Premier Auto Trade (PAT Premium) is a leading importer and wholesaler of EFI, engine management and service components, and is a major supplier to the Australian automotive aftermarket.

As an OEM supplier Premier Auto Trade has access to all the latest technology available and can provide you with products that are designed specifically for your vehicle. They also offer a wide range of accessories to suit any requirement.

Premier Auto Trade carries one of Australia's most extensive ranges of these specialized components, from the World’s leading manufacturers, specializing in genuine and original equipment (OEM) products.

Crank Angle Sensors (CAS)

We all know that the function of the CAS on an engine is to monitor the rotational position and speed (RPM) of the crank shaft and it affects the ignition timing, fuel injection or the injection process on a Diesel engine. The CAS location may vary depending on the type of Ignition system utilised and model of vehicle being worked on, and if Diesel or Petrol.

• A distributor fitted to an engine “generally” houses the CAS internally. (This is not always the case as manufacturers may locate CAM sensors in the distributor and locate the CAS externally)
• A distributor-less system or Diesel will generally mount the CAS at the front crank pulley area or towards the rear crankshaft drive plate.

Important Note:

• It is important that you have identified the suspect CAS and not the CAM sensor or a transmission input speed sensor located on the bell housing.

3 common CAS types used in the industry:

1. Magnetic Pick Up Coils - This type was extensively used in the past and may still be found on some later vehicles. This type produces a sign wave output and requires no external power supply. May be 2 or 3 terminal configuration - 3rd terminal is a shielded Earth.
2. Hall Effect Type CAS - A more accurate type of CAS that has been and still is extensively used in most vehicle applications. Simplified, this system requires a power supply for Hall Sensor operation which allows a 5 Volt signal from the ECM to be switched On and Off by the shape of the reluctor ring or similar trigger method.
3. Optical Type CAS -  This system utilised a light source from an LED passing through slots in a rotating disc that is detected by a photodiode (light receiving diode) and transferred into position and speed square wave signals.

   Even though this system is accurate, it is important that the optical components must be kept clean to ensure its accuracy. These sensors are generally housed in the ignition distributor or a similar drive method and due to most vehicles utilising distributorless ignition systems and also a  high production cost factor, these types have generally become superseded.

Common typical CAS faults and the effects on engine operation. (Both Petrol and Diesel)

• One of the more common results of a faulty CAS is the engine stalling when the CAS has reached a specific temperature and will not Immediately restart. In many cases engine stalling may not occur whilst driving but once the engine has been switched off, the CAS signal is lost, and a no start condition is created.
  • Allowing the engine (and CAS) to cool generally results in normal engine starting. Artificially cooling the CAS may quicken the restart procedure and/or assist in the diagnosis process.

• No start Cold or Hot.
  • Checking the CAS output signal with a suitable oscilloscope during the crank procedure will generally identify if it functions correctly or if further tests need to be carried out.

• Harness or connector terminal damage causing intermittent CAS signal failure.
  • Moving the connector or harness slightly by hand if accessible may reproduce the fault and possibly visually identified on the oscilloscope screen.

• Static noise affecting CAS signal.
  • Many factors may affect the signal quality on the inductive type analogue CAS during cranking. Excessive electrical noise from HT leads or starter motor may interfere with the CAS signal and create a no start condition.

• Damaged crankshaft pulleys or trigger wheels may create misfires or no start conditions. These may also cause damage to the CAS itself.

• Incorrectly located flywheel or drive plates.
  • Removing and refitting the flywheel or drive plate sequence on some vehicles must be carried out as specified by the manufacturer to prevent incorrect CAS trigger locations.

Part Number: CAS-170