Parts for your 2020 Toyota C-hr-Crank angle sensor

2020 Toyota C‑HR crank‑angle sensor: what it does and how to look after it

Yes, the 2020 Toyota C‑HR does use a crank‑angle sensor (Toyota calls it the Crankshaft Position Sensor). This is documented in Toyota’s technical literature for the C‑HR (AX10/AX50 series), including the Repair Manual and New Car Features. The Engine/Hybrid System diagnostics list DTCs such as P0335–P0339 for the crankshaft position sensor circuit, and the Electrical Wiring Diagram shows the NE signal from the sensor feeding the ECM. Those factory sources confirm the part is fitted and critical to engine control on the 1.2‑litre turbo petrol and the hybrid petrol engines offered in AU/NZ markets.

On the 2020 C‑HR, the crank‑angle sensor’s job is to tell the engine computer exactly where the crankshaft is in its rotation and how fast it’s spinning. That timing signal is the backbone for spark, fuel injection phasing, variable valve timing, misfire detection and smooth starting. The sensor reads a toothed reluctor on the crank, the ECM uses that pattern together with the cam sensor to sync everything spot‑on.

It’s not a scheduled service item, but a few sensible checks during routine servicing go a long way:

• Look for oil seepage around the sensor body and a tired O‑ring, plus any coolant or road grime on the connector.
• Inspect the plug and loom for brittle insulation, green corrosion, or chafing near the timing cover.
• If there are crank sensor DTCs (P0335–P0339), also check for metal fuzz on the magnetic tip and verify good battery voltage and grounds.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech. Disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, remove the single retaining bolt and gently twist the sensor out. Fit a new O‑ring, lightly oil it, clean the bore, and reinstall—routing the harness exactly as factory to keep it away from heat. Typical Toyota spec for the small retaining bolt is around 9 N·m, but always follow the exact torque in the C‑HR Repair Manual for your engine variant. No special relearn is usually needed, the ECM picks up the new signal on first start.

Access is generally from underneath, as the sensor sits low on the timing cover/block area. On engines used in the C‑HR, it’s near the crank pulley region. If symptoms include hard starting, sudden stalling, a dead tacho, or the MIL with the codes above, don’t keep driving—intermittent loss of the crank signal can cause a stall. Book it in, and the shop can scope the signal, confirm the fault, and swap the sensor with a genuine or OE‑quality part for long‑term reliability across Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

• Where is the crank‑angle sensor on a 2020 Toyota C‑HR?
  It’s mounted low on the engine at the timing cover/block area so it can read the crankshaft reluctor. Access is typically from underneath. Exact position can vary slightly by engine, but it’s near the crank pulley region on petrol C‑HR variants used in AU/NZ markets.
• What are the signs it’s failing?
  Hard or no start, random stalling, rough running at low RPM, a dead or jumpy tacho, and the check engine light with codes like P0335–P0339. Some faults feel intermittent as heat and vibration affect the signal.
• Can it be driven with a bad crank‑angle sensor?
  Not recommended. The engine can stall without warning or may not restart. If it’s playing up, it’s safer to get it towed to a workshop and tested with scan data and, ideally, an oscilloscope.