Can You Drive with A Bad Crankshaft Position Sensor

Driving for an extended period with a bad crankshaft position sensor is not recommended. This is because the sensor plays a critical role in the engine management system, providing important information about the position and speed of the crankshaft to the engine control module (ECM). If the sensor is not functioning properly, the ECM may not be able to accurately control fuel injection, ignition timing, and other engine functions.

🔗Symptoms of a Bad Crankshaft Position Sensor

Some of the issues that can occur are:

• The engine may stall unexpectedly, which can be dangerous while driving.
• The engine may not start at all after shutting it off.
• The engine may run rough, misfire or hesitate.
• The check engine light will likely be on due to crankshaft position sensor related trouble codes.

While the vehicle may still be drivable for a short trip at low speeds, driving for a long distance or at high speeds with a faulty crankshaft position sensor is not advisable. There is no temporary fix for crankshaft position sensor. It is best to get the sensor replaced as soon as possible to avoid being stranded or getting into an unsafe driving situation.