Parts for your 2008 Nissan Tiida-Crank angle sensor

2008 Nissan Tiida crank-angle sensor (crankshaft position sensor): what it does and how to look after it

Yes, the 2008 Nissan Tiida (C11 series, HR16DE/MR18DE engines) is fitted with a crank-angle sensor, more commonly called the Crankshaft Position Sensor (POS) in Nissan literature. Technical references confirming fitment include the Nissan Tiida C11 factory service manual (Engine Control—EC section, “Crankshaft Position Sensor (POS)”) and related diagnostic trouble codes P0335/P0336. Nissan parts catalogues for C11 also list the crankshaft position sensor as a serviceable component.

The Tiida’s crank-angle sensor tracks the crankshaft’s exact position and speed, letting the engine control module fire the spark and inject fuel at just the right moment. It works hand-in-hand with the cam sensor to keep timing spot-on from cold start to highway cruising. If it goes out of whack, the ECU loses its main timing reference, which can lead to hard starting, random stalling, rough running, or no start at all. The check engine light often flags codes like P0335 or P0336 when the signal is missing or erratic.

It’s not a regular “replace at X kilometres” item, but it does deserve attention during servicing. A quick visual check under the bonnet for loom chafing, brittle connectors, or oil contamination around the bellhousing area is worthwhile. Keeping the connector clean and firmly latched can head off intermittent faults, especially on vehicles that see lots of heat soak or dusty conditions.

• Common symptoms of trouble: hard/no start, sudden stall when hot, misfire feel at low speed, poor fuel economy, and a lit MIL with P0335/P0336.
• Typical location: mounted at the gearbox bellhousing where it reads the crank trigger wheel, secured with a single bolt and sealed by an O-ring.

Replacement is straightforward for most home tinkerers: disconnect the battery, let the engine cool, unplug the sensor, remove the bolt, twist and pull it out, then lightly oil the new O-ring and refit. Route the harness exactly as factory to avoid rubbing on the casing. Tighten to the service manual spec (around 8–10 N·m) and clear any codes. An idle relearn may be needed on some cars after repair.

Use a quality OE-equivalent sensor, cheap knock-offs can give weak or noisy signals. If the gearbox is out for a clutch or rear main seal, many workshops will proactively fit a fresh sensor and O-ring—it’s inexpensive insurance on a high-kilometre Tiida.

Popular questions

What fault codes point to a bad crank-angle sensor on a 2008 Tiida?
Most commonly P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit) and sometimes P0336 (Range/Performance). If these appear with hard starting or random stalling, the sensor, its wiring, or the trigger wheel gap is suspect. Always check the connector and harness before condemning the sensor.

Where exactly is the Tiida’s crank sensor located?
It sits at the rear of the engine where the transmission meets the block (bellhousing). Depending on tools and market spec, access can be from above or underneath. Look for a small two-wire sensor held by one bolt, reading the flywheel/flexplate tone wheel.

Can it be cleaned, or does it have to be replaced?
If the issue is light oil or debris on the tip, careful cleaning and refitting may restore a clean signal. However, internal failures (heat-soaked electronics, intermittent output) require replacement. If the O-ring is hardened or weeping, replace it to prevent future contamination.