Parts for your 2006 Nissan Serena-Crank angle sensor

2006 Nissan Serena crank angle sensor: purpose, fitment and service tips

Based on the Nissan Serena C25 Factory Service Manual (EC – Engine Control, 2005–2007) and Nissan’s FAST electronic parts catalogue, the 2006 Serena is fitted with a crankshaft position sensor (often called a crank angle sensor). Nissan labels it the “Crankshaft Position Sensor (POS)”, and it’s critical to engine management. Aftermarket data catalogues used by Australasian workshops also list a CKP/crank angle sensor for the 2006 Serena with the MR-series petrol engine, confirming it’s very much relevant to this vehicle.

The crank angle sensor on a 2006 Nissan Serena tells the ECU exactly where the crank is in its rotation and how fast it’s spinning. That timing data lets the ECU fire the injectors and spark at the right moment, manage idle, and monitor for misfires. If the sensor signal drops out or goes skew-whiff, the Serena can be hard to start, stall at idle, or refuse to run altogether.

On the MR20DE-powered Serena, the sensor is mounted low on the engine block at the transmission bellhousing side, reading a toothed reluctor. It’s a solid-state Hall or magnetic pickup with no scheduled replacement interval, so it’s a “fit and forget” item until it isn’t. Typical fault codes include P0335–P0339.

For servicing, it’s smart to check the wiring loom and connector during major services (say, every 100,000 km): look for oil contamination, cracked insulation, or a loose fit at the plug. Whilst the sensor gap isn’t normally adjustable, any debris or metal filings on the tip should be gently cleaned if the sensor is removed. If replacement is needed, go genuine or a reputable OE-equivalent brand to avoid signal quality issues.

DIY-minded owners can usually swap it with basic tools:

• Disconnect the battery and safely raise/support the front.
• Unplug the sensor and remove the retaining bolt.
• Lightly oil the new O-ring, install the new sensor, and tighten the bolt to the factory spec (around 8 N·m per the FSM, check your exact engine variant).
• Clear codes and verify live data/starting performance.

Pros often replace the cam and crank sensors as a pair if there are intermittent sync issues, since ageing signals from either can cause the same drivability grief. And if the Serena’s playing up when hot, don’t overlook the basics: battery health, clean earths, and tidy loom routing can make or break a marginal sensor signal.

Popular questions

What are the common symptoms and fault codes of a bad crank angle sensor on a 2006 Serena?

Drivers often see hard starting, stalling at idle, sudden cut-outs, or the check engine light. Scan tools typically show P0335 or P0336, and less commonly P0337–P0339. Misfire codes may tag along if the ECU loses sync.

Where is the crank angle sensor located on the 2006 Serena?

It sits low on the engine, at the transmission bellhousing side of the block, reading a toothed wheel. Access is usually from underneath, on right-hand-drive models it’s on the gearbox end of the transverse engine.

Does the crank angle sensor need routine replacement?

No fixed interval. It’s replaced on condition. During big services, inspect the connector and loom, especially if there’s oil seepage. Replace the sensor if there are relevant codes or confirmed signal drop-outs.