Well, I didnt think it would happen. But it did. Was doing donuts in the rain here in a big abandoned parking lot, and guess I was doing it for too long..Motor blew up, steam and oil gushing out, and the oil burnt the front end of the car to ****. j. k.
sorry, had to make it dramatic Real story...Was normal driving, and out of the blue, the car shakes like its gonna stall, I shift into next gear, same thing...I neutral it into a side street, and car is idling BAD, up and down and shaky between 700-1200 rpm, then dies. I tow it to dealer, and call them a few hours later, they said it was a Crank sensor (what is the crank sensor, and should I be worried about any damage?), and they ordered it and should have my car back to me by tomorrow. Sorry if I still have anyone fooled, my engine didnt really blow up :P But what is the Crank sensor, and could this thing failing, and me trying to drive it a few times, could have messed anything else up? Thanks for your help!!

 

Crank sensor tells the ignition which plug to fire based on what position the crank is at. Since it went bad, your plugs were firing at the wrong time which caused the car to idle poorly. It should be fine.

 

had the same problem off the lot in my 2004 (built in mid 2003). You are the second person I have heard of having this problem, I being the first. It is no big deal, they replace the sensor and you are done.

My car hit 1200 miles and the first time i went above 5k rpms the engine went to stall, rpms went NUTS, the tcs light abs light ses light, everything light on the console came on and stayed on. So I brought it in to the dealer and they replaces the crank shaft position sensor, all is good now.

 

ok cool, I was hoping it wasnt gonna cause anything other problems, thanks!!!

 

Oh yeah, definitely your engine is ruined if you tried to drive it a few times. If the crank sensor breaks, it will bend your rods and melt your pistons. The timing will be off by 50 degrees and that will cause detonation and your car will eventually catch fire. j/k

 

I believe there is a Bulletin on this.

 

actually it was a recall. For all 2000-2002 sentras etc. the only z's said to be effected were the preorder ones, but i think there was still a few bad ones out there after it (hence my problem and the guys above)

 

Yes, there is a TSB on this. It was only supose to affect a hand full of Z's. Under 1000 if I recall correctly.

 

And some guys in the FI forum still believe this issue is unproven. Must be nice living in de Nile!