How Much Does A Crank Speed Sensor Replacement Cost in the UK?

A crankshaft speed sensor is a type of hall effect or inductive sensor used to measure the rotational speed of the crankshaft. The speed sensor is usually mounted on the engine block, transmission, or differential. The crankshaft speed sensor produces an output signal that is proportional to the speed of the crankshaft. This information is used by engine management systems (ECU) to control the fuel injection or the ignition system timing and other engine parameters.

Faulty circuits often lead to a crank speed sensor failure. A failed sensor will often cause the engine to misfire or run erratically. In some cases, it may even cause the engine to not start at all and in these cases the crank speed sensor will need to be replaced.

How much does it cost to replace a crank speed sensor?

The average cost of replacing a crank speed sensor is £150, with prices ranging from £120 and £300. In rare cases, if the broken crank speed sensor was left unattended for too long, associated parts of the engine could have been damaged as well, which may need to be inspected and replaced if necessary. The exact price of the crank speed sensor replacement depends largely on your car and the parts recommended by the manufacturer.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a crankshaft position sensor replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a crankshaft position sensor replacement.

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for a crank speed sensor replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for crank speed sensor replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a crank speed sensor replacement for your car.

Signs your crank speed sensor needs to be replaced

• Difficulty starting the car
• Check engine light on
• Car stalling/ backfiring
  
• Overall poor performance and reduction in fuel efficiency
• Misfires
• Uneven Acceleration or erratic RPM

Vehicle stalls or trouble starting

A crankshaft position sensor is used to determine the position and speed of the crankshaft. The sensor is used to detect the position of the crankshaft, so that the engine can be timed correctly. So if the sensor fails, the vehicle will have trouble starting, run rough or not start at all.

Decreased fuel efficiency

Failure of the crank speed sensor will result in inaccurate timing of the engine, which can result in fuel injectors being unable to deliver fuel efficiently. This can negatively affect the overall fuel economy.

Check engine light is illuminated

A bad or failing crank speed sensor can trigger the Check Engine Light to illuminate on the dashboard. A diagnostic tool will be needed to scan for error codes to determine the exact cause.

Frequently asked questions about crank speed sensor cost

Can you drive with a broken crank sensor?

You may be able to drive but it is highly advisable to avoid driving with a broken crank speed sensor as it can cause the engine to misfire and turn off abruptly. This can also prevent the vehicle from starting and make it dangerous to drive.

Is a crankshaft sensor expensive to replace?

Typically a simple crank speed sensor is not too expensive to replace and you can expect the costs to be in the range of £120-£300.

Can a car run without a crank sensor?

No, a car cannot run without a crankshaft sensor. The crankshaft speed sensor tells the car's computer the position of the crankshaft, which is necessary in order to calculate the ignition timing.

Can a faulty crank sensor cause transmission problems?

A crank speed sensor is used to monitor the rotational speed of the crankshaft and the ECU uses this signal to control the ignition timing and fuel injection timing. If the sensor fails it will not cause transmission problems but may cause misfires or prevent the engine from starting.

How long does a crankshaft position sensor replacement take?

Generally, you can expect the CKP or crankshaft position sensor replacement to take around 1 hour, but this can be less or more time in some cases. Ultimately, the time it takes to replace a crankshaft position sensor can vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of the vehicle.

Can I carry out a crankshaft position sensor replacement myself?

Replacing a crankshaft position sensor requires an understanding of auto repair skills and special equipment. Unless you are a trained mechanic it's generally better to leave complex repairs, like replacing a crankshaft position sensor, to professionals who have the skills and experience to perform the task effectively.

What else could be the problem if my crankshaft position sensor isn’t broken?

Symptoms of a malfunctioning CKP sensor can be similar to other engine-related issues. If you’re experiencing performance issues and have ruled out the crank sensor then it could be one or more of the following:

• Ignition system - one or more parts such as the ignition coil or spark plugs may have failed leading to issues such as difficulty starting the engine and stalling
• Clogged fuel filter - this can also lead to poor performance and reduced fuel efficiency
• Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) or Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) - if these sensors are malfunctioning then it can result in overall poor engine performance and acceleration problems.

It’s generally challenging to pinpoint the exact source of the issue when there are engine performance issues. In these cases, a diagnostic check by a professional mechanic will help determine the problem and solution.

What happens during a crankshaft position sensor replacement?

• The mechanic will read the ECU for possible fault codes related to the sensor.
• The mechanic will inspect the sensor and ancillaries.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the sensor.
• The mechanic will check the system and will test drive the car to ensure proper operation of the engine.
• If necessary, the mechanic will make adjustments.