Parts for your 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer-Crank angle sensor

2000 Mitsubishi Lancer crank angle sensor — what it does, where it lives, and when to replace it

Based on technical references — including the Mitsubishi Lancer CE/CG/CK Workshop Manual (Group 13A: Engine Electrical), the Haynes Mitsubishi Lancer 1996–2003 Repair Manual, and Mitsubishi’s ASA Electronic Parts Catalogue for 2000 model-year Lancer — the 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer is fitted with a crank angle sensor (also referred to as a crankshaft position sensor, CKP). All EFI engines offered in this year range rely on a crank angle input for ignition and fuel timing. Depending on the specific engine variant, the signal is provided by a dedicated sensor mounted near the crank pulley/timing case, or via a distributor-mounted encoder on models that use a combined cam/crank angle pickup. Either way, the engine management absolutely uses a crank angle signal on these cars.

On a 2000 Lancer, the crank angle sensor’s job is to tell the ECU exactly where the crank is in its rotation and how fast it’s spinning. That timing reference fires the spark at the right moment and cues the injectors so the engine runs cleanly, starts promptly, and doesn’t chew through fuel. When the sensor or its wiring starts to fail, the car can become hard to start, stumble, misfire, or stall — and in many cases you’ll get a no-start with fault codes like P0335/P0336 stored.

Replacement and care is fairly straightforward with the right approach:

• Typical symptoms: long crank/no start, random stalling, misfire at high revs, tachometer dropouts, and stored CKP codes.
• Inspection tips: check the sensor plug for oil ingress or corrosion, look for rubbed-through loom sections around the timing cover, and confirm the trigger wheel isn’t damaged. A quick visual and wiggle test under the bonnet can save hours.
• Service advice: the sensor itself isn’t a routine service item, but it pays to keep the front timing cover area dry and clean — oil leaks from the crank seal can contaminate the sensor and wiring over time.
• Replacement basics: disconnect the battery, safely raise the front, remove the RH wheel and inner splash guard for access, then unbolt the sensor from the timing case (or the distributor on variants that use an internal encoder). Route the new loom exactly like factory and clip it away from the belt and pulley. Clear codes and check live data for a stable RPM signal.
• Good practice: use quality OEM-equivalent parts, confirm no air gap shims are required (most are fixed), and if the ECU supports it, perform a quick idle relearn after the job.

Look after the sensor and its wiring, and the 2000 Lancer’s ignition timing stays sharp, fuel economy stays tidy, and starts remain drama-free on cold Kiwi mornings or hot Aussie afternoons.

• What are the signs my 2000 Lancer’s crank angle sensor is failing?

  Common giveaways are intermittent no-starts, sudden stalling at lights, rough idle, and the tacho dropping to zero while the engine’s still turning. A scan tool often shows P0335/P0336. If wiggling the sensor plug changes how it runs, the connector or loom may be the culprit.

• Where is the crank angle sensor located on a 2000 Lancer?

  Most 2000 models have the sensor mounted near the crank pulley behind the RH inner guard, reading a trigger wheel on the crank. Some variants with a distributor use an internal encoder in the distributor body to provide the crank/cylinder signal. A quick look at the timing cover area or distributor will tell you which you’ve got.

• Can I drive with a faulty crank angle sensor?

  It might run for a bit with intermittent faults, but it can cut out without warning or refuse to restart. Best bet is to sort it promptly — it’s a relatively simple fix that prevents being stranded and protects the catalytic converter from misfire damage.