Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost: Parts, Labor & Average Price

The crankshaft position sensor tells the engine computer how fast the crankshaft is turning, which helps it time fuel and spark. When it fails, symptoms can include hard starting, stalling, rough running, or a car that cranks without starting. A scan tool can narrow down the cause before anyone replaces parts.

The sensor is a small, relatively inexpensive part. Labor is what moves the total, and labor depends mostly on where the sensor sits on your engine.

On some engines the sensor sits near the front or top where it is easy to reach. On others, particularly many front-wheel-drive cars, it is tucked near the transmission, and a mechanic may need to remove shields, pulleys, or the starter first. That extra time is what separates the simpler range from the higher ones in the table above.

For the part itself, Jerry lists $26 – $106 for a sensor bought for a do-it-yourself job on an easy-access engine. Parts from the original equipment manufacturer usually cost more than refurbished or aftermarket sensors. Jerry recommends original or top-tier brands for a sensor this important, since very cheap sensors may fail more often.

Some vehicles also need a relearn procedure after the swap, which can add labor time and a small fee.

Shop labor rates differ by region and by the type of shop. Hourly rates below come from Yelp's auto repair cost guide, and they apply to repair work in general, not only this job.

Dealerships tend to charge the higher rate. If your sensor is hard to reach, a higher hourly rate multiplies the extra time, so it can be worth getting a quote from an independent shop as well as a dealer.

Two sources can give different totals for the same repair. The scope of the quote may differ, with one covering only a straightforward job and another folding in tougher access. Part brand, local labor rates, and whether the shop charges for diagnosis can also change the figure. Treat each range as a guide to what your quote might look like, not a fixed price.

A no-start or stall can come from the fuel system, the ignition, or other sensors, so the code readout matters. A basic scan tool can point toward the sensor, and a shop can confirm it with a test. Paying for diagnosis first can prevent a replacement that does not fix the problem. Ask whether the diagnostic fee is credited toward the repair if you go ahead.

On an engine where the sensor is easy to reach, replacing it at home is possible for someone comfortable with basic tools, and the main saving is labor. The harder cases are different. If the sensor is buried or the car needs a relearn with a professional scan tool, the shop route may be simpler. Disconnecting the battery and following the vehicle's service manual are standard precautions.

• Is the quote for the sensor alone, or does it include diagnosis?
• Does the shop use original equipment or aftermarket sensors, and is there a warranty?
• Does my car need a relearn procedure, and is it included?
• How many labor hours does the shop expect for my engine?
• Would the shop confirm the sensor is the cause before replacing it?