Just had a crankshaft position sensor replaced yesterday on my 2004 350Z. Had a jolt in the car a day before and the service engine light, VDC light and slip light came on. Had trouble starting the car after that, but was able to drive it to the dealer. While it was there I had them work on the rear axle for the TSB on the "click" I kept having. Anyone else have problems with this sensor?? Ryan

 

Welcome. There was a recall on the CPS a few years ago on a couple hundred 03 and/or 04 cars.

 

should i have paid for it? they charged me about $250...

 

If your car wasn't included in the recall, and you're out of warranty, then yes they should have charged you. I'll have to see if I can find the recall notice, it has the VIN #s of the affected cars so you can tell if you're included or not.

 

Any idea which cars are included in this? Mine just crapped out. I have an '03.

 

the sensor is not that hard to replace definetly a newb mechanic can do it. You can pick the sensor up for $50 and it's just a screw that holds it in that sits just under your car by the tranny...

 

got pic of the sensor near the tranny by any chance?

 

i dont have the actual pic but this will have to work do you see where the oil pan is follow that down, on the pic follow to the right and its right under that skid plate on the bottom of the pic

 

thanks....so it's hidden behind the skid plate.

 

Yeah. Very easy to replace. I just picked up from Nissan Stealership for $68 bucks. Its only one screw to remove and replace. Not a big deal. It sits at the seam in between the transmission and the back of the upper oil pan. The sensor itself is a magnet which points at the flywheel and measures the crank position based on magnetic feedback. If it goes, the car won't run. I learned that the hard way. But it is a relatively cheap fix.

FYI...There is a TSB on this component so, if you have nothing better to do, you could just roll into Nissan and they are supposed to replace it for free. But, if you already purchased one, you can still get reimbursed if you send your receipt to Nissan of North America and get your $$ back. Thats what I'm about to do.

 

Here are a couple of pics to demonstrate where it mounts. The open whole in the first pic is where the sensor belongs. It points directly at the flywheel.


This one is a little further back. Sensor is still out,

 

great...
thanks for the pics.

 

Can someone describe what happens when the sensor goes bad... im trying to find out if thats the problem with mine... its a random thing and the enigine turns over but doesnt fire.. any help is appretiated... thanx

 

You will be lucky if it can start, mine did not. If started, the car usually cannot hold a steady idle, basically because it cannot see what position the crank is...because the sensor is probably bad. Its a simple magnet type sensor. I don't know why it fails, but they are known to be defective. If you are one of the very lucky few that can still drive the car, take it to the dealer immediately. It is supposed to be a technical service bulletin on this part for many 2003-04 models. And because of this known defect, it is supposed to be replaced for free. But do your homework and download teh latest technical service bulletins with regards to your year and model Z. Bring it with you just in case the Stealership gives you a hard time replacing it for free.

I don't think it was a problem with the newer model Z's.

 

according to maintenance records on my 05 Z...this was replaced on mine @ 9k miles. i tracked down the history by contacting the original dealership that sold the car to the first owner.

just an FYI since mine is an 05 and the recall above only mentioned 03/04's.

 

Well then we may need to look at something else. But I would still check the TSB bulletins for the possibility that '05 models were included or not. I have to admit I was only looking for my model which happened to be an '03. So I don't want to steer you wrong.

What is your car doing wrong?