The previous post about the 93' civic engine shut off when stopping,now it comes to a new problem.After driving about 15-20 mn,check engine light is on.The code says"crank angle(crank sensor)".If i stop for 2-3 mn then start again,check engine light is not on until next 15-20 mn.
My questions are:can the sensor be cleaned?Why it has to be 15-20 mn driving for the light on?If the sensor really bad the car cannot start?
Please help.Thanks.

 

Several times I have seen a leaking water pump contaminate the connections on a CKP sensor. Check the plug first....

If the connections are acceptable, Replace the sensor. They are very sensitive to temperature, and it is not uncommon for them to fail intermittently as you have described.

For the labor involved in removing it... it isnt worth cleaning.

I believe ,if I remember correctly, There is a Special Tool Required to loosen the Crank hub Bolt. Once the Hub is removed, remove the lower timing cover, and the sensor is Just to the right of the crankshaft. This is also an excellent time to replace the timing belt, and Inspect the water pump for any leakage,or corrosion damage.

Yes, it is possible for the sensor to fail completely, and leave you with a No start condition.

 

I had one on a Pontiac 3800, it would start and run rich, then smooth out. It would sometimes just quit at the most inopertune times like pulling out onto the highway! The code was crank sensor missing or out of range but it still ran. Replacing the crank sensor fixed it right up. They can be flaky for a while but it will eventually strand you.

 

General Motors 3800 motors have 3 stage crank sensors..

On the inside of the balancer you will notice 3 separate sets of "TEETH"...only one is REQUIRED for the car to run. The other two are for sequential synchronization of fuel injectors.

If either of the "Extra" 2 signals are missing, the PCM reverts to Asynchronous Injection, and sets a trouble code. If the "Ignition Sync" signal were to be lost...the vehicle would not run.