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 P1321: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Reluctor Wheel Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

CKP Sensor Signal

P0335, P0337

P0335, P0337

P0335, P0337

P0336, P1321

Low Reference

--

P0335, P0337

--

P0336, P1321

Shielded Ground

--

--

--

P0336, P1321

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 signal
    • The low reference
    • The shielded ground

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is running.
    • The number of extra or missing teeth is more than or equal to 2 per revolution.
    • The DTC runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions For Setting the DTC

The ECM detects more or less than 58 reference pulses for 10 crankshaft revolutions.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P1321 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P1321 is a Type B DTC.

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

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

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

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Engine running, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. DTC P1321 should not set.
  2. Move related harnesses/connectors of the CKP sensor and verify the engine does not stumble, stall, or change engine speed.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

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