How To Test The CKP Sensor (1996-1997 1.6L Toyota Corolla)

The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor can easily be tested on your 1996-1997 1.6L (4A-FE) Toyota Corolla with a multimeter.

In this tutorial, I'll explain how to do it in a step-by-step manner. With your test results you'll quickly determine if the CKP is good or bad.

This tutorial applies to the following vehicles:

• 1.6L (4A-FE) Toyota Corolla: 11997, 1998.

Ignition System Wiring Diagram:

• Ignition System Wiring Diagram (1996-1997 1.6L Toyota Corolla).

Ignition System Diagnostic Tests:

• How To Test The Ignition Coil (1996-1997 1.6L Toyota Corolla).
• How To Test The Igniter (1996-1997 1.6L Toyota Corolla).
• How To Test The Distributor Pickup Coil (1996-1997 1.6L Toyota Corolla).

Engine No-Start Diagnostics:

• How To Troubleshoot An Engine No-Start Problem (1993-1997 1.6L Toyota Corolla).

Symptoms Of A Bad CKP Sensor

The CKP sensor usually stops working in one of two ways —it either fails completely or acts up every now and then.

If it completely gives out, your Toyota Corolla won't start at all —not even once — until you swap out the CKP sensor.

If it fails off and on, the engine will usually run just fine, but once in a while, it just won't start.

Most of the time, when the crankshaft position sensor goes bad, your Toyota Corolla's fuel injection computer throws one of these CKP trouble codes:

• 1995 OBD I:
  • Code 12: G and NE Signal Problem.
  • Code 13: NE Signal Circuit Problem.

• 1996-1997 OBD II:
  • P0335: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Circuit Failure.
  • P1335: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Circuit Failure With The Engine Running.

Where To Buy A CKP Sensor And Save

The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor can be an expensive component. Still, it's important that you avoid buying a knock-off sensor. Here are my recommendations of known automotive brands:

TEST 1: Checking CKP Sensor Resistance With A Multimeter

The CKP sensor works is a simple 2-wire magnetic pulse generator type of sensor. We can check in one of two ways:

• Testing its resistance with a multimeter.
• Checking its output using a multimeter set to Volts AC mode.

Here, we're gonna test the CKP sensor's internal resistance to see if it falls within the correct range or not.

The resistance should be:

• 1,630 to 2,740 Ohms when the engine's cold.
• 2,065 to 3,225 Ohms when it's hot.

Let's get started:

1. 1

   Unplug the CKP sensor from its connector.
   
   LOCATION: You'll find the CKP sensor's connector on the right side of the intake manifold, close to fuel injector #1.

2. 2

   Set your multimeter to Ohms mode.

3. 3

   Probe the male spade terminals of the CKP sensor connector with the multimeter's test leads.
   
   NOTE: Make sure you're testing the male terminals on the CKP sensor connector, not the female terminals on the engine wiring harness connector.

4. 4

   The resistance reading should be:
   
   1.) 1,630 to 2740 Ohms when the engine's cold.
   
   2.) 2,065 to 3,225 Ohms when it's hot.

Let's break down what your test result means:

CASE 1: The CKP sensor's resistance falls within the correct range. This confirms the sensor is working as it should.

You don't have to, but if you wanna double-check, you can run TEST 2. Head over to: TEST 2: Testing The CKP Sensor's Output With A Multimeter.

CASE 2: The CKP sensor's resistance is OUT of range. This means the crankshaft position sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Again, it's not required, but if you wanna be extra sure, you can run TEST 2. Head over to: TEST 2: Testing The CKP Sensor's Output With A Multimeter.

TEST 2: Testing The CKP Sensor's Output With A Multimeter

In this final test, we're gonna check the CKP sensor's output using a multimeter set to Volts AC mode.

As you crank the engine, the CKP sensor should produce an AC voltage between 0.4 and 1.2 Volts.

If the sensor's bad, your multimeter will show 0 AC Volts while cranking.

IMPORTANT: The CKP sensor's output in this test depends on how much charge your Corolla's battery has. If the battery's weak or dead, make sure it's fully charged before you start.

Here's how to run the test:

1. 1

   Unplug the CKP sensor from its connector.
   
   LOCATION: You'll find the CKP sensor's connector on the right side of the intake manifold, near fuel injector #1.

2. 2

   Set your multimeter to Volts AC mode.

3. 3

   Use the multimeter's test leads to probe the CKP sensor's male spade terminals.
   
   NOTE: Make sure you're testing the male terminals on the CKP sensor connector, not the female ones on the engine wiring harness connector.

4. 4

   Get a helper to crank the engine while you keep an eye on the multimeter.
   
   CAUTION: Stay alert and be careful while the engine's cranking.

5. 5

   Your multimeter should show an AC voltage that fluctuates somewhere between 0.4 and 1.2 Volts AC.

Here's what your test results mean:

CASE 1: The multimeter showed the expected AC voltage. This confirms the CKP sensor is working properly.

CASE 2: The multimeter showed 0 AC voltage. This confirms the crankshaft position sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.

More 1.6L Toyota Corolla Tutorials

You can find a complete list of 1.6L Toyota Corolla tutorials and wiring diagrams in this index:

• 1.6L Toyota Corolla Index Of Articles.

Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:

• How To Diagnose A Broken Timing Belt (1989-1997 1.6L Toyota Corolla).
• How To Test Engine Compression (1989-1997 1.6L Toyota Corolla).
• How To Test The Throttle Position Sensor (1989-1997 1.6L Toyota Corolla).
• How To Test The Rear O2 Heater -P0141 (1996-1997 1.6L Corolla).