11.9 Crank angle sensor (CAS)
Peak-to-peak voltage signal (looking at an oscilloscope) can vary from 5 V at idle to more than 100 V at 6000 rpm. The electronic control unit uses a digital converter to change the AC pulse into a digital signal.
Voltage values of the crank angle sensor (CAS)
Terminal numbers
CAS | ECM | Element | Volts | State | VAC* (rpm) | VAC* (full swing) |
2 | 48 | Sensor feedback signal | 0.25 max | |||
3 | 54 | grounding | 0.25 max | |||
1 | 49 | Output voltage | When cranking / idling | 0.7V+ | 2.0V+ | |
At idle | 4.0V+ | 11.0V+ | ||||
In move | 5.0V+ | 14.0V+ |
* VAC - AC voltage See illustration 11.10, 11.11
11.10 Primary Wiring Diagram for CAS/CMP/DIS Ignition Coil
11.11 Wiring diagram for the primary winding of the ignition coil CAS/CMP/OI
Crank Angle Sensor Resistance Values (CAS
)Terminal numbers
CAS | ECM | Resistance (I) |
1 and 2 | 49 and 48 | 300 - 400 |
1 and 3 | 49 and 47 | Infinity |
2 and 3 | 48 and 47 | Infinity |
Influence of external factors
- Incorrect air gap
- Faulty or incorrectly installed flywheel
Checking the crankshaft angle sensor (CAS) (general check)
1. Inspect the crank angle sensor multi-pin connector for signs of corrosion or damage.
2. Make sure the connector pins are properly installed and making good contact with the crank angle sensor multi-pin connector.
3. Remove the crank angle sensor from the engine block. Inspect the end face for signs of corrosion and damage.
4. Measure the resistance of the crank angle sensor and compare it with the specifications. See resistance determination checks at the end of this chapter.
5. The presence of the faults listed above is a common cause indicating a defective sensor or a signal failure from the crankshaft angle sensor.
Oscilloscope Checking the Output Signal of the Crank Angle Sensor
When turning the crankshaft
Note. This test should be carried out with the engine not running.
1. Disconnect the crank angle sensor multi-pin connector (CAS) or electronic control unit (ECM).
2. Connect an oscilloscope between terminals 1 and 2 of the crank angle sensor or the corresponding terminals of the ECM multi-pin connector.
3. Turn the crankshaft, the meter reading should be approximately 4.0 to 5.0 V - minimum (full swing) (see illustration 11.12).
4. Check for peak uniformity. If one or more values are much less than the others, then this indicates damage to the crank angle sensor cam.
5. If there is no signal, or if the signal is very weak or unstable:
Measure the resistance of the crank angle sensor (CAS).
- Check the sensor for damage and contamination with dirt or oil.
- Check flywheel for damage.
- Check the air gap of the crank angle sensor (CAS) (if possible).
On a running engine
1. Connect the multi-pin connector of the crank angle sensor (CAS) or electronic control unit (ECM) And (where possible) bend the insulation to obtain voltage by connecting the voltmeter probes to the crank angle sensor terminals (or connect output unit (WWII) between the multi-pin connector of the electronic control unit and the electronic control unit).
2. Best results are usually obtained by connecting probes to the terminal (+), although quite often the waveform can be obtained by connecting probes to the ground terminal of the crank angle sensor.
3. Run the engine at various speeds and check the stability of the signal.
Checking the Crank Angle Sensor Output with an AC Voltmeter (CAS)
When turning the crankshaft
Note. This test should be carried out with the engine not running.
1. Disconnect the crank angle sensor multi-pin connector (CAS) or electronic control unit (ECM) and connect an AC voltmeter between the crank angle sensor terminals.
2. Turn the crankshaft. The meter reading should be approximately 0.7 V (rpm) (minimum), although most good sensors provide an output voltage of more than 1.4 V (rpm).
Note. The AC voltmeter at least proves that the crank angle sensor is producing a signal. However, the AC voltage is a medium voltage and therefore does not accurately indicate damage to the crank angle sensor cams. Checking with an AC voltmeter the output signal of the crank angle sensor (CAS)
On a running engine
Note. Measuring the output voltage with the engine running will be a little tricky.
1. Connect the multi-pin connector and bend the insulation (where possible), to obtain voltage by connecting the voltmeter probes to the sensor terminals.
2. Start the engine and let it idle. AC voltage (VAC) (rpm) can be displayed at different engine speeds by adjusting the throttle.
Note. It's possible (even probably), that the engine will not start with a voltmeter connected. Alternatively, if a voltmeter is attached while the engine is running, it may stall or even misfire when the throttle is opened.
3. Start the engine at 2000 rpm first, and then connect the voltmeter leads, the large output voltage at this rpm is usually enough to keep the engine running. The motor will not be damaged if the specifications are followed when connecting the voltmeter.
Checking the resistance of the crankshaft angle sensor (CAS) using an ohmmeter
1. Disconnect the crank angle sensor multi-pin connector (CAS) or electronic control unit (ECM) and connect an ohmmeter between the two terminals leading to the sensor.
2. Record the resistance obtained and compare it with the resistance values of the crank angle sensor (CAS).
Note. Even if the resistance is within specification, it does not prove that the crank angle sensor can produce an acceptable signal.
Shielded wire for crank angle sensor (CAS)
1. Crank angle sensor (CAS) may have shielded wire (not in all cases). Locate the multi-pin connector of the electrical wiring or disconnect the multi-pin connector of the electronic control unit (ECM).
2. Attach an ohmmeter probe to one of the No. 1 or No. 2 terminals of the sensor.
3. Attach another ohmmeter probe to the shielded wire terminal. The device should show infinite resistance.
4. Disconnect the ohmmeter probe from the shielded wire terminal and connect it to ground. You should also get an indication of infinity.
Note. In some systems, the shielded wire of the crank angle sensor is connected to the ground wire of the crank angle sensor. In this case, the presence of conductivity will be registered by an ohmmeter, and this is normal for this car. See the wiring diagrams to determine which wires connect the crank angle sensor.