Parts for your 2001 Lexus Is-Crank angle sensor

2001 Lexus IS crank angle sensor: purpose, servicing and replacement

Based on Toyota/Lexus service literature for the 2001 IS range, a crank angle sensor (listed as the crankshaft position sensor, signal “NE”) is fitted and used on both the IS200 (1G‑FE) and IS300 (2JZ‑GE) engines. The Lexus IS Engine Control System (SFI) sections of the factory repair manuals and the 2001 Electrical Wiring Diagram identify this sensor as a primary input for ignition and fuel control, and related diagnostics include DTCs such as P0335.

On a 2001 Lexus IS, the crank angle sensor is the ECM’s timekeeper. It tracks crankshaft speed and exact position so the computer can fire the coils and injectors at precisely the right moment. On the VVT‑i engines, it also teams up with the cam sensors to manage variable valve timing. Without a healthy signal, starting becomes a chore, the engine can stumble or stall, and fuel economy takes a hit.

It’s not a scheduled replacement item, but it’s smart to give it attention during servicing. Typical red flags include long cranks when hot, random stalls, a dead tach during cranking, and a Check Engine light with codes like P0335–P0339. Oil contamination from front‑end leaks or a brittle connector can also upset the signal. A quick visual under the bonnet for leaking seals near the crank pulley area and a gentle wiggle test of the sensor plug and loom can save a lot of head‑scratching later.

When replacement’s on the cards, go for an OE‑quality sensor and a fresh O‑ring. Disconnect the battery, locate the sensor at the front of the engine (near the crank pulley/timing cover on both 1G‑FE and 2JZ‑GE), unplug, remove the retaining bolt, and swap it out. Keep the mounting face clean, avoid getting metal filings on the tip, and route the harness exactly as the factory did so it doesn’t chafe. After refitting, clear any stored fault codes and confirm live data shows stable engine speed during cranking and idle.

Because faults can mimic coil or fuel issues, it pays to scan first, check for cam/crank correlation errors, and inspect the wiring before throwing parts at it. With clean connectors, no oil intrusion, and a good sensor, the 2001 IS will start crisply and run sweet as, kilometre after kilometre.

• Common symptoms: hard starting (especially hot), intermittent stalling, rough idle, no start with P0335, and erratic tach.
• Service tip: fix any front engine oil leaks to protect the sensor and its connector.

FAQs

Where is the crank angle sensor on a 2001 Lexus IS?
On IS300 (2JZ‑GE) and IS200 (1G‑FE) it’s mounted at the front of the engine, reading a trigger on the crank. Access is from the front under the bonnet, it sits near the crank pulley/timing cover with a single retaining bolt and a two‑wire/three‑wire connector depending on variant.

What are the signs the crank angle sensor is failing?
Expect long crank times, random stalls when hot, rough running, and a Check Engine light with codes like P0335. The tachometer may drop to zero during cranking. If the sensor is soaked in oil or the connector is cracked, that’s a strong clue.

Can it be driven with a bad crank angle sensor?
Sometimes it’ll run but stall unpredictably, other times it won’t start at all. It’s not worth the risk. Have the fault scanned, wiring checked, and the sensor replaced promptly to avoid being stranded.