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Parts for your 2016 Ford Falcon-Crank angle sensor
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2016 Ford Falcon crank-angle sensor: what it does and how to look after it
Based on the Ford FG X Falcon Workshop Manual (Engine sections 303-01 and 303-14), Autodata service information for the 2016 Falcon petrol range (Barra 4.0L I6 and Miami/Coyote-based 5.0L V8), and Bosch crankshaft sensor application notes, the 2016 Ford Falcon is fitted with a crank-angle sensor, commonly referred to as the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor. It’s a critical input to the Falcon’s powertrain control module and absolutely relevant to diagnostics and servicing.
The crank-angle sensor on the 2016 Falcon tracks the crankshaft’s exact position and speed, allowing the PCM to time spark and fuel with precision. Without a clean CKP signal, the engine can be hard to start, stumble, or cut out unexpectedly. On the Barra inline-six it’s mounted near the front of the block reading a trigger wheel at the crank, on the XR8’s 5.0 V8 it reads a tone wheel on the crankshaft. Both designs are Hall-effect/reluctor style sensors engineered for hot Aussie and Kiwi conditions.
While the CKP isn’t a scheduled replacement item, it benefits from sensible preventative care during routine servicing. Keeping the harness and connector clean, ensuring the sensor is seated fully with an intact O-ring, and checking for oil leaks or damaged loom clips all help maintain a sharp signal. If engine lights or codes such as P0335–P0339 appear, or there’s intermittent no-start, uneven idle, or sudden stalling, a CKP signal check should be near the top of the list.
Replacement on most Falcons is straightforward for a trained tech: battery isolated, access gained (often from the front or side of the engine), one retaining bolt removed, old sensor and O-ring out, seat the new sensor to the correct depth/air gap, reconnect, and clear fault codes. Torque values, air gap and relearn procedures should follow the Ford Workshop Manual for the specific engine. Using a quality OE-equivalent sensor is wise, poor aftermarket copies can cause ghost faults or hot-soak issues.
As part of general servicing, many workshops will:
- Visually inspect the CKP wiring, connector pins and routing.
- Scan for pending CKP-related DTCs and monitor live RPM during cranking.
- Check for vibration or pulley/tone-wheel damage that can corrupt the signal.
This approach keeps the FG X Falcon starting crisply, idling smoothly, and delivering the fuel economy and punch it’s known for.
Popular questions
Does a failing crank-angle sensor stop a 2016 Ford Falcon from starting?
Yes, a failing CKP can cause a complete no-start because the PCM won’t fire injectors or coils without a valid crank signal. Sometimes it presents as an intermittent hot no-start after a heat soak, then starts again when cooled. Scanning cranking RPM and checking for CKP DTCs helps confirm it.
Is the crank-angle sensor a service item on the FG X Falcon?
No, it’s not scheduled like oil or filters. It’s replaced on condition. During routine services, a quick visual check of the sensor area and wiring, plus a scan for pending codes, is smart preventative maintenance.
Where is the crank-angle sensor on a 2016 Falcon?
On the 4.0L inline-six it’s typically positioned at the front of the engine reading a trigger wheel on the crank. On the 5.0L V8 it reads a tone wheel on the crankshaft within the timing area. Exact access points vary, so following the FG X Workshop Manual location diagrams is best practice.
