Parts for your 2017 Toyota Avensis-Crank angle sensor

2017 Toyota Avensis crank-angle sensor (crankshaft position sensor)

Based on technical sources — including the Toyota Avensis (T27) Repair Manual for 2015–2018 model years (Engine Control – Crankshaft Position Sensor), the 2017 Avensis Electrical Wiring Diagram, Toyota Europe’s Electronic Parts Catalogue listing “Sensor, Crank Position” for the 1ZR-FAE and 2ZR-FAE petrols plus the 1WW/2WW diesels, and professional databases such as Autodata — the 2017 Toyota Avensis is fitted with a crank-angle sensor (commonly called the crankshaft position sensor). It’s a relevant and essential engine management component on all these engines.

The crank-angle sensor sits at the heart of the Avensis’s engine control. It tracks the exact position and speed of the crankshaft so the ECU can fire the injectors and coils at the right moment, manage variable valve timing, and keep idle and emissions tidy. Lose that signal and you’ll cop hard starting or a complete no-start, rough running, random stalling, and a glowing MIL with fault codes like P0335–P0339.

On the ZR petrols (1.6/1.8 Valvematic), the sensor is usually mounted at the timing chain cover near the crank pulley. On the BMW-derived diesels (1WW/2WW), expect it low on the block near the transmission bellhousing. It’s a magnetic or Hall-effect pickup reading a toothed reluctor on the crank, so it needs a clean mounting face and an intact harness to stay happy.

As part of regular servicing, there’s no set replacement interval — these sensors often last the life of the car — but a quick look under the bonnet is worthwhile. Check the connector for oil intrusion or green corrosion, make sure the loom isn’t rubbing on brackets, and wipe away any built-up grime. If the engine has been shedding metal (e.g., from a failing bearing), the magnetic tip can collect debris and upset the signal.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, remove the retaining bolt, ease out the sensor (there’s an O-ring), lightly oil the new O-ring, and refit. Use a quality OEM-equivalent part, route the wiring as per factory clips, and clear any stored codes. No special programming is typically required on these Avensis engines, but it’s smart to perform a post-repair scan and a warm idle check. If a no-start persists, verify power, ground, and signal integrity back to the ECU before throwing more parts at it.

• Common clues: long crank, sudden stall, uneven idle, poor fuel economy, MIL on (P0335–P0339)
• Good practice: inspect at major services, protect the harness, keep the area clean and dry
• When to replace: only when diagnosed faulty — not a routine consumable

Popular questions

Where is the crank-angle sensor on a 2017 Avensis?
On the 1.6 and 1.8 Valvematic petrols it’s typically on the timing cover by the crank pulley. On the 1.6 and 2.0 D-4D diesels it’s mounted low on the block near the gearbox bellhousing. Access varies a bit with engine and body hardware, so a workshop manual view helps.

What fault codes point to a bad crank-angle sensor?
Look for P0335 to P0339. Drivers might notice long cranking, misfires, cutting out at idle, or a dead crank/no-start. Always check wiring and connectors first — a damaged loom or oily plug can mimic a failed sensor.

Does the sensor need routine replacement?
No. It’s not a scheduled item. Many last hundreds of thousands of kilometres. Replace only if testing confirms a fault, and use a reputable OEM-spec sensor to avoid intermittent issues.