Parts for your 2016 Toyota Wish-Crank angle sensor

2016 Toyota Wish crank-angle sensor: what it is, where it lives, and how to look after it

Based on Toyota technical sources, the 2016 Toyota Wish (ZGE2# series) with the 1.8-litre 2ZR-FAE or 2.0-litre 3ZR-FAE Valvematic engines absolutely uses a crank-angle sensor (Toyota typically calls it the Crankshaft Position Sensor). This is confirmed by Toyota Repair Manual coverage for DTCs P0335/P0336 (engine speed/crankshaft position), Toyota New Car Features for ZR engines describing the crank and cam synchronisation strategy, and Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue listing the crankshaft position sensor for both ZR engines on the Wish.

On these ZR engines, the crank-angle sensor sits at the front of the engine, mounted to the timing chain cover near the crank pulley. It watches a toothed reluctor on the crankshaft and feeds exact crank angle and speed to the ECM. The ECM uses that signal to control spark timing, fuel injection, VVT operation, and to verify cam timing correlation. If the sensor drops out, the Wish may be hard to start, stumble, or not run at all.

There’s no fixed replacement interval – it’s a solid-state, sealed Hall-effect unit designed to last the life of the vehicle. During routine servicing, a smart check under the bonnet is simply to inspect the sensor connector and harness for oil intrusion, chafe, or brittle insulation, and to keep the timing cover area clean. The sensor is sensitive to metal debris and damage from impacts, so avoiding rough handling goes a long way. If engine oil leaks from the crank seal or timing cover are present, sort those early, oil contamination can upset the signal.

When faults occur, the ECM typically logs P0335 or P0336 and may show an erratic or zero rpm reading on a scan tool. Replacement is straightforward: disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, remove the retaining bolt, swap the sensor and O-ring, and torque the bolt to spec (around single‑digit N·m, refer to the Toyota Repair Manual for the exact figure for the ZR engine). No special relearn is usually needed – the ECM adapts as soon as it sees a stable crank signal. Using a genuine or high-quality equivalent part is recommended to avoid intermittent issues.

• Common symptoms: long crank/no start, stalling at idle, poor fuel economy, sudden loss of power, MIL on with P0335/P0336.
• Good practice: keep connectors clean and latched, fix oil leaks promptly, and scan for stored codes if drivability gets a bit off.

Popular questions about the 2016 Toyota Wish crank-angle sensor

Where is the crank-angle sensor on a 2016 Toyota Wish?
It’s mounted on the timing chain cover at the front of the engine, close to the crank pulley. On both the 2ZR-FAE and 3ZR-FAE engines, access is from the right-hand side of the engine bay (facing the car), usually from above with the engine cover off.

Look for a small, single-bolt sensor with a two- or three-pin connector. If visibility is tight, a small inspection mirror helps spot the retaining bolt and harness routing.

Does the crank-angle sensor need regular servicing or a set replacement interval?
No set interval. It’s a non-service item and is only replaced if faulty. During normal servicing, a quick check for oil leaks and a look over the wiring and connector is all that’s needed.

If you’re chasing intermittent stalls or long cranks, scan for P0335/P0336 and check live rpm while cranking. If the reading is dead or jumpy, the sensor or its wiring may be the culprit.

What happens if the crank-angle sensor fails on a Wish?
The engine may crank without starting, stall unexpectedly, or run roughly with poor fuel use. The MIL will often be on. It usually won’t cause mechanical engine damage by itself, but prolonged misfires can stress the catalytic converter.

If it fails outright, the car may not start, so plan testing or replacement before a long trip. Using an OEM-quality sensor helps prevent repeat issues.