2L Chrysler crankshaft sensor wiring diagram

Test 2.0 Chrysler crankshaft sensor

This information on testing the 2L Chrysler crankshaft sensor pertains to

Chrysler 2.0L 4-cylinder crankshaft position sensor (CKP)

1996, 1997, 1998 Dodge/Plymouth vehicles with the single overhead and double overhead cam (SOHC) (DOHC) 2.0L engine. A failure in the crankshaft sensor can cause a no spark no fuel injection condition in those engines. However, the crankshaft sensor must receive a reference voltage and reference ground before it can sense crankshaft movement, so that’s where you start troubleshooting the crankshaft sensor.

The crankshaft sensor receives reference power and ground from the PCM. Other sensors tap into the reference voltage. If there’s a short-to-ground in any of those other sensors, the engine won’t start, you won’t see reference voltage in your crankshaft sensor test and you’ll suspect a bad crankshaft sensor, when the problem may be caused elsewhere in the circuit. So test for reference voltage first. If you don’t see it, DISCONNECT all other sensors on that circuit to eliminate them as a short-to-ground problem.

As the engine rotates during cranking, the CKP provides the signal to the PCM and the PCM provides ground to the control coil side of the auto shutdown relay. Once the control coil receives ground, the contacts close and the ASD sends power to the PCM to provide the reference signal and the ASD also sends power to the fuel pump, fuel injectors and ignition coil pack. So a failed CKP can appear as a failed fuel pump or a bad ignition coil pack. Do not replace a fuel pump or coil until you’ve checked out the CKP.

If the ASD fails, the engine won’t start because there will be no power to the fuel injectors, ignition coil pack, the fuel pump relay and the fuel pump. You won’t get any spark at the spark plugs.

The PCM provides 8 Volts DC reference signal to the crankshaft sensor on the ORANGE wire, except on the Neon, where the wire color is orange/white.

Diagnosing a No Start on 1996, 1997, 1998 Chrysler or Dodge with the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine

The crankshaft sensor is a critical component in your car’s engine. If it fails, you won’t get spark or injector firing. Before you replace any part, check for spark at the spark plugs. If you get spark, even at one plug, but the engine won’t fire up at all, the crankshaft sensor is GOOD.

Where is the crankshaft sensor on a 2.0 Chrysler engine

Chrysler like to locate the crankshaft position sensor on the back of the engine where it mounts to the transmission (most other car makers locate it on the front of the crankshaft).

How to connect your meter leads to test a Chrysler CKP

There are two ways to connect meter leads to a sensor:

Pierce the insulation with a special piercing tool or needle or,

Backprobe the electrical connector with a backprobe tool.

If you pierce the insulation, you MUST seal the puncture with non-corrosive RTV seal, or the copper wire will corrode.

Test for reference voltage at the crankshaft sensor

Set your digital multimeter to DC volts <20 volts. Connect the positive lead to the orange wire and the black lead to ground. Turn the key to the RUN position. Do you see 8-volts? If yes, then the reference voltage is good.

Test for crankshaft sensor ground

Connect the positive lead to a power source like the battery + terminal and the black lead to the reference ground. You should see close to battery voltage on your meter.

Test for crankshaft sensor signal

For this test you’ll have to rotate the engine by hand. DO NOT USE the starter motor. The signal you should see will pulse from +5.0 volts to 0. If you use the starter motor, the engine will spin too fast and the multimeter will AVERAGE the reading and give you a false value of 2.5-volts or less, making you think the sensor is bad.

Chrysler 2.0L Crankshaft sensor connector pin out

©, 2012 Rick Muscoplat