Parts for your 1991 Nissan Primera-Crank angle sensor

1991 Nissan Primera crank angle sensor — what it does and when to replace it

Yes, the 1991 Nissan Primera (P10) uses a crank angle sensor. On these early-90s Nissans, the crank angle sensor (often called CAS) lives inside the distributor and reads an optical disc to tell the ECU exactly where the engine is in its cycle. This setup is confirmed by Nissan’s factory service manual for the P10 (Engine Control/ECCS sections, 1990–1992 editions), Nissan technical training on ECCS systems of the era, and common aftermarket references such as the Haynes Nissan Primera 1990–1999 manual. Those sources describe the optical REF/POS signals produced by the distributor-mounted CAS on GA16DE and SR20DE engines. So, it’s definitely fitted and it’s crucial for spark timing and fuel injection.

The CAS’s job is simple but vital: it feeds the ECU high-resolution angle data so the car fires coils and injectors at just the right moment. When the sensor goes out, the engine can be hard to start, misfire, stumble under load, or not run at all. On OBD1 Nissans of this period, a failing CAS often throws fault code 11.

Servicing is pretty straightforward. Because the sensor is built into the distributor, most owners either replace the optical sensor plate or swap the complete distributor. If replacing the distributor, mark the current position before removal so base timing stays close. After installation, warm the engine, set base ignition timing with a timing light (per engine spec) and snug the distributor bolts to the factory torque. Always fit a new distributor O-ring to prevent oil seepage, and check the cap, rotor, and leads while you’re there.

Helpful tips:

• Symptoms of trouble: long crank/no start, random stalling, erratic tacho, backfiring, or ECU code 11.
• Keep the inside of the distributor clean and dry, oil intrusion or moisture can upset the optical reader.
• If the sensor intermittently cuts out with heat, it’s often quicker to replace the whole distributor with a quality unit.
• After any distributor/CAS work, recheck base timing and idle speed as per the service manual.

Technical sources referenced: Nissan Primera P10 Factory Service Manual (Engine Control/ECCS), Nissan ECCS training literature (early-1990s optical REF/POS CAS), and Haynes Nissan Primera 1990–1999 workshop manual. These documents specify the distributor-integrated optical crank angle sensor used on 1991 models.

Does a 1991 Nissan Primera have a crank angle sensor?

It does. The 1991 P10 uses an optical crank angle sensor integrated into the distributor. It sends engine position signals so the ECU can time spark and fuel correctly.

Where is the crank angle sensor on a 1991 Primera?

It’s inside the distributor on the end of the camshaft. You access it by removing the distributor cap and rotor, or by replacing the complete distributor assembly.

Can you drive with a failing crank angle sensor?

Not reliably. A marginal CAS may let it run, but it can stall without warning or refuse to restart. Best bet is to diagnose promptly and replace the sensor or distributor before getting stranded.