How Do I Know If the Crank Sensor Is Bad on a '97 Toyota Corolla?

The crankshaft position sensor in a 1997 Toyota Corolla is designed to provide the powertrain control module with information about the position of the crankshaft in relation to the engine block. The PCM uses this information to determine when to fire the spark plugs and to make calculations about how to manage the engine. When the crankshaft position sensor fails, the engine does not start. An automotive scan tool connected to the vehicles diagnostic data port determines whether the crankshaft position sensor is operational and properly functioning.

Instructions

1

Stop the vehicle on a flat surface and shift the transmission into park or first gear for a manual transmission. Turn off the engine and apply the parking brake.

2

Connect the scan tools data cable to the vehicles diagnostic data port. This port is found underneath the dashboard on the drivers side, directly above the pedal area. Turn the ignition to the "On" position but do not start the engine.

3

Power on the scan tool and choose Live Data from the main menu. The scan tool displays the live data feed from all of the sensors in the vehicle.

4

Use the arrow keys on the scan tool to scroll down until you see the Engine RPM data parameter.

5

Crank the engine and watch the "Engine RPM" readout on the scan tool. If the scan tool displays the cranking RPM, the crankshaft sensor is operating properly. If the scan tool shows a zero, or displays no RPM value, then the crankshaft sensor is faulty and must be replaced.