What is a TDC sensor?

The TDC sensor monitors a reference point on the camshaft that indicates where top dead center is on a cylinder, usually cylinder number one. It sends a signal to the engine control module which, in turn, communicates to send a spark to the cylinder at top dead center.

What are the symptoms of a bad TDC sensor?

Another common symptom of a bad or worn out TDC sensor is when the car seems to run rough or the engine misfires. If the TDC sensor is not working properly, the motor usually will shut off quickly to avoid damage to internal components.

What does it mean to have a top dead center sensor?

This is known as Top Dead Center (TDC) and in today’s modern engines is monitored by a top dead center sensor. TDC is often defined as when the first cylinder to fire (usually number one cylinder) has the intake and exhaust valves both closed at the same time.

How can I tell if my engine is at TDC?

So, after you get the crankshaft (by flywheel indication or by checking actual piston location), check the camshaft sprocket to make sure the camshaft alignment mark is at the TDC position as well. This procedure can be performed by one person. However, it is much easier to perform with two people.

Where does the crankshaft go when setting to TDC?

So, if you simply set the crankshaft to TDC without looking at the position of the camshaft, you may actually be at TDC on the exhaust stroke for cylinder #1.

Another common symptom of a bad or worn out TDC sensor is when the car seems to run rough or the engine misfires. If the TDC sensor is not working properly, the motor usually will shut off quickly to avoid damage to internal components.

This is known as Top Dead Center (TDC) and in today’s modern engines is monitored by a top dead center sensor. TDC is often defined as when the first cylinder to fire (usually number one cylinder) has the intake and exhaust valves both closed at the same time.

So, after you get the crankshaft (by flywheel indication or by checking actual piston location), check the camshaft sprocket to make sure the camshaft alignment mark is at the TDC position as well. This procedure can be performed by one person. However, it is much easier to perform with two people.

So, if you simply set the crankshaft to TDC without looking at the position of the camshaft, you may actually be at TDC on the exhaust stroke for cylinder #1.