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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace a crankshaft position sensor?
Where can I get my crankshaft position sensor replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my crankshaft position sensor?
What happens if I don’t replace my crankshaft position sensor?
What is a crankshaft position sensor?
Can I replace my crankshaft position sensor myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace a crankshaft position sensor?

The average cost for a crankshaft position sensor replacement is $176, with $75 for parts and labor costs at $101. However, your bill will depend on the vehicle you drive.

How long does it take to replace a crankshaft position sensor? You can expect a certified mechanic to take around 0.9 hours to complete the job. Your mechanic will first determine if a replacement is necessary with a preliminary inspection, then they will follow through with the replacement.

Here’s an overview of crankshaft position sensor replacement costs for different vehicles:

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 17, 2024	Dean, 22 Denver, CO	Dodge Caliber	$923	$341	$582	4.6 Hours
April 17, 2024	Nell, 23 Fredericksburg, VA	Cadillac CT4-V	$681	$311	$370	3.5 Hours
April 8, 2024	Charlie, 39 Pensacola, FL	Kia Soul	$784	$311	$473	3.5 Hours
April 7, 2024	Sally, 40 Miami, FL	Alfa Romeo Stelvio	$711	$311	$400	3.5 Hours
April 6, 2024	Duane, 42 Tucson, AZ	Volkswagen Passat	$894	$341	$553	4.6 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my crankshaft position sensor replacement?

A crankshaft position sensor replacement requires minimal parts to complete:

Crankshaft position sensor: The crankshaft position sensor keeps track of the position of the crankshaft and sends this information to the car’s computer system. It is the main component in the replacement, and it will usually cost you around $40 to $100.

O-ring: The o-ring helps to seal the sensor. They are sometimes included with the sensor, but they can be purchased for $5 to $15.

Sensor bolt: The bolts secure the crankshaft position sensor in place. They are also often included with sensors, but individually they cost $5 to $15.

Standard Motor Products (SMP), ACDelco and Bosch are reputable crankshaft position sensor brands. Some popular O-ring brands include parker Hannifin, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies and SKF. These, as well as sensor bolts, can be purchased at auto parts stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts, or online from Amazon or eBay. Remember that sensor bolts should be tightened to the manufacturer's specifications to avoid damaging the sensor or its housing.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

OEM crankshaft position sensors are reliable parts made to fit your vehicle, and they often come with a warranty. On the other hand, aftermarket parts are typically cheaper and will get the job done, so the decision between OEM or aftermarket parts will depend on what you want for your vehicle.

Keep in mind: If you opt for aftermarket parts, just be sure to do your research to find reliable parts that work for your car and your budget.

Where can I buy parts for my crankshaft position sensor replacement?

Replacement parts for your crankshaft position sensor can be purchased from the following:

The manufacturer/dealership

Auto parts shops and auto body retailers (AutoZone, Advance Auto parts)

Online retailers (Amazon, eBay)

Standard Motor Products (SMP), ACDelco and Bosch are reliable crankshaft position sensor brands. O-ring brands include parker Hannifin, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies and SKF.

The manufacturer/dealership will only have OEM parts, while online retailers such as Amazon or eBay only sell aftermarket parts. Automotive parts shops/retailers like AutoZone have both OEM and aftermarket parts available.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my crankshaft position sensor replaced?

With so many certified mechanics ready to handle your crankshaft position sensor replacement, it can be hard to choose the best one. Luckily, Jerry’s

GarageGuard™

is here to help. Jerry's GarageGuard™ will find the best mechanic for the job by comparing costs from over 2,500 vetted auto repair shops in the US.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ will use auto shops’ real hourly labor rates to compare fair price estimates*, and you can see reviews from real customers. You can even find out if diagnostic fees are included in the service cost.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

162 Reviews

Z.A. & D. Service Station

31-5 38th Ave, Long Island, NY

Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$189

(Parts - $61, Labor - $128)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$135

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (718) 786-4488

122 Reviews

Flagship Motor

190 Union Ave, Paterson, NJ

Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$207

(Parts - $61, Labor - $146)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$64

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (862) 257-3232

125 Reviews

Jiffy Lube

2207 E Main St, League City, TX

Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$171

(Parts - $61, Labor - $110)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$129.99

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (281) 332-5356

147 Reviews

Wrench Inc. - BFL

(Remote Truck Service), Bakersfield, CA

Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$214

(Parts - $61, Labor - $153)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (503) 766-5035

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my crankshaft position sensor?

To complete a crankshaft position sensor replacement, a mechanic will perform the following steps:

Preparation: Your mechanic will jack up the vehicle and prepare the necessary tools for the replacement.

Remove the electrical connector: Your mechanic will disconnect the electrical connector from the sensor.

Remove the crankshaft position sensor: Your mechanic will remove the bolt holding the sensor in place and then remove the failing crankshaft position sensor.

Lubricate the o-ring: Your mechanic will lubricate the new sensor’s o-ring to make installation easier and prevent any damage.

Install the new crankshaft position sensor: At this point, your mechanic will install the new sensor and secure the bolt.

Connect the electrical connector: Your mechanic will reconnect the electrical connector to the crankshaft position sensor.

Once the replacement is complete, your mechanic will start the vehicle and clear any codes sent by your engine’s computer.

What happens if I don’t replace my crankshaft position sensor?

If you do not fix a bad crankshaft sensor, you will notice poor engine performance, such as:

Trouble starting

Engine vibrations

Stalling

Misfires

Engine damage, or even engine failure

Failing to replace your crankshaft position sensor can be dangerous and lead to costly repairs, so you should take your vehicle to a mechanic immediately to replace your sensor.

What is a crankshaft position sensor?

The crankshaft position sensor—also referred to as the crankshaft sensor or crank sensor—monitors the location and rotational speed of the crankshaft and sends the information to the vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU). The crankshaft position sensor works with the camshaft position sensor to control fuel injection and ignition timing.

This electronic sensor is found in almost all modern cars with internal combustion engines. computerized engine management systems, and it is typically located on the engine block.

When should I replace the crankshaft position sensor on my car?

Here are a few common signs of a faulty crankshaft position sensor:

An illuminated check engine light

Difficulty starting

Engine vibration

Rough idle

Poor acceleration

Engine stalling

Misfires

Poor fuel economy

Keep in mind: A bad camshaft sensor can produce the same symptoms, so it’s best to get both sensors checked.

How often should a crankshaft position sensor be replaced?

Crankshaft position sensors should last the lifetime of your vehicle, but since they’re located close to the car’s engine, they are exposed to intense heat and can wear down.

Instead of looking at your odometer to tell you when you’re in need of a replacement, watch for warning signs and take your vehicle to a mechanic when you notice warning signs of a bad sensor.

Can I replace my crankshaft position sensor myself?

It is possible to complete a crankshaft position sensor replacement at home if you have the right tools and DIY auto repair experience.

However, it is vital to your vehicle’s overall performance that the job is done correctly, so most drivers should take their vehicle to a mechanic for a crankshaft position sensor replacement.

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FAQs

Is it OK to drive with a bad crankshaft position sensor?

You should avoid driving with a bad crankshaft position sensor. A failing crankshaft sensor can’t send accurate information to the engine control module, causing poor engine performance that could result in engine damage or even failure, which will add up to some expensive repairs.

Will an engine run with a bad crank sensor?

Your vehicle may not start with a bad crankshaft sensor. The engine control unit is not receiving accurate information, so it can’t regulate the engine properly, resulting in poor engine performance while driving, idling, and starting.

What happens when a crankshaft sensor goes bad?

If your vehicle has a failing crankshaft position sensor, the engine control unit won’t receive accurate information and therefore can’t operate efficiently.

Common symptoms of a bad crankshaft position sensor include:

An illuminated check engine light

Difficulty starting

Poor acceleration

Rough idle

Stalling

Engine misfires

Poor fuel economy

Engine damage or failure

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.