2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

I just did these too, plus the crank sensor. I don’t think I could have done it if my arms were much shorter and my hands and forearms any bigger. Not very fun, but satisfying knowing that I probably saved almost $500 over paying the dealership or a shop to do it.

My experience and tips:
The drivers side sensor took me about 5 minutes with a small 10 mm socket once I had gathered together all my stuff, removed the engine cover, and disconnected the battery.

The crank sensor took more prep work: remove the front passenger tire and wheel liner. The clip connector was a pain, and the access a bit tricky due to various lines in the way, but a small socket wrench with a deep 10 mm socket did the trick.

The passenger side camshaft sensor was the worst, as I anticipated from watching a few YouTube videos and reading several How-tos. And I couldn’t skip it because it was the one causing the problems (P0340). Access is a pain with wires and/or hoses in the way from nearly every angle (even moving my catch can out of the way), and there is only a limited amount of space between the block and firewall. I gave up after fighting the connector to the sensor, and the nearby connectors to other things were stuck too. I found that access from the bottom through the wheel well (as some have recommended) was practically impossible because it is a long reach to start with plus it involves going past several exposed screws and a sharp cornered exhaust shield. From the top left (looking towards the back of the engine) you have to navigate several hoses and wires, and it’s similar from the right plus you have to pretty much lay on top of the intake manifold to reach far enough.

Attempt #2 this evening took about 15 minutes. After reviewing the videos and other instructions again, to boost my optimism, I decided to try accessing more from the right (looking at the firewall) instead of the left and below and pulling out the screw holding it (small 10 mm socket) in before disconnecting. The key I found was laying on top of the engine and basically doing a wide bear hug across the intake manifold so I could get both hands back there, one from each side. The sensor didn’t want to back out easily, so I pried and popped out the first bit with a small screwdriver. More twisting and tugging got it out completely, and using one hand to push down the clip mechanism and the other to pull, I disconnected it.

Reverse order got it installed, replaced the engine cover, and reconnected the battery, started up fine, except for a bit of smoke out the exhaust, probably related to all the jostling I had to do with the catch can dumping some oil back into the manifold. Put the wheel well liner back in, tightened the lug nuts, and I’m hopefully good to go for another 130k miles and 10 years.

We're offline for a tune-up, we'll be up and running smoothly very soon.

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2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined May 18, 2008

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1,258 Posts

Discussion Starter · #1 · Sep 13, 2010

I am looking for the crankshaft position sensor on my 2006 V6. I thought I found it but the one I found is not right. Can someone point me in the right direction of where the sensor is located?

Upon many searches I am coming up with 4 cylinder locations but not mine.

2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined Jul 12, 2007

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8,529 Posts

In the 07 manual, it is in the EC pdf on page 970. Should be about the same in the 06 manual since Consult didn't change until 08.

2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined May 18, 2008

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1,258 Posts

Discussion Starter · #3 · Sep 14, 2010

Thanks, I will check out what the manual says tomorrow.

2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined Apr 1, 2006

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838 Posts

i changed my wife's last year on the back side, low, and center of the motor for an 05' altima. maybe that helps who knows? there was one 10mm bolt to get to and an angled telescopic mirror helped me out for location purposes. can i ask what symptoms are you getting that you are certain to swap it out? thanks!

2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined May 18, 2008

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1,258 Posts

Discussion Starter · #5 · Sep 14, 2010

The truck will turn over but will not start so I have some stuff I am checking out. The truck got really hot before this happened and after talking to my step-dad, a mechanic for 30 years, he said the heat could have killed the sensor and if the ECU doesn't get a signal the truck will not restart.

2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined Apr 1, 2006

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838 Posts

The truck will turn over but will not start so I have some stuff I am checking out. The truck got really hot before this happened and after talking to my step-dad, a mechanic for 30 years, he said the heat could have killed the sensor and if the ECU doesn't get a signal the truck will not restart.

sounds about right! hopefully, you can post up the location and a pic. once you swap that bad boy out. there about $34 at advanced auto if i recall.

2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined May 18, 2008

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1,258 Posts

Discussion Starter · #7 · Sep 14, 2010

I will get a good pic if I can. Being that the battery is wore out it's not helping me any. I am letting it charge right now.

2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined Jul 13, 2006

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1,161 Posts

I pulled my tranny myself recentely and I belive its on the passanger side wheel well. I'm certain you'll have to pull or at least remove the liner to see it. Once the liners out you can just see it on the side of the bell housing. One or Two 10mm bolts holding it in cant remember. little black looking doo-hickie. Thats the best way I can describe it right now.

2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined Mar 29, 2008

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2,587 Posts

I just got this code and I'm being told to replace the 2 camshaft sensors too. Anyone else have these sensors go bad on them?

2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined Jan 21, 2011

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285 Posts

Crankshaft sensor is on passenger side. Go in through fender. 10mm bolt holding it in place. Cam sensors are on the back side of the heads, behind the intake cams. One has an angled plug, one is straight. Make sure you use the correct sensors.

2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined Mar 29, 2008

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2,587 Posts

Crankshaft sensor is on passenger side. Go in through fender. 10mm bolt holding it in place. Cam sensors are on the back side of the heads, behind the intake cams. One has an angled plug, one is straight. Make sure you use the correct sensors.

so you have had to replace these on your truck? Is it common for them the fail?

Joined Sep 10, 2009

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42 Posts

I just got the code Error P0345 and my code reader defines it as "Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Signal Range/Performance".

If there are 2 of them (note it sez 'A' which leads me to believe there's a 'B'), which one needs to be replaced and which is A or B?

Also, does anyone have a picture of where they are or a diagram for "Dummies" on where they are? )

Thanks

2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined Jan 21, 2011

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285 Posts

I just got the code Error P0345 and my code reader defines it as "Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Signal Range/Performance".

If there are 2 of them (note it sez 'A' which leads me to believe there's a 'B'), which one needs to be replaced and which is A or B?

Also, does anyone have a picture of where they are or a diagram for "Dummies" on where they are? )

Thanks

A is passenger side. B is driver side. Follow the intake camshaft all the way to the back of the head. Reach behind, you will feel the sensor. It has 1 10mm bolt holding it in place. I don't remember if which one is angled. One is straight, one is angled. Make sure you get the right one.

so you have had to replace these on your truck? Is it common for them the fail?

I know where that one is because of my engine swap.

Joined Sep 10, 2009

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42 Posts

  • 2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

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2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined Jan 21, 2011

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285 Posts

Joined Sep 10, 2009

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42 Posts

One last question, my Frontier is a 2005 Nismo Crew manual tranny 6 speed. If I replace that bad sensor, will the SES (Service Engine Soon) light clear out? I need to SMOG my hooptie.

2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined Jan 21, 2011

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285 Posts

One last question, my Frontier is a 2005 Nismo Crew manual tranny 6 speed. If I replace that bad sensor, will the SES (Service Engine Soon) light clear out? I need to SMOG my hooptie.

After you disconnect the battery to change the sensor, the light will be gone, but the system will not be ready for SMOG. You will have to drive it for about 100 miles before the computer is ready.

2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined Mar 29, 2008

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2,587 Posts

I wound up having to replace three sensors. But even if after that I was having problems until I disconected performance module. I wonder how many people with this issue are running some sort of performance module.

Joined Sep 10, 2009

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42 Posts

I wound up having to replace three sensors. But even if after that I was having problems until I disconected performance module. I wonder how many people with this issue are running some sort of performance module.

I'm not running any performance modules.
I decided to take it into the dealer for the fix. It sounds like warranty will pickup the bill. It needs an allignment anyway as well as a recall notice service.
My frontier has a lift kit like yours and it's a b1tch to get under the hood and you have to be tripple jointed with tools in hand to get to it.

Thanks everyone!

2011 nissan frontier crankshaft position sensor location

Joined Jul 6, 2008

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80 Posts

My truck is doing the samething and throwing the same code. what did it cost? i am at 69500 so i will have to pick up the tap if i dont do it myself

Where is the crankshaft position sensor located?

The Crankshaft Position sensor is normally located in the timing cover or on the side of the block with a cylindrical portion that inserts into the block. Will a malfunctioning Cam or Crank Sensor illuminate the check engine light or affect vehicle operation?

What are the symptoms of a failing crank sensor?

5 Signs of a Failing Crank Sensor.
Crank Sensor Problems Could Make it Hard to Start Car. One sign that your crankshaft sensor might be failing is if you find it hard to start your vehicle. ... .
Engine Vibration Issues. ... .
Fuel Economy Slippage. ... .
Uneven Acceleration. ... .
Check Engine Light On..