if the sensor itself is the only part that needs to be replaced.

The mechanic will then remove the damaged sensor and possibly bench test it to find out why it malfunctioned. To take it out, he will need to disconnect the power supply.

Replacing the sensor is simple enough, but the mechanic may apply some sealant to hold everything in place. The mechanic will test the car afterward to ensure it is working properly.

In some cases, the engine may need to be partially deconstructed to get to the sensor. This can spike your labor costs considerably and take much longer for the repairs to be finished. This is only necessary for some kinds of cars, though.

When to Get Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement

You likely won’t have much choice but to get this sensor replaced or not be able to drive your car. It’s nearly impossible to drive it with a damaged crankshaft position sensor. In some cases, the car may still drive, but it’s not safe to do so.

The most common indicator that there is a problem with the sensor is that the check engine light will be displayed. This light can be used to indicative all sorts of problems, though, so don’t automatically assume it is the sensor that’s the problem. You may also not be able to get the car to move, or it may drive roughly and be difficult to operate when you do get it going. You may lose power suddenly, suffer from poor gas mileage or any number of other problems.

After you drive 100,000 miles, the sensor may start to fail on its own, and it’s a good idea to have it checked now and then, after that point, for signs of deterioration.

How to Save Money on Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement

If you can get to your sensor without taking apart the engine, then you may be able to save some money by doing the work yourself. You could pretty easily take out the sensor and replace it, but you may want to have a professional look it over for you if you aren’t very experienced at car repairs.

You can also save money by comparing rates from different mechanics. They won’t all charge the same for parts or labor. Just make sure that the mechanic you choose is a reliable one.

Sample Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement Costs