Parts for your 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer-Crank angle sensor

2005 Mitsubishi Lancer crank-angle sensor (crankshaft position sensor)

Technical sources confirm the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer is fitted with, and relies on, a crank-angle sensor (commonly called the crankshaft position sensor or CKP). The Mitsubishi Motors Lancer CH/CS factory workshop manual (Engine Electrical/MFI sections) details the CKP sensor and its role in ignition and fuel control on the 4G94 2.0L and 4G69 2.4L petrol engines. Aftermarket data services such as Autodata and ALLDATA/Mitchell1 also list diagnostic procedures and fault codes (e.g., P0335/P0336) for the Lancer’s CKP sensor, further confirming its presence and relevance.

On a 2005 Lancer, the crank-angle sensor is the ECU’s timekeeper. It tracks the exact position and speed of the crankshaft so the computer can fire the spark and inject fuel at precisely the right moment. Without a clean signal from this sensor, the engine can be hard to start, run rough, stall at idle, or refuse to start altogether. It’s common for a failing sensor to trigger the Check Engine light with codes like P0335 or P0336, and to play up more when the engine is hot.

While it’s not a routine “replacement” item like oil or filters, it is worth checking the sensor and its wiring during servicing. On many CH/CS Lancers, the CKP sits near the front of the engine by the crank pulley/lower timing cover, reading a toothed wheel on the crank. Oil leaks, heat, or a damaged harness can cause intermittent signals. A quick visual under the bonnet to ensure the plug is tight, the wiring isn’t chafing, and there’s no oil contamination can save a lot of head-scratching later.

When replacement is on the cards, going for an OEM or high-quality aftermarket sensor is wise, as cheap units can give flaky signals. After fitting, clearing fault codes and performing an idle relearn (where applicable) helps the ECU settle. Most jobs are doable within an hour by a competent tech. If the lower timing cover needs to come off, plan a touch more labour time.

• Common symptoms: no-start when hot, random stalling, misfires, sluggish performance, and a glowing Check Engine light.
• Service tips: inspect connectors and loom routing, keep the area dry and clean, and avoid bending or striking the sensor face.
• Replacement pointers: disconnect the battery, confirm the air gap/spec (if applicable), torque the bolt correctly, then road test and recheck for codes.

FAQs

What are the signs the crank-angle sensor is failing on a 2005 Lancer?
Drivers often report hard starting (especially when hot), random stalling at lights, misfires, or the engine cutting out then restarting after it cools. The Check Engine light may come on with codes like P0335/P0336. If these symptoms appear alongside a healthy battery and fuel supply, the CKP sensor and its wiring are prime suspects.

Where is the crank-angle sensor on a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer?
On most CH/CS models it’s mounted at the front of the engine near the crank pulley, reading a toothed trigger wheel behind the lower timing cover. Access is usually from the front/underside, with the splash shield off. Some variants place it at the transmission end, but the CH/CS petrol engines typically have it at the timing case.

Is it safe to drive with a dodgy crank-angle sensor?
Not really. A weak or intermittent signal can cause sudden stalling and a no-start condition, which isn’t ideal in traffic. Ongoing misfires can also stress the catalytic converter. It’s better to diagnose and sort it promptly rather than push your luck.