Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost
Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement typically costs $95–$468 across economy, mainstream and premium vehicles, including reference parts and labor. The crankshaft position sensor reports engine speed and position.
| Vehicle type | Parts | Labor hours | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| economy | $40–$130 | 0.5–1.1 | $95–$334 |
| mainstream | $70–$160 | 0.7–1.3 | $147–$401 |
| premium | $100–$190 | 0.9–1.5 | $199–$468 |
Labor uses the configured national band of $110–$185/hour. Vehicle windows narrow both reference parts and hours; pickup, full-size SUV and van access can require more labor. This table is a reference estimate, not a complete quote analysis.
Last reviewed November 3, 2026 · Content updated November 3, 2026
Priced per: one crankshaft position sensor
What it does
This sensor reads a toothed wheel on the crankshaft or flywheel. The engine computer uses it to time spark and fuel. Without a good crank signal, many engines will not start at all.
It often fails from heat or from oil leaking onto it, so a failed sensor can be a sign of a nearby oil leak worth noting.
Symptoms and codes
Typical signs are stalling, especially when hot, cranking without starting, a tachometer that drops to zero while driving, misfires and check engine codes such as P0335–P0339.
Damaged wiring, a cracked reluctor ring or a failing cam sensor can create similar symptoms. A shop should confirm the crank signal is missing or erratic before replacing the sensor.
What drives the price
Our reference parts band is $40 to $190 per sensor, and labor is 0.5 to 1.5 hours. Sensors on the front of the engine or easily reached from underneath are quick. Sensors at the back of the block or near the transmission bellhousing take longer.
OEM sensors are often recommended because low-quality sensors have a reputation for repeat failures. Ask which brand is being installed.
Exception: buried sensors
On some engines the crank sensor sits behind the starter, under the intake manifold or behind the transmission, and reaching it can push the job to $600–$800. That is an exception, not the typical range. If your quote is in that area, ask the shop to explain what has to be removed.
What’s included
- One crankshaft position sensor
- New O-ring or seal
- Access and installation labor
- Clearing codes and a test drive
What’s often done at the same time
No other published repair is paired with this reference. Ask whether the estimate includes related access work and avoid adding unrelated services without supporting findings.
Signs you need it
- Engine stalls, often when warm
- Cranks but will not start
- Tachometer drops to zero while running
- Check engine light with a crank sensor code
How shops can pad this quote
- Adding the camshaft sensor 'to be safe' without a test showing it is faulty
- Recommending a timing belt or chain without evidence of a timing problem
- Billing for both a scan and a separate electrical diagnosis for a clear code
- Listing access labor for a sensor that is easily reached on your engine
Questions to ask the shop
- What test showed the crank signal is the problem?
- Where is the sensor on my engine, and what must be removed to reach it?
- Is the part OEM or aftermarket?
- Was there an oil leak near the sensor that should be addressed?
Cost by vehicle type
Economy cars often have the crank sensor at the front of the engine near the crankshaft pulley, so parts and labor land near the bottom of the table. Mainstream vehicles vary widely: some sensors are reached from underneath in a few minutes, others sit behind the starter or near the transmission. Premium vehicles more often require OEM sensors and underbody panels removed, moving toward the top.
Trucks are usually quick when the sensor is on the front timing cover, but some designs place it at the rear of the block. If your quote is near the high end, ask where the sensor is located on your engine.
What a fair quote usually looks like
A good estimate names the part and brand, gives labor in hours, and notes what testing confirmed the sensor. If the shop found oil on the sensor, the quote should either include or separately recommend the leak repair so the new sensor does not fail the same way.
Warning signs to take seriously
Because a failing crank sensor can stall the engine at speed, many shops treat it as a priority repair once confirmed. Ask the shop how often the stalling is happening and whether the car should be driven before the repair.
Commonly paired work
Cam and crank sensors are sometimes quoted together. That makes sense only if both are faulty. If oil contaminated the old sensor, fixing the leak (often a seal or gasket) prevents the new one from failing early — that repair is separate and should be priced on its own.
DIY difficulty
Easy if the sensor is on the front of the engine, harder if it is under the car or behind other parts. The bigger challenge is confirming the diagnosis, so many owners have a shop test first.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a crankshaft position sensor replacement cost?
Our reference uses $40–$190 for one sensor and 0.5–1.5 labor hours. The table shows totals by vehicle type.
Can a bad crank sensor cause a no-start?
Yes. Many engines will not start without a crankshaft position signal.
Why are some quotes much higher?
On some engines the sensor is buried and other parts must be removed. Those jobs can reach $600–$800 and are outside our typical range.
Should I replace the camshaft sensor too?
Only if testing shows it is faulty. The two sensors work together, but each should be justified on its own.
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AI-generated estimate based on typical labor times and parts prices. Actual prices vary by shop, region, vehicle condition and parts used. This is not a mechanic inspection. Read the disclaimer.