form51

Hello everyone!

About 3 weeks ago, I received a check engine light and my 2000 Honda Civic engine (d16y8) began idling rough. After shorting the pins to the passenger side connector, the CEL code indicated that there was a problem with the primary oxygen sensor. After doing some research, I concluded that the error code was most likely correct and the rough idle of my car was probably due to this failed sensor.

I ordered the part and was able to replace it. Afterwards, the check engine light disappeared and the car seemed to run smooth... awesome!

Now, about a week ago, I noticed the check engine light came back. I can also sense a disturbance in the way my engine idles - it feels as if some power has been lost. The error code (54 p1337) suggests that there is an issue with the crank fluctuation sensor.

I have a couple questions regarding this component. First, could a failed ckf sensor cause rough idling? I've read some threads where people say yes, and other threads where people say no. Basically, is this sensor used in some sort of feedback loop like the oxygen sensor is?

My second question is in regards to the location of the sensor. Here are some pictures I've found on the internet:




This looks like it's going to be a pain to replace. I believe I'm going to need to go in from the bottom. It also looks as if the sensor is behind the crank pulley which will need to be removed (argh). Is this correct? Also, I will test the connector side before I even attempt to replace it. Is that first yellow arrow the actual location of the connector?

I've also read about the ckf bypass trick, but I'd rather fix this problem and not mask it (especially if it isn't due to the sensor in the first place) and particularly so I'll have a functioning sensor in case something happens to my engine in the future.

My car has ~90k miles on it, so it may just be that some of these sensor parts are failing due to mileage/age, but it seems a little strange that two sensors failed within a couple weeks of each other. I really cannot see any relationship between these two specific sensors other than age, however, I'd like to hear any thoughts people have.

Since I wasn't able to find too much information on this topic, I'll keep this thread updated until my problem is fixed.

Former User

You seem to have done your research. Start by checking whether the CKF connector is just unplugged, loose, or corroded.

form51

Thanks Ron. During lunch I took a look and the connector seems to be on there well. If I can get that sucker off, I'll try testing the resistance next.

Do you know if a faulty sensor would cause a rough idle?

Former User

Yes, my understanding is that a bad CKF sensor can make the engine run poorly.

If the CKF sensor needs to be replaced, then the crank pulley must be removed. While the pulley is off, you may as well also replace the timing belt, water pump, and belt tensioner. Also replace the front main seal and cam seal if oil is leaking from them.

form51

It's been a while since I originally posted this problem. I had promised to keep the thread updated until it was fixed, but I never got around to it.

Very quickly, I'd like to share my experience in case it happens to someone else.

Upon further inspecting the CKF sensor harness, I was able to see that it had come loose and been damaged by a belt. In the picture below, you can see where it clips in (blue) and the damage caused by the belt (red).



The harness is in an extremely tight area. After fidgeting with it for some time, I was finally able to get the connector off..



I then jacked the driver side up onto a jack stand and removed the wheel:



Here is a closer view:



Finally, after threading the harness down, I was able to access the damaged part and repair with solder/electrical tape:



After reconnecting the battery, the error code disappeared and I haven't had trouble with it since. Once again, this was a quick fix and next time I get work done on the car I'm going to replace the whole part.

Hope this helps someone in the future..

atx97lude

Does anyone still have access to the pictures form51 was so kind to provide? I believe I am having the same issue, and would like to see the worn sensor.

Lizardslap

the wires running to the sensor were not clipped in properly and got munched by a belt

seandual

Hi im having same problem and cant fined the wire anny were to test it dose the 1.3 dx d13b2 have one and were is it

HondaPartsHero

Year, make, model. Are you in the US? I believe only the US/Canada cars came equipped with this sensor. Do you have the same code?

seandual

I m in uk I did not get a code off the ecm /ecu having replaced all the guts from my dissy and swaping out my ecu for a knowen working one the only the left is posable crank shaft sensor

seandual

And 1996 1.3 dx civic engine code d13b2

HondaPartsHero

What is your code? The uk models don't have a CKF. They have a crank position sensor but it's in the distributor. What exactly is your issue?

seandual

Got a crank no start on my car got no spark and im geting fule and no codes from led on ecm

jordy816

The CKF Sensor is included in UK and European models.

For everyone getting code 54 and the car starting rough or idling rough this can be the cause of it.
The first thing to do is check the wiring because most of the time this sensor will be destroyed by a belt.