How much does it cost to replace a crankshaft sensor?

The cost to replace a crankshaft sensor can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the specific parts and labor required. On average, you can expect to pay between $150 to $300 for the replacement of a crankshaft sensor.

What is a Crankshaft Sensor?

A crankshaft sensor, also known as a crankshaft position sensor, is an important component in the engine management system of a vehicle. It is responsible for monitoring the position and rotational speed of the crankshaft, which is the main rotating shaft in the engine. The crankshaft sensor sends this information to the vehicle's computer, allowing it to precisely control the fuel injection and ignition timing, ensuring optimal engine performance and efficiency.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Crankshaft Sensor Replacement

The cost of replacing a crankshaft sensor can vary based on several factors:

• Vehicle Make and Model: The cost of the replacement sensor and the labor required to install it can differ significantly depending on the specific make and model of your vehicle. Luxury or high-performance vehicles may have more complex or specialized sensors, leading to higher replacement costs.


• Parts Cost: The cost of the replacement crankshaft sensor itself can range from $50 to $150 or more, depending on the brand and quality of the part.


• Labor Costs: The labor required to replace the crankshaft sensor can also vary, with some vehicles requiring more complex disassembly and reassembly. Labor costs can range from $50 to $150 or more, depending on the mechanic's hourly rate and the difficulty of the repair.


• Diagnostic Fees: Some mechanics may charge a diagnostic fee to identify the faulty crankshaft sensor and determine the appropriate replacement part.

It's important to note that the cost of replacing a crankshaft sensor can also be influenced by the specific symptoms and issues experienced with the vehicle, as well as any additional repairs or maintenance that may be required.

When to Replace a Crankshaft Sensor

Crankshaft sensors can fail over time due to wear and tear, exposure to heat and vibration, or other factors. Some common signs that a crankshaft sensor may need to be replaced include:

• Engine Misfiring or Stalling: A faulty crankshaft sensor can cause the engine to misfire or stall, as the vehicle's computer is not receiving accurate information about the crankshaft's position and speed.


• Check Engine Light: The vehicle's onboard diagnostics system will typically trigger a check engine light when a problem with the crankshaft sensor is detected.


• Rough Idling or Poor Acceleration: A malfunctioning crankshaft sensor can lead to inconsistent fuel delivery and ignition timing, resulting in a rough-running engine and poor acceleration.


• Decreased Fuel Efficiency: A faulty crankshaft sensor can cause the engine to run inefficiently, leading to decreased fuel economy.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine the root cause and the appropriate repair solution.

Can you drive with a bad crank sensor?

You should not drive with a bad crank sensor, as it can cause stalling, engine misfires, and a complete failure to start. While it might drive for a short time, it is a significant risk because it could lead to a sudden breakdown, especially in dangerous situations like highway traffic, and ignoring it can lead to more costly engine damage. 
This video explains the symptoms of a bad crankshaft position sensor and why you shouldn't drive with it: 58sCar Care CluesYouTube · Oct 9, 2024
Risks of driving with a bad crank sensor

• Sudden stalling: A faulty sensor can cause the engine to stall without warning, which is extremely dangerous if you are in heavy traffic. 
• Inability to start: The car may not start at all, leaving you stranded. 
• Engine damage: If the sensor fails, it can disrupt ignition timing and fuel injection, which can cause a loss of power, misfires, and stress on other engine components. 
• Poor performance: You may experience rough idling, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel efficiency. 

This video demonstrates how to diagnose a bad crankshaft position sensor: 54sAuto Fix DiaryYouTube · Mar 6, 2025
What to do instead

• Avoid driving: Do not drive the vehicle any more than absolutely necessary to get it to a repair shop. 
• Get a professional diagnosis: Have the vehicle towed to a mechanic to get the sensor properly diagnosed and replaced. 

How much is a replacement crankshaft sensor?

The average cost to replace a crankshaft sensor is between $200 and $400, but can range from $120 to over $500 depending on the vehicle. The final price depends on the specific car, the cost of the part ($26-$120 or more), and labor time (10 minutes to over 6 hours). 
You can watch this video to learn about crankshaft sensor replacement cost and labor: 59sPrecisionMotorsYouTube · Jun 26, 2023
Cost breakdown

• Parts: The cost for the sensor itself typically ranges from $26 to $120, but can be higher for luxury or specific vehicles. 
• Labor: Labor costs vary based on the time it takes to replace the sensor, which can be as quick as 10 minutes on some cars or up to 6 hours on others. 
  • Some sources estimate labor at around $45 to $180, while others suggest a wider range depending on shop rates. 
  • Labor rates can be $125 to $150 per hour, notes JustAnswer. 
• Total:
  • A low-end estimate for an easy access sensor replacement could be around $120, while a more difficult one could reach $500 or more. 

Factors that influence the final cost

• Vehicle make and model: The year, make, model, and engine size all affect the part price and labor time. 
• Sensor accessibility: If the sensor is hard to access, it will require more labor time and therefore increase the total cost. 
• Shop rates: The hourly labor rate can vary significantly between different shops. 

Is a crankshaft sensor easy to replace?

Replacing a crankshaft sensor is a moderate to difficult job, depending on the vehicle's engine layout and accessibility. While the process of swapping the sensor is straightforward, difficulties arise from the tight space where the sensor is often located, sometimes requiring you to remove other components like the starter or AC compressor to gain access. 
This video shows the process of replacing a crankshaft sensor on a Ford Expedition: 1mTRQYouTube · Dec 10, 2020
What makes it difficult

• Sensor location: The crankshaft sensor is usually at the bottom of the engine, near the transmission and flywheel, which is a tight and hard-to-reach area. 
• Component removal: On many vehicles, you have to remove other parts to get to the sensor, adding time and complexity to the job. 
• Awkward angles: The sensor's bolt can be in an awkward position, requiring a specific combination of extensions, universal joints, or even specialized tools to reach it. 

What makes it easier

• Basic tools: You typically only need a few common tools, such as socket wrenches, extensions, and a torque wrench. 
• Step-by-step process: The core task is simple: unplug the old sensor, unbolt it, pop in the new one, and bolt it back in. 
• No reprogramming: In most cases, the new sensor is "plug-and-play" and does not require additional programming or recalibration by a professional. 

You can watch this video to learn how to replace a crankshaft sensor on a Chevy Silverado: 1mTRQYouTube · Jun 25, 2020
General steps

1. Disconnect the battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative terminal to prevent electrical damage. 
2. Locate the sensor: Find the sensor, which is usually between the engine and transmission. You may need to look up your specific car's layout to find it. 
3. Remove the old sensor: Disconnect the electrical connector, unbolt the sensor, and carefully remove it. You may need to use a pry bar or penetrating oil if it's seized. 
4. Install the new sensor: Lightly lubricate the new sensor's O-ring with engine oil, insert it, and secure it with the new bolt. 
5. Reconnect everything: Reattach the electrical connector, and then reassemble any other components you removed, like the starter or AC compressor. 
6. Reconnect the battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. 
7. Test: Start the vehicle to ensure the check engine light is off and take it for a test drive. 

Is a crankshaft sensor a big job?

Crankshaft Position Sensor: A Small Part With a Big Job
If the ECU doesn't receive this signal, it can't fire the spark plugs or deliver fuel properly. That means combustion timing is compromised, and a vehicle that either won't start or runs poorly. This sensor can be sensitive to heat.