The Cirrus crank sensor is an integral part of your Chrysler EFI system. This unit is a hall effect style sensor that reads the positioning of your Cirrus crankshaft. The Chrysler crank sensor determines the position and speed of your crankshaft and transmits this data to your Cirrus engine computer.
Using this signal your Cirrus can properly operate and deliver the right amount of fuel, and orchestrate your spark for efficient engine operation. Along with your Cirrus MAP Sensor, the engine computer can run the 2.4 liter engine in your Chrysler efficiently.
When this sensor goes bad your Cirrus engine will not run. In fact Cirrus crank sensor is one of the leading problems when your Cirrus won’t start. Today I’ll be showing you how to test your Chrysler crank sensor in a 1999 Cirrus with the 2.4 liter engine in it.
When your crank sensor is starting to go out, there’s quite a few Cirrus issues you’ll notice. Intermittent misfire codes and your Cirrus check engine light are just some of the early warning signs. Cirrus check engine light on? You’ll need the right OBDII scan tool to read your Diagnostic Trouble Code stored in your engine computer.
This Cirrus crank sensor testing guide will walk you through testing the sensor using a digital multimeter. If you need help with your multimeter, or you aren’t clear on what it is check out our FAQ article for more information. We’ll be starting our guide on testing the Cirrus crank sensor by starting with the crank angle sensor harness.
Testing your Cirrus crank sensor
Before you can start testing this crank angle sensor, you will need to get to it. This is the hardest part of this testing guide, but it’s easier when you jack up the front of the vehicle and remove the Cirrus passenger side tire. In order to begin this DIY guide you’ll need to reach the crank angle sensor.
You can also remove your fender well panels to gain access to the front of your engine. Removing your accessory belts and front engine cover is also needed. If you need help to do this check our guides on how to access the front of your Cirrus engine.
If there’s problems with your Cirrus crank sensor, you should not drive it until you are ready to replace it. That’s because a lack of crank sensor signal will cause your Chrysler to trigger the Auto Shut Down or ASD Relay. This relay will shut off your vehicle and if you are moving at speed, it’s going to leave you without power steering or brake assist.
What does the Cirrus ASD relay control?
This relay controls and delivers spark from your coils to each individual cylinder. It also controls your fuel pump and fuel pump relay by sending power to this circuit. Your Chrysler Auto Shut Down relay also controls the ground circuit going to each injector in your Cirrus.
Where is my Cirrus crank sensor located?
The crank angle sensor in your 2.4 liter Cirrus is located on the front of your engine. It’s mounted near your crank angle sensor and it reads the crank trigger plate. Once you’ve got access to your Cirrus crank sensor, insert your Chrysler ignition key and turn to the “ON” position.
This sends power and ground signals to your engine sensors. Now unplug the crank angle sensor and using our Cirrus crank sensor wiring diagram below you’ll begin the testing procedure.
To test for a power signal, unplug the crank sensor harness. You will be testing for power at the wire that leads to pin C. Put the black lead of your multimeter to your negative battery terminal, and then gently probe the front of WIRE C with the red lead.
You should have been 5 to 8 volts of power from your Cirrus engine computer. If you have power here, reverse the leads of your multimeter and put the red lead to your positive terminal, and probe the wire going to PIN B with the black lead.
You should have 11-12 volts of power here, meaning your Chrysler engine computer is sending the right ground circuit. If you have tested for power and ground, then you’ll need to move onto testing the signal from this hall effect sensor.
Testing the Cirrus crank sensor signal
This part of the test is best done when you remove your spark plug wires and your spark plugs. This relieves the compression in your engine and makes it easy for you to rotate your crankshaft. Now reconnect the Cirrus crank sensor and follow the wire from PIN A back towards the top of your 2.4 liter engine.
You will be measuring the signal at this wire using our Cirrus crank sensor wiring schematic. Using your digital multimeter, pierce the wire at this location and monitor it. Now using a half inch ratchet, slowly rotate your 2.4 liter Chrysler engine. Rotate the crankshaft in a clockwise motion and keep an eye on your multimeter readings.
If your Cirrus crank sensor is working correctly you’ll see the voltage switch between 5 volts of DC signal and 0.5 volts as the hall effect sensor reads the high and low parts of your crank trigger plate. The voltage should not scale or read anything different, and you may need to turn the crank slower to get a clear reading.
If your Cirrus crank sensor doesn’t respond as outlined in this How To Guide, you’ll need a replacement sensor. Don’t forget that you’ll need a scan tool to clear any Cirrus trouble codes that may be turned on in your Chrysler.
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