Ignition, fuel and air
Crankshaft position sensor replacement: what it costs
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $40 | $130 |
| Labor: 0.7 to 1.4 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $88 | $245 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $20 |
| Total, rounded | $120 | $400 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This sensor tells the computer how fast the crankshaft is spinning. A bad one can cause no-start, stalling, or a check engine light.
What is usually included
- New crankshaft sensor
- Inspect connector and wiring
- Clear codes
- Test starts
What moves the price
- Sensor location, top or bottom of the engine
- Oil leaks nearby
- Wiring or reluctor wheel issues
- Sensor quality, from budget to OEM, and how it holds up in engine heat
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Did you confirm the sensor is bad?
- Will you check the connector and wiring before replacing the sensor?
- Is the sensor OEM or a trusted aftermarket brand?
- Is the reluctor wheel inspected?
Can you do it yourself?
A fair DIY if the sensor is easy to reach; avoid cheap parts that fail quickly.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
What are signs of a bad crank sensor?
A car that cranks but will not start, stalls without warning, or has a flashing check engine light. It may restart after cooling down.
Can heat cause it to fail?
Yes. These sensors sit near a hot engine, and heat is a common reason they fail. A car that stalls when warm and restarts later is a classic sign.
Is the part cheap?
The part is usually $40 to $130. Labor depends on where the sensor sits, which can be easy to reach or tucked behind other parts.
How much does crankshaft position sensor replacement cost?
A typical range in Boston is $120 to $400. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $120 to $400 |
| New York City area | $120 to $390 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $120 to $390 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $120 to $370 |
| Houston area, Texas | $110 to $360 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $110 to $360 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $110 to $360 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $120 to $370 |
| Miami area, Florida | $110 to $360 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $120 to $390 |
Check-engine codes that lead to this repair
More ignition, fuel and air repairs
- Ignition coil replacement (one coil)
- Fuel injector replacement (one injector)
- Fuel pump replacement
- Mass airflow sensor replacement
- Throttle body cleaning
- Throttle body replacement
- Vacuum leak repair
- PCV valve replacement
- Camshaft position sensor replacement
- Coolant temperature sensor replacement
- VVT solenoid / cam phaser repair
- Turbo boost leak repair