engine
Crankshaft Position Sensor
for 2021 Honda Civic 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
9
Steps
10
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the crankshaft position sensor on the 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L turbo engine, which monitors crankshaft speed and position for the engine control module.
Warnings
⚠Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work to avoid burns from hot components
⚠Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets and require power window initialization
ℹ️The crankshaft position sensor is located on the lower front of the engine block near the oil pan, requiring access from underneath the vehicle
⚠Do not drop the sensor mounting bolt into the engine bay as retrieval may be difficult
Tools required
10mm socketEssential
Socket wrench or ratchetEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Flashlight or work lightEssential
Oil drain pan
Jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Electrical contact cleaner
Shop towelsEssential
Parts
- Crankshaft Position Sensor × 1 — 37500-5AA-A01 or equivalent OEM
- O-ring for sensor (if not included with sensor) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Open hood and disconnect negative battery terminal
- Raise front of vehicle using floor jack and support securely on jack stands
- Remove front passenger side wheel for improved access (optional but recommended)
- Remove engine under cover if equipped
Procedure
- 1Locate the crankshaft position sensorFrom underneath the vehicle, locate the crankshaft position sensor on the lower front side of the engine block, just above the oil pan. The sensor is positioned near the crankshaft pulley area with a single electrical connector and one 10mm mounting bolt.
- 2Disconnect electrical connectorPress the tab on the electrical connector and carefully pull it away from the crankshaft position sensor. You may need to wiggle it gently to release it. Inspect the connector for corrosion or damage.
- 3Remove sensor mounting boltUsing a 10mm socket and ratchet, remove the single mounting bolt securing the crankshaft position sensor to the engine block. Keep track of this bolt as it can easily fall into the engine bay.
- 4Extract old sensorCarefully pull the crankshaft position sensor straight out from the engine block. The sensor has an O-ring seal that may cause slight resistance. If the sensor is stuck, gently twist it while pulling to break the seal. Do not pry against the engine block.
- 5Inspect mounting hole and O-ringCheck the sensor mounting bore in the engine block for debris, old O-ring material, or damage. Clean the area with a shop towel. If the old O-ring remained in the bore, carefully remove it. Inspect the new sensor to ensure the O-ring is properly seated in its groove.
- 6Install new crankshaft position sensorLightly lubricate the new O-ring with clean engine oil. Carefully insert the new crankshaft position sensor straight into the mounting bore, ensuring it seats fully against the engine block. Do not force it; the sensor should slide in smoothly.Torque specCrankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 7Install and torque mounting boltThread the 10mm mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper alignment, then tighten to the specified torque of 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Do not over-tighten as this may damage the sensor body or threads.Torque specCrankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 8Reconnect electrical connectorPush the electrical connector firmly onto the crankshaft position sensor until you hear or feel a positive click, indicating it is fully seated and locked in place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure.
- 9Reinstall under covers and wheelReinstall the engine under cover if removed. Reinstall the front passenger wheel if removed and torque lug nuts to specification. Lower vehicle from jack stands.
- 10Reconnect battery and initialize systemsReconnect the negative battery terminal. Perform power window auto-up/down initialization by holding each window switch up until fully closed, then continue holding for 2 seconds. Repeat for down position. Reset clock and radio presets as needed.
Reassembly
- Ensure electrical connector is fully seated with audible click
- Verify no tools or parts were left in engine bay or under vehicle
- Double-check all fasteners are properly torqued
Verification
- Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine; check that check engine light illuminates then goes out (normal bulb check)
- Start the engine and verify it starts normally without extended cranking or rough running
- Allow engine to idle and confirm no check engine light or diagnostic trouble codes related to crankshaft position sensor (P0335, P0336, P0337, P0338, P0339)
- Test drive vehicle to verify normal operation, smooth acceleration, and no hesitation or stalling
- If check engine light remains on, use an OBD-II scanner to verify the crankshaft position sensor code has cleared