Parts for your 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer-Crank angle sensor

1998 Mitsubishi Lancer crank angle sensor — what it does, where it lives, and how to look after it

Yes, a crank angle sensor is absolutely used on the 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Lancer Workshop Manual (CK/CM series, Group 13A – Engine Electrical) and Gregory’s/Ellery’s service manuals specify that the 4G15 and 4G93 engines of this era use a crank/cam angle signal generated inside the distributor (often called the crank angle sensor or CAS). On performance variants such as the 4G63T, a separate crankshaft position sensor is mounted at the front of the engine with a companion cam sensor. Either way, the ECU relies on that signal for spark and fuel timing, so it’s a critical bit of kit.

On a 1998 Lancer, the crank angle sensor’s job is to tell the ECU exactly where the crank (and cam) are in their rotation so the engine fires the plugs and injectors at the right moment. Lose that signal and you’ll cop hard starts, random stalling, or a dead-no-start. The check engine light may log codes like P0335. Because many CK-series Lancers bundle the sensor inside the distributor, servicing often means inspecting and, if needed, replacing the distributor assembly rather than a stand-alone sensor.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to:

• Check the distributor plug and wiring for heat damage, oil ingress, or loose pins.
• Inspect the distributor shaft for play, excessive wobble can scramble the CAS signal.
• Keep the timing cover and front seals in good nick to prevent oil contamination.
• If you’ve got a separate CKP at the crank, make sure the trigger wheel is clean and the sensor gap is within spec.

There’s no routine replacement interval, but once symptoms show up—hot start dramas, intermittent misfire at idle, sudden cut-out—it’s time to test. A scan tool will show RPM dropouts, an oscilloscope gives the clearest picture of a flaky signal. If replacing, use OEM or reputable aftermarket parts. For distributor-equipped cars, a complete, quality distributor can save headaches compared with swapping just the internal pickup. Always clear fault codes and perform a road test to confirm the fix, and if you’ve disturbed the distributor, reset base timing to spec.

DIYers should disconnect the battery, mark the distributor position before removal, and torque everything correctly. If that all sounds like a hassle, a good local mechanic will sort it quickly and keep the Lancer running sweet.

Popular questions about 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer crank angle sensors

Where is the crank angle sensor on a 1998 Lancer?

On most Aussie/NZ 4G15 and 4G93 models it’s built into the distributor on the end of the camshaft, under the bonnet at the gearbox side of the engine. On 4G63T variants there’s a separate crank sensor at the front of the engine near the crank pulley, plus a cam sensor on the head.

What are the common symptoms of a failing crank angle sensor?

Hot start issues, random stalling, no-start with no tach movement while cranking, misfires at idle, and a check engine light (often P0335/P0340). Wiggling the distributor harness can sometimes replicate the fault if there’s an internal or connector issue.

Can you keep driving with a dodgy crank angle sensor?

Wouldn’t recommend it. Intermittent CAS signals can kill the engine without warning—awkward at best, dangerous at worst. If it’s playing up, organise testing and replacement soon. Parts and labour vary, but budgeting for a quality distributor or OEM sensor and an hour or two of labour is sensible.