Parts for your 2018 Toyota C-hr-Crank angle sensor

2018 Toyota C-HR crank angle sensor — what it does and how to look after it

Yes, the 2018 Toyota C-HR is fitted with a crank angle sensor (often listed by Toyota as the crankshaft position sensor). Technical references for the C-HR’s engines — including Toyota’s Repair Manual sections for NGX10/NGX50 (1.2‑litre turbo) and ZYX10 (1.8 hybrid), the Toyota Electrical Wiring Diagram, and standard Toyota DTC listings for P0335–P0339 — all show the sensor’s presence and role in engine synchronisation and ignition timing.

On this model, the crank angle sensor reads a toothed wheel on the crankshaft and sends a clean timing signal to the engine control module. That signal is the backbone for spark timing, injector pulse control, and — on the hybrid — smooth engine start/stop coordination. If it goes missing or messy, the C-HR can be hard to start, misfire, stall, or throw a check engine light.

There’s no scheduled maintenance for the sensor itself, but it’s smart to treat it as a “inspect while you’re there” item during regular servicing:

• Check the sensor connector and loom routing for chafe, oil contamination, or water ingress.
• If the engine has had an oil leak, clean the area and ensure the connector seal is intact.
• Avoid blasting the area with a pressure washer — moisture can wick into the plug.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent tech. Typical steps are disconnecting the battery, accessing the sensor at the lower engine block, unplugging the connector, removing the retaining bolt, and withdrawing the sensor and O‑ring. A new genuine O‑ring should be lightly oiled before refit, and the retaining bolt torqued to the factory spec listed in the Toyota Repair Manual (small sensor bolts are usually in the single‑digit Nm range — always verify). After install, clear any fault codes and confirm live data shows a stable crank signal.

Common signs the C-HR’s crank angle sensor needs attention include:

• Extended cranking or a no‑start when hot
• Intermittent stalling at idle or when coasting
• Rough running with the MIL on (often DTC P0335/P0336)

A quality scan with live data is the best first step, it helps confirm whether the fault is the sensor, the wiring, or another timing input like the cam sensor. Given how central the crank signal is, using a genuine or reputable OEM‑grade replacement pays off in reliability.

Technical references: Toyota Repair Manual (Crankshaft Position Sensor section), Toyota Electrical Wiring Diagram for C-HR, and Toyota diagnostic DTC set for P0335–P0339 applicable to 2018 C-HR engines.

FAQs

Where is the crank angle sensor on a 2018 Toyota C-HR?
It’s mounted low on the engine block, positioned to read a reluctor wheel on the crankshaft. On the 1.2‑litre turbo, access is typically from underneath with the splash shield removed. On the 1.8 hybrid, it’s likewise low on the block, removal space can vary slightly with model and under‑tray setup.

What are the symptoms of a failing crank angle sensor?
Expect hard starting, random stalling, rough running, and a check engine light — commonly logging P0335 or P0336. Sometimes it fails when hot and works again once it cools. Those symptoms can overlap with cam sensor or wiring issues, so a proper scan and inspection help nail it down.

Can the C-HR be driven with a dodgy crank angle sensor?
It might run poorly or not at all. Because the engine relies on a clean crank signal for timing, driving with a failing sensor risks stalling at awkward moments. Best bet is to diagnose promptly and repair before regular use.