GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC 019: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Circuit

Circuit/System Description

The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor signal indicates the crankshaft speed and position. The CKP sensor produces an AC voltage of different amplitude and frequency. The frequency depends on the velocity of the crankshaft, and the AC voltage output depends on the crankshaft position and battery voltage. The CKP sensor works in conjunction with a 58X reluctor wheel attached to the crankshaft. The engine control module (ECM) can synchronize the ignition timing, fuel injector timing, and spark knock control based on the CKP and the camshaft position (CMP) sensor inputs. The CKP sensor is also used to detect misfire and tachometer display. The CKP sensor circuits are connected directly to the ECM. The circuits between the CKP sensor and the ECM consist of the following circuits:

    • The CKP sensor signal
    • The low reference
    • The shielded ground

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • There are consecutive missing pulses of 10 or more.
    • The revolutions of the 58x signal is less than 65.
    •  The DTC runs continuously once the above conditions are met.

Diagnostic Aids

The following conditions could also set the DTCs:

    • Physical damage to the CKP sensor or the reluctor wheel
    • Excessive play or looseness of the CKP sensor or the reluctor wheel
    •  Improper installation of the CKP sensor or the reluctor wheel
    • Foreign material passing between the CKP sensor and the reluctor wheel
    • Excessive air gap between the CKP sensor and the reluctor wheel

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

    • Attempt to start the engine, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. DTC 019 should not set.
    • Move related harnesses/connectors of the CKP sensor and verify the engine does not stumble, stall, or change engine speed.

Circuit/System Testing

    Important: If the CKP sensor lead is damaged in any way, replace the CKP sensor.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor.
  2. Ignition ON,test for  1.5-2.0 volts between the signal circuit terminal 1 and the low reference circuit terminal 1.
  3. If less than the specified range, test the applicable circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the applicable circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the CKP sensor.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor.
  2. Important: If the CKP sensor lead is damaged in any way, replace the CKP sensor.

  3. Connect a DMM between the signal circuit and the low reference circuit of the CKP sensor.
  4. Test for 460-620 ohms between the signal terminal 1 and low reference terminal 2.
  5. If not within the specified range, replace the CKP sensor.
  6. Disconnect the fuel pump relay.
  7. Set the DMM to the AC voltage scale.
  8. Engine cranking , test for more than 1.4 ACV between the signal terminal 1 and low reference terminal 2.
  9. If less than the specified range, replace the CKP sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming.