Parts for your 1999 Ford Falcon-Crank angle sensor

1999 Ford Falcon crank-angle-sensor: what it does, where it is, and how to look after it

Based on factory service information for the AU-series Falcon (1998–2002) and widely used technical repair guides for these models, the 1999 Ford Falcon 4.0‑litre inline‑six is fitted with a crank-angle-sensor (often called a crankshaft position or CKP sensor) mounted near the harmonic balancer at the front of the engine. These sources describe the sensor’s role in feeding the ECU an accurate crank speed and position signal to control spark and fuel. By contrast, most AU-series 5.0‑litre V8 variants rely on the distributor’s internal Hall-effect pickup for engine position, rather than a separate external crank-angle-sensor. That means the sensor is relevant and used on 1999 Falcon six-cylinder models, and functionally served by the distributor pickup on many V8s.

For owners of a 1999 Ford Falcon 4.0, the crank-angle-sensor is a small but critical piece of kit. It watches a toothed wheel on the crank, sending the ECU a clean pulse train the computer uses to fire the coils and injectors exactly when needed. When it’s healthy, starts are quick, idle is steady, and fuel economy stays on song. When it goes crook, expect hard starting (hot or cold), random stalling, a dead tachometer while cranking, misfires at cruise, or a no‑start with fault codes like P0335/P0336.

It isn’t a routine “service item” like oil or plugs, but it does benefit from periodic inspection. On the AU 4.0, it sits low at the front of the block near the crank pulley, so it cops road grime and the odd coolant mist from a tired water pump. Keeping the connector clean and the wiring loom supported goes a long way. If the engine’s had front-end work or a new harmonic balancer, make sure the air gap between the sensor and trigger wheel is set to workshop spec, too big or too small and the ECU can lose the signal, especially when hot.

If replacement’s on the cards, it’s a straightforward driveway job for a keen DIYer:

1. Disconnect the battery and let the engine cool.
2. Access the sensor by the harmonic balancer, remove any shrouds as needed.
3. Unplug the connector, remove the retaining bolt, and withdraw the sensor.
4. Lightly oil the new O‑ring, fit the new sensor, and torque the bolt to spec.
5. Route the loom away from belts and heat, confirm the air gap per manual, and clear codes.

Quality matters here. A reputable OEM‑equivalent sensor tends to deliver a stronger, cleaner signal and lasts longer, especially through big temperature swings. If the car has an AU‑series 5.0 V8, remember it typically uses the distributor’s internal pickup instead, diagnosis and service differ from the I6 setup.

• Where is the crank-angle-sensor on a 1999 Falcon?
  On the 4.0‑litre inline‑six (AU series), it’s mounted at the front of the engine near the harmonic balancer, reading a toothed trigger wheel on the crank. Access is from the front, low in the engine bay. Many 5.0 V8 AUs don’t have a separate external sensor, using the distributor’s Hall pickup instead.
• What are common symptoms of a failing crank-angle-sensor?
  Hard starting, intermittent stalling, misfires at cruise, a dead or bouncing tacho while cranking, and stored codes like P0335/P0336. Heat‑soak no‑starts that resolve when cool are also a classic sign.
• Can the car be driven with a dodgy sensor?
  It might run poorly or cut out without warning, which isn’t safe. If it’s playing up, sort it promptly—clean the connector, check the gap, or replace the sensor to avoid getting stranded.