Parts for your 2013 Toyota Rav4-Crank angle sensor

2013 Toyota RAV4 crank-angle sensor (crankshaft position sensor)

Yes, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 uses a crank-angle sensor. Toyota’s 2013 RAV4 Repair Manual (Engine Control, DTC P0335/P0339 for the 2AR-FE and 3ZR-FAE engines) details testing and replacement of the Crankshaft Position Sensor, and Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue lists a “Sensor, Crank Position” for this model range. These technical sources confirm the part is fitted and monitored by the engine ECU.

The crank-angle sensor on a 2013 RAV4 is a small, solid-state pickup that reads a toothed wheel on the crankshaft to tell the ECU exactly where the pistons are and how fast the engine is spinning. With that live data, the ECU times fuel injection and ignition precisely, syncs with the cam sensor for sequential operation, manages variable valve timing, and checks for misfires. If the signal drops out, the RAV4 can be hard to start, may stall, or might not start at all, and it’ll usually log fault codes like P0335 or P0339.

There’s no scheduled replacement for the crank-angle sensor on this model, it’s a fit-and-forget item until symptoms appear. During routine servicing, a good workshop will give the harness and connector a quick once-over for oil contamination, broken tabs, or rubbing near the front of the engine. Keeping oil leaks in check helps too, as oil can wick into connectors and upset the signal.

• Common signs it’s on the way out: long crank or no start when hot, intermittent stalling, erratic tacho, poor fuel economy, and the check-engine light with P0335/P0339.
• Best practice: confirm with scan data (crank speed while cranking), scope the sensor signal if needed, and rule out wiring or connector faults before condemning the sensor.

Replacement on the 2.5‑litre petrol typically involves disconnecting the battery, accessing the sensor near the crank pulley area or lower block, removing one retaining bolt, swapping the sensor and O‑ring, lightly oiling the seal, and torquing the bolt to the spec in the Toyota manual. Reconnect, clear codes, and road test. Access can be easier from underneath with the splash guard off. Use a quality OEM-equivalent part—cheap copies can cause intermittent faults that’ll drive anyone up the wall.

If the vehicle is still driveable with a dodgy sensor, it’s wise to avoid long trips, an outright failure may leave it stranded. Prompt diagnosis and a tidy install usually restore smooth, reliable running.

FAQs

Where is the crank-angle sensor on a 2013 RAV4?
On most 2.5‑litre petrol models it’s mounted low on the engine block near the crank pulley area, reading the crank trigger wheel. It’s generally accessed from underneath after removing the splash shield. Engine variants and diesel models may place it on the side or rear of the block, but it still reads the crank.

What symptoms point to a failing crank-angle sensor?
Hard starting (especially hot), random stalling, an erratic or dead tacho during crank, rough running, and the check‑engine light with codes like P0335 or P0339. Live data will often show zero crank RPM while cranking if the sensor or its wiring has failed.

Does it need periodic replacement?
No set interval. It’s replaced on condition—when faults occur or if wiring/connectors are damaged or oil-soaked. As part of regular servicing, a quick visual of the plug and loom is enough, along with addressing any oil leaks nearby.