Parts for your 2011 Lexus Is-Crank angle sensor

2011 Lexus IS crank angle sensor — purpose, service and replacement

Based on Lexus/Toyota technical sources, the 2011 Lexus IS does use a crank angle sensor (Toyota/Lexus generally call it the Crankshaft Position Sensor, or CKP). The Lexus IS Repair Manual (covering 4GR-FSE 2.5 V6, 2GR-FSE 3.5 V6, 2UR-GSE 5.0 V8 and 2AD-FHV 2.2 diesel), the Electrical Wiring Diagram for the 2011 IS, and the Lexus Electronic Parts Catalogue all show a dedicated CKP sensor feeding the ECM with the NE signal and working alongside the camshaft position sensors (G signals). Relevant diagnostics in the factory manual include DTCs P0335–P0339 for the CKP circuit and performance.

On the 2011 Lexus IS, the crank angle sensor is a vital piece of engine management. It reads the crankshaft’s position and speed from a toothed reluctor wheel and sends that timing signal to the engine computer. The ECM uses it to decide exactly when to fire the spark and when to inject fuel, and to keep everything in sync with the cam sensors. If it goes out of whack, you’ll cop hard starting, rough running, misfires, or a total no-start, and the check engine light usually pops on.

There’s no routine replacement interval for the CKP on these cars, it’s a fit-and-forget item unless faulty. As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to give the harness and connector a quick look for oil contamination, heat damage, or brittle insulation, especially around the front cover or bellhousing area (location varies by engine variant). Any oil leaks from the crank seal can wick into the plug and cause grief over time, so sort leaks promptly. Avoid blasting the area with a pressure washer, as moisture intrusion can create intermittent faults that are a pain to chase.

If replacement is needed, always choose genuine or quality aftermarket to ensure the correct signal profile. Disconnect the battery, wait a minute for modules to power down, then remove the retaining bolt and gently twist-pull the sensor out. Most use an O‑ring—lightly oil a new one before installation and check the bore is clean of metal filings. Don’t force it, seating should feel positive. Refit the bolt to factory spec (refer to the service manual), reconnect the plug, clear any fault codes, and road test. An ECM “relearn” isn’t typically required on these models, once warm, the computer will sort its trims in normal driving.

• Common symptoms: hard or no start, uneven idle, sudden stall, poor fuel economy, MIL with P0335/P0336.
• Good practice: inspect wiring, keep oil leaks in check, and use the correct sensor type for the engine code.

Popular questions

Where is the crank angle sensor on a 2011 Lexus IS?
It’s mounted on the engine block adjacent to the crankshaft, reading a toothed wheel either behind the front timing cover or near the flywheel area, depending on the engine. Access varies: V6 petrol models typically place it near the front cover area, while the diesel may be closer to the bellhousing. A quick look-up in the factory manual for your specific engine code will pinpoint it.

What fault codes point to a bad crank angle sensor?
Common CKP-related codes are P0335 (CKP circuit) and P0336 (range/performance). You might also see related misfire or sync codes if the ECM is losing the crank signal intermittently. If these appear with symptoms like stalling or a no-start, test the sensor and wiring before replacing parts.

Do crank angle sensors need regular replacement?
No. There’s no scheduled interval. They’re replaced when faulty or damaged. Preventive care is mainly about keeping oil and coolant leaks away from the connector area, ensuring the harness is clipped and not rubbing, and avoiding water ingress from aggressive engine bay cleaning.