Parts for your 2001 Nissan Serena-Crank angle sensor

2001 Nissan Serena crank angle sensor — what it does and how to look after it

Yes, the 2001 Nissan Serena (C24) uses a crank angle sensor, more commonly called the crankshaft position sensor by Nissan. This is confirmed in the C24 Serena factory service manual (Engine Control, “Crankshaft Position Sensor [POS]”), and it’s also the subject of a Nissan service campaign in the early 2000s that replaced faulty crank and cam sensors on QR and YD engines fitted to the Serena. Typical fault codes tied to this sensor on the Serena include P0335 and P0336, noted in Nissan’s diagnostic procedures.

On a 2001 Serena, the crank angle sensor feeds the ECU a precise signal about crankshaft speed and position so the engine can fire the coils and injectors at exactly the right time. Without a clean signal, the van can be hard to start, stumble, or stall at idle. It’s a small, inexpensive bit of kit that has a big say in how smoothly the Serena runs on both the QR20 petrol and the YD-series diesel of the era.

As part of regular servicing, it’s worth giving the sensor and its wiring a quick once-over. Heat and oil weep around the bellhousing area can creep into the connector. If the dash throws a check engine light with P0335/P0336, or the van cranks but won’t catch when hot, the sensor is a prime suspect. Nissan released an updated design to address early-life faults, so replacing a tired original with a genuine or quality OEM-spec sensor is a sensible move.

• Tell-tales of trouble: intermittent stalling, rough idle, sudden loss of power, long crank times, and stored DTCs P0335/P0336.
• Basic care: keep the connector clean and clipped firmly, check the loom where it passes near the transmission for chafing.
• Replacement tips: disconnect the battery, access the sensor on the transmission bellhousing, swap like-for-like, and lightly lubricate the O-ring. Don’t over-tighten the retaining bolt—follow workshop manual torque specs.

No special coding is usually required after fitting, clear the codes, start it, and let the ECU relearn idle. If issues persist, check the cam sensor and timing signals together—Nissan’s diagnostic tree treats them as a pair.

Popular questions about the 2001 Nissan Serena crank angle sensor

Where is the crank angle sensor located?
On most 2001 Serena C24s, it sits on the transmission bellhousing, reading off the flywheel/flexplate. It’s accessed from the engine bay or underneath, depending on engine and layout. Look for a small two-wire or three-wire sensor with a single retaining bolt and an O-ring.

What are the common symptoms of a failing sensor?
Hot-start issues, random stalling at idle, a dead tach during crank, and a check engine light are common. Scan tools often show P0335 or P0336. Because the ECU relies on this signal for spark and fuel timing, even brief dropouts can feel like a momentary cut-out.

Do I need to reprogram anything after replacement?
Generally, no. Fit the new sensor, clear codes, then let the engine idle until warm so the ECU can settle its trims. If faults remain, inspect wiring and verify the cam sensor signal as per the service manual tests.