BMW Crankshaft Position Sensor - VDO 13627525015

Product Information

The engine crankshaft position sensor monitors the position and rotational speed of the crankshaft, providing information to the engine control unit (ECU). The sensor ensures proper timing for fuel injection, ignition, and other key engine functions. Without accurate crankshaft data, the ECU can't adequately time the spark or fuel, causing poor performance or even preventing the engine from running. Crankshaft position sensors come in different designs, with magnetic or Hall-effect sensors being the most common. The magnetic sensor consists of a coil and magnet that generates a signal as the engine rotates, while the Hall-effect sensor uses a semiconductor to detect changes in the magnetic field.

The crankshaft position sensor is usually located near the crankshaft pulley/harmonic balancer, or flywheel/transmission depending on the engine’s design. It works by detecting notches or teeth on a component called a reluctor or tone wheel, creating a signal that the ECU can interpret. When this sensor fails, common symptoms include engine stalling, rough idling, misfires, or the engine not starting at all. One of the most frequent failure modes is internal short-circuiting due to heat and vibration over time. Contaminants like oil, dirt, or metal shavings can also interfere with its ability to detect the crankshaft's position.

• No Start Condition: The CPS gives the information to the ECU that the engine is showing positive RPM and is ready to start. If the computer does not get a signal from the sensor, or the sensor is outputting values that it is not anticipating, the engine won’t start.
• Stalling when warm: Once the engine warms up, a failing crankshaft position sensor can often cause stalling when coming to a stop because the engine doesn’t have the right information to maintain a stable idle.
• Dead or erratic tachometer: Some older vehicles may run the tachometer off of the output from the crankshaft sensor. If the tach is behaving strangely, especially in conjunction with other running problems, the CPS could be at fault.
• P0335: If the integrity of the internal wiring has failed, you may get a P0335, however it is not a guarantee that a vehicle with a failing CPS will have a check engine light.
• Poor performance at certain RPMs: A failing crankshaft position sensor can cause issues with engine performance, especially if at a certain point in the rpm range the sensor can’t send an in-range signal to the ECU with may cause timing to drift. Failing crank position sensors more commonly cause running issues at higher RPMs and idle.
• Misfires across multiple cylinders: If the engine is struggling to time fuel and spark, you may encounter misfires across all cylinders at once. This is in contrast to the failure of a coil or fuel injector, which may only effect one cylinder at a time.

About VDO

VDO - A Trademark of the Continental Corporation

VDO is a division of the Continental Corporation's automotive group and it has been in the automotive parts industry for over 80 years. VDO is an OEM (original equipment manufacturer), supplying instrumentation, sensors, control systems, actuators, screen washers and audio systems. They have a thriving aftermarket business where they make high quality repair and replacement parts to OEM specifications. ISO 9001 : 2008 - VDO certification fulfills the requirements set out by the international and German Road Traffic Regulations.

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transport. In 2023, Continental generated sales of €41.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.

Information management and Intelligent Transportation Systems are at the very heart of the business area Vehicle Networking and Information (VNI), which provides a broad range of products for very different vehicles. The product portfolio includes instrument clusters, multifunctional displays and head-up displays, control units, electronic car-entry and tire-information systems, radios, infotainment systems, input devices and control panels, climate control units, telematics solutions and services, software as well as cockpits. Interior employs worldwide more than 47.000 people and generated sales of approximately €9.7 billion in 2018.

Within the business area Vehicle Networking and Information (VNI) the Commercial Vehicles and Services Business Unit accommodates the specific requirements of the commercial vehicle, special vehicle and aftermarket sector. A global network of sales and service companies ensures proximity to local customers. Covering the product brands Continental, VDO, ATE, Galfer and Barum the Business Unit offers electronic products, systems and services for commercial and special vehicles, a broad selection of products for specialized workshops and spare parts for the Independent Aftermarket and the Original Equipment Services after end of series production of the vehicle manufacturer.