Car Sensors?

Question

IVE GOT A HYUNDAI ELANTRA AND IVE BEEN TOLD THAT MY CRANKSHAFT SENSOR AND MY CAMSHAFT SENSORS NEED REPLACING, WHAT DO THESE SENSORS DO.

its been to my local hyundai dealer and it was put on there dionastic machine.

Answer 1

Hi

Both sensors send information to the ECU about engine position (camshaft and crank shaft) and this information is used to assess the ignition advance and engine RPM.

If the fault code which was found was a cam and crank correlation code which basically means that the cam timing is out of sync with the crank timing (usually behind), then it could be a pointer to a loose timing belt and it needs to be addressed immediatley in case the belt is breaking or the tensioner is breaking.

On the other hand, the sensors have fault codes which relate to them individually, and there is also one fault code which refers to them both and it is and either/or code. It may be this one which has been pulled and the garage could not be bothered to determine which sensor has actually packed up.

I can tell you that generally, if the crank sensor packs up then the engine will not run, or it will run like a right dog.

Best of luck

Geordie

Answer 2

Some good answers submitted already that should have given you an idea what the sensors do. I would suggest that you get an accurate diagnosis from a reliable, reputable diagnostic agent before committing to spend lots of money on parts you probably dont need. Not sure who (garage or "someone in the pub") told you to replace those parts but the possibility of more than one sensor failing at the same time is incredibly unlikely and is usually misdiagnosis.
Sadly misdiagnosis leads to the customer (you) paying far too much for a relatively simple repair.
I urge caution and dont be afraid to get a second opinion before blindly paying out.

Answer 3

The Crankshaft sensor sends a signal that feeds timing and rpm information to the computer.The Camshaft sensor provides information on cylinder position for the ignition coils and the fuel injectors timing.I doubt both of them are bad.

Answer 4

One tells the ecu where the crankshaft is at any given moment and how fast it's spinning, likewise with the camshaft. Between the two sensors the ecu knows exactly where the engine is in the four stroke cycle and allows sequential injection.

Answer 5

kThey tell the computer where the shafts are in the cycle and when they should fire the ignition. It's what keeps your car in time and everything working just when it should.