Parts for your 2012 Toyota Blade-Crank angle sensor

2012 Toyota Blade crank angle sensor — purpose, servicing and replacement

Based on Toyota service literature for the E150-series Auris/Blade (AZE154H/2AZ‑FE and GRE156H/2GR‑FE), the 2012 Toyota Blade is fitted with a crank angle sensor. In Toyota documentation it’s referred to as the crankshaft position sensor and its output is the NE signal to the ECM. This is detailed in the Toyota Repair Manual sections for “SFI System” and “Crankshaft Position Sensor,” and shown in the Toyota Electrical Wiring Diagram where the CKP (NE) connects to the engine ECU. That makes the crank angle sensor absolutely relevant for this model.

On the 2012 Blade, the crank angle sensor is the ECM’s timekeeper. It reads a toothed wheel on the crankshaft and feeds the ECU precise engine speed and position info so it can fire the injectors and coils bang-on. Without a clean NE signal, the Blade will crank with no start, stumble, or cut out randomly.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval in Toyota’s maintenance schedule for this sensor. It’s a fit-and-forget item, but it pays to give it a once-over when doing major servicing, especially on higher‑kilometre cars.

• Typical symptoms of trouble: hard starting or no start, intermittent stalling, rough idle, misfire under load, rev counter dropping out, and fault codes like P0335–P0339.
• Quick checks: look for oil contamination at the sensor, damaged loom near the timing cover/block, corroded connector pins, or a sensor loose in its bore.
• Replacement tips: disconnect the battery, access the sensor at the lower front of the engine (2AZ‑FE) or low on the block on the V6 (2GR‑FE), remove the retaining bolt, twist and withdraw the sensor, and lightly oil the new O‑ring before refitting. Tighten to the specification in the Toyota Repair Manual and route the harness exactly as per factory to avoid heat or rub-through.
• Parts choice: quality OE-equivalent (often Denso for Toyota) works well. Avoid cheapies that can give noisy signals and recurring fault codes.

If the Blade shows the above symptoms, a proper diagnosis is worth it before throwing parts at the problem. Use live data to confirm a steady NE signal while cranking and running, and check cam sensor correlation to rule out timing chain issues. A good sensor and clean wiring will keep the ECU happy and the Blade driving sweet as across Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Where is the crank angle sensor on a 2012 Toyota Blade?

On 4‑cylinder 2AZ‑FE models, it’s mounted through the timing cover at the lower front of the engine, reading the crankshaft reluctor. On the 2GR‑FE V6, it’s fitted low on the engine block near the crankshaft, accessible from the bottom once the splash shield is off. The connector and harness run close to the front of the engine, so check for heat or oil exposure.

Does the crank angle sensor have a service interval?

No scheduled interval. It’s monitored by the ECU and generally replaced on condition. As part of periodic servicing, inspect the connector, wiring sheath and the area for oil leaks that can soak the sensor. If fault codes or starting issues show up, test it rather than replacing parts blindly.

What codes point to a faulty crank angle sensor on the Blade?

Common OBD‑II codes include P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit) through to P0339 variants. These can also pop up with wiring faults, poor grounds, or mechanical timing problems, so confirm with scope testing or live data before fitting a new sensor.