Crankshaft and camshaft sensors are used in engines to monitor the positions and speeds of these components, which are crucial for precise engine timing and performance. The crankshaft sensor tracks the position of the crankshaft to determine the engine's rotational speed, while the camshaft sensor monitors the position of the camshaft to coordinate the timing of the fuel injection and ignition. This information allows the engine control unit (ECU) to optimize fuel delivery and ignition timing, improving efficiency, performance, and emissions. Together, they ensure that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently under various operating conditions.
The Crankshaft sensor and the Cam sensor monitor the position and or the speed of rotation of the crankshaft. Together they send signals to the ECM. The ECM uses that information along with info from other sensors to send spark and fuel to the cylinders at the correct time. Some engines only have only a crank sensor to perform that job. Other engines that have both crank and cam sensors that split the duties.
Some of the 1992 Rangers had the camshaft position sensor on top of the engine in the same hole where the distributor used to be. Some Ranger engines did not use a camshaft sensor at all.
Can't give you specifics but most Crankshaft sensors (CKP) are located at the front of the motor under the timing cover or at the back of the motor where they can sense the rotation of the flywheel. The rear ones are generally located in the tranny bell housing. Some engines were made with no crankshaft sensor. They get there timing info from a sensor in the distributor. A camshaft sensor. Newer vehicles are being made with no distributor; they must have a crank sensor. It is on the engine block, behind the starter.
this is a bit of a history lesson: On early computer controlled engines the cam sensor was only really needed when the car started so the computer knew where the combustion cycle was. They ran a cross check with the crankshaft position sensor to insure the calibration was correct but complete failure would not cause serious trouble until the engine was shut off and a restart attempted. Next level was when the manufacturers realised that if they measured the wear on camshaft drive components and or error in where the camshaft was timed they could make the engine run better and make less pollution. Now with variable cam timing on multiple camshafts the computer measures the camshaft rotation to adjust the camshaft timing.
it's a 2 to 1 ratio For ALL 4 cycle engines, no matter how many cylinders, the crankshaft turns twice for every turn of the camshaft.
Did you look above the oil filter mounting boss? The sensor is there on some quad 4 engines according to the Chilton book
Modern electronically controlled engines use a sensor to keep track of the position of the pistons for spark timing. Since all the moving parts in the engine are mechaically linked, only one sesor anywhere in the system can provide the required information. Most systems put this sensor on the crankshaft. But a sensor on the camshaft would also work. The sensor itself is a simple magnet and pickup coil. The coil sends out a pulse every time the magnet passes it.
In my 01, it's a camshaft sensor under the transfer pump. On some, behind the starter motor in the block. It depends on the year model--get a Haynes manual for your year.
A bad crankshaft sensor will cause a vehicle not to start. The sensor sends a pulse to the system so that the spark plugs fire at the precise moment. If the sensor is intermittent then sometimes the vehicle wont start for no apparent reason, or may turn off while driving. Not sure if the question is about camshaft sensors or crankshaft sensors. Some vehicles will run with the camshaft sensor faulty or unplugged. But it would illuminate the "Check Engine" light.
no the camshaft has nothing to do at all with the transmission. your cams main function is to let air and fuel into the combustion chamber and then let the gasses [exhaust] out. In some engines the cam sensor only moniters the engine for cylinder misfires.
Definetly not the same animal, some vehicles have one or the other, some have both. Your local parts store can look up and usually show you the different sensors your vehicle may require.
You will usually find the crankshaft position sensor at one end or the other of the engine block. Some engines will have it bolted to the block near the front pulley. Others will have it bolted to the bell housing, right over the flywheel. In any case you should find it near one end of the crankshaft or the other.