How To Test The CKP Sensor (2004-2006 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon)

TEST 2: Testing The CKP Sensor's Output With A Multimeter

If the If the CKP sensor is good, it should produce an AC voltage as long as you're cranking the engine.

If the CKP sensor is bad, your multimeter will not report an AC voltage as you're cranking the engine.

I've found that testing the performance of the CKP sensor (while cranking the engine) is best done with an after-market pigtail connector.

The pigtail connectors I use for testing purposes, I buy at my local junkyard. You can do the same or you can purchase it at your local auto parts store or online.

You can buy it online here: ACDelco GM Original Equipment PT1686 Pigtail (at: amazon.com).

IMPORTANT: The battery must be fully charged to get the most accurate result from this test.

These are the test steps:

1. 1

   Disconnect the CKP sensor from its electrical connector.
   
   LOCATION: The CKP sensor's connector is located on the right side of the intake manifold (near fuel injector #1).

2. 2

   Connect the pigtail connector to the CKP sensor (the one you bought online or at your local auto parts store).

3. 3

   Place your multimeter in Volts AC mode.

4. 4

   Connect one of the multimeter test leads to one of the pigtail connector's wires.
   
   It doesn't matter which multimeter test lead (red or black) you connect to this wire.

5. 5

   Connect the other multimeter test lead to the other pigtail connector's wire.

6. 6

   Have a helper crank the engine as you observe the multimeter.
   
   CAUTION: Be careful and stay alert as the engine is cranking.

7. 7

   The multimeter should report an AC voltage oscillating somewhere around 0.4 to 1.2 Volts AC.

Let's take a look at what your test results mean:

CASE 1: The multimeter reported the indicated AC voltage. This test result confirms the CKP sensor is functioning correctly.

CASE 2: The multimeter reported 0 AC voltage. This test result confirms the crankshaft position sensor is bad and needs replacement.

More 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado (GMC Canyon) Tutorials

You can find a complete list of 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado (GMC Canyon) tutorials and wiring diagrams here:

• GM 2.8L Vortec 4-Cylinder Index of Articles.

Here's a list of articles you'll find there:

• How To Test The Electronic Throttle Body (2004-2006 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon).
• How To Test Engine Compression (2004-2006 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon).
• Blown Head Gasket Tests (2004-2006 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon).
• TAC Throttle Body Wiring Diagram (2004-2006 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon).