Parts for your 1999 Toyota Hilux surf-Crank angle sensor

1999 Toyota Hilux Surf crank-angle-sensor: is it fitted and what does it do?

Technical Toyota sources confirm that a crank-angle-sensor is fitted to petrol versions of the 1999 Hilux Surf, but not as a separate external sensor on the 1KZ‑TE turbo‑diesel. In the Toyota Repair Manual (Engine Control System sections) for the 185‑series Hilux Surf/4Runner, both the 3RZ‑FE 2.7 and 5VZ‑FE 3.4 petrol engines are shown with a crankshaft position sensor (CKP), commonly called a crank-angle-sensor, reading a toothed wheel on the crankshaft. The Toyota Electrical Wiring Diagram for these models also details the CKP circuit. For the 1KZ‑TE diesel, Toyota’s Electronic Control Diesel (ECD) New Car Features and the 1KZ‑TE Repair Manual describe engine speed/position being derived from the “NE” and “G” sensors inside the injection pump, so a separate external crank-angle-sensor isn’t used on that engine.

Why the diesel doesn’t use one: the electronically controlled injection pump on the 1KZ‑TE already provides precise engine speed and reference signals to the ECU, making a standalone crank-angle sensor unnecessary on many 1999 Hilux Surf diesel variants.

For petrol 1999 Hilux Surf models, the crank-angle-sensor is a small but critical bit of kit. It tells the ECU exactly where the crank is and how fast it’s spinning, so the ECU can fire the coils and injectors at the right time. Working with the cam sensor, it keeps ignition timing sharp, helps with smooth starts cold or hot, and keeps fuel economy and emissions in check. When these sensors drift or fail, the Surf can be a pain to start, run rough, or simply die and refuse to restart. Common fault codes include P0335 and P0336.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval for the CKP — it’s not a wear item — but it pays to keep an eye on it during regular servicing. On the 3RZ‑FE and 5VZ‑FE, it lives at the front of the engine near the crank pulley/timing cover. A quick visual once-over for damaged wiring, loose connectors, or oil contamination is time well spent. If the engine has had front main seal or timing cover leaks, clean away any oily grime and check the sensor face for metal filings stuck to the magnetic tip.

• Symptoms of trouble: hard starting, random stalling, misfires at certain revs, dead tachometer during cranking, and the CEL with P0335/P0336.
• Basic replacement tips: disconnect the battery, give the connector a careful wiggle test, and only then remove the retaining bolt(s). Fit a quality genuine or OEM-equivalent sensor, route the loom exactly as per factory to avoid belt/pulley rub, clear codes, and road test.
• Good practice: if a CKP fault appears, also inspect the crank pulley reluctor ring for damage and verify the cam sensor and grounds — they all work together.

Because engine spec varies by VIN, it’s smart to confirm whether yours is the petrol (with CKP at the front) or the 1KZ‑TE diesel (timing taken from the pump) before ordering parts.

FAQs

Where is the crank-angle-sensor on a 1999 Hilux Surf?
On petrol 3RZ‑FE and 5VZ‑FE models, it’s at the front of the engine near the crank pulley/timing cover, reading a toothed wheel on the crank. On the 1KZ‑TE diesel, there isn’t a separate external CKP, the ECU gets speed and position from sensors inside the injection pump.

What fault codes point to a bad crank-angle-sensor?
P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” circuit) and P0336 (range/performance) are the common ones on the petrol engines. You may also see stalling or no-start with no RPM signal during cranking.

Can a crank-angle-sensor be cleaned, or does it need replacing?
If the tip has light debris or oil film, a clean can help. But internal failures or wiring faults won’t be fixed by cleaning. If testing shows no signal or intermittent readings, replacement is usually the go.