Parts for your 2014 Nissan Pulsar-Crank angle sensor

2014 Nissan Pulsar crank angle sensor (crankshaft position sensor)

Based on Nissan’s Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for the B17/C12 Pulsar/Sylphy platform and common MR-series engine documentation (MR18DE and MR16DDT), the 2014 Nissan Pulsar is fitted with a crank angle sensor, more commonly listed as the crankshaft position sensor. The ESM’s Engine Control (EC) section details the sensor’s role and related DTCs (such as P0335), and Nissan parts catalogues for these models list a dedicated crankshaft position sensor assembly, confirming its use on this vehicle.

For the 2014 Pulsar, the crank angle sensor is the ECM’s timekeeper. It reads a toothed wheel on the crank, letting the computer know exact crank speed and position so it can trigger spark and fuel right on cue. Without that signal, the engine won’t start, can stall, or will run poorly. It also underpins misfire detection and helps with smooth idle and decent fuel economy. On the MR18DE and MR16DDT, the sensor is typically mounted low at the transmission side of the block, reading the flywheel/flexplate area.

It’s not a scheduled replacement item, but it pays to keep an eye on it during servicing. A tech will usually check for oil contamination at the sensor and connector, make sure the wiring loom isn’t chafed, and scan for stored fault codes. If the Pulsar is cranking but not firing, randomly stalling at lights, or showing a dead tach needle with a Check Engine Light, the scanner will often throw codes like P0335–P0339 pointing to the crank angle sensor circuit.

• Common symptoms of a dodgy sensor: hard starting or no start, intermittent stalling, rough running, reduced power, and a CEL with crank sensor codes.
• Quick checks: inspect the connector for corrosion, verify battery and grounds are solid, and look for oil leaks tracking down onto the sensor.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent DIYer with axle stands, but many owners will prefer a workshop. Access is usually from underneath after removing the splash shield. Disconnect the battery, unplug the sensor, remove the single retaining bolt, ease out the sensor, and swap in the new one with a lightly oiled O-ring. Refit, tighten to the factory spec in the ESM, reconnect, clear any codes, and verify crank/cam sync with a scan tool. No special relearn is typically needed on these MR engines, but a quick drive cycle and a health scan confirm all’s happy. Given the critical role the sensor plays, it’s worth choosing a quality OEM-equivalent part to avoid repeat faults.

• Tip: If the fault is intermittent, heat soak can be the trigger. A road test to operating temp while live-monitoring RPM and crank signal helps nail the diagnosis.

Popular questions about the 2014 Nissan Pulsar crank angle sensor

Q: Where is the crank angle sensor on a 2014 Pulsar?
A: On MR18DE and MR16DDT engines it’s mounted low on the transmission side of the engine block, reading the flywheel/flexplate. It’s usually accessed from underneath after removing the front undertray.

Q: Is it safe to keep driving with a faulty crank angle sensor?
A: Not really. A failing sensor can cause sudden stalling or a no-start at the worst time. If the car still runs, keep trips short and head to a workshop as soon as practical.

Q: What codes point to a bad crank angle sensor on these models?
A: Common ones include P0335 (crankshaft position sensor “A” circuit) and related range/performance or intermittent codes. A proper scan and wiring inspection confirms the cause before replacing parts.