Parts for your 2013 Audi Q5-Crank angle sensor

2013 Audi Q5 crank-angle sensor (crankshaft position sensor)

Yes, the 2013 Audi Q5 is fitted with a crank‑angle sensor, more commonly called the crankshaft position sensor or engine speed sensor (Audi designation G28). This is documented in Audi’s erWin Repair Manual for the Q5 (8R) under Engine Management – Engine Speed Sensor G28, described functionally in Audi/VW Self‑Study Programmes for the EA888 2.0 TFSI, EA837 3.0 TFSI and EA897 3.0 TDI engines, and listed in the Audi ETKA parts catalogue for those engines. These sources confirm the sensor reads a toothed wheel on the crank to feed precise speed and position data to the ECU.

On a 2013 Q5, the crank‑angle sensor is a key player in how the engine runs. It constantly reports crank speed and exact crankshaft angle so the ECU can fire the coils and injectors at the right time, sync with the camshaft sensor, detect misfires and control starting and idle stability. If it drops out, the ECU often can’t determine when to spark or inject, which can cause hard starting or a no‑start.

It’s not a scheduled service item, but it’s smart to keep an eye on it during routine servicing. A quick visual of the harness and connector, checking for oil contamination or brittle wiring near the bellhousing area, goes a long way. If there’ve been gearbox or rear main seal repairs, confirm the sensor’s mounting and connector are clean and clipped home.

• Common symptoms of trouble: long crank or no‑start when hot, sudden stalling, rough idle, limp mode, and fault codes like P0335–P0339. A scan tool showing 0 rpm while cranking is a giveaway.
• Replacement notes: it’s typically secured by a single bolt and sealed with an O‑ring. Disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, remove the bolt, twist and withdraw the sensor. Lightly oil the new O‑ring, seat the sensor squarely, and tighten to the factory spec from the repair manual. No coding is usually required—clear faults and verify stable engine speed signal with a scan tool.
• Good practice: use an OE or reputable brand sensor, keep the loom away from hot exhaust sections, and avoid forcing the sensor against the tone wheel.

Most workshops in Australia and New Zealand allow about 0.5–1.0 hour for the job depending on engine variant and access. Driving with a failing sensor can leave the Q5 stranded, so if the symptoms crop up, it’s worth sorting promptly.

Popular questions

Where is the crank‑angle sensor on a 2013 Audi Q5?
It’s mounted at the lower rear of the engine, reading a tone wheel on the crank/flywheel area near the bellhousing. Exact access and orientation vary by engine (2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI), but it’s always positioned to “see” the crank’s reluctor teeth.

From above or below, look for a small two‑wire or three‑wire sensor with a single retaining bolt and a sealed plug, tucked where the engine meets the transmission.

Does the crank‑angle sensor need regular servicing or calibration?
No regular servicing or calibration is scheduled. After replacement, the ECU recognises the signal automatically. It’s good practice to clear any stored fault codes and check live data for a stable rpm signal and cam/crank sync.

During services, a quick inspection of the connector and wiring for oil ingress or heat damage is worthwhile, especially on higher‑kilometre vehicles.

Can a bad crank‑angle sensor cause intermittent stalling or no‑start?
Yes. Heat‑soak failures are common—runs fine cold, then stalls hot or won’t restart until it cools. The ECU may log P0335–P0339 and live data may show 0 rpm while cranking.

If these signs appear, test the sensor wiring and signal with a scan tool first. If power, ground and signal are good at the plug but rpm drops out, replacement is typically the fix.