2002 V70 2.4T ECM-5200 Engine sensor, faulty signal

[GBS]

Hey all, so yesterday after a bit of extra cranking during start the warning triangle came on the dash with message saying "reduced engine performance", I know my car can be temperamental so I figured that was just FYI so I drove it around the block and the message did disappear. When I got back I checked with my VIDA device and got the following error:

284: ECM-5200 Engine speed (RPM) sensor. Faulty signal

I'm thinking that is a sensor that needs to be replaced? Anything I should check for before just getting a new crank sensor (assuming that's the right part)? I read that maybe cleaning the contacts a bit helped so figured I'd try that, any comments on having done this appreciated.

thanks!

[GBS]

Maybe this wasn't as straight forward as I thought. Attached is a picture of what I think is the sensor but there doesn't seem have plug like the picture on IPD site, also the new part is horizontal and not vertical like mine. Is this the crankshaft sensor or is it somewhere else? the fussy thing in the upper part of the picture is the air filter box.

[GBS]

ok feel like an idiot now, located the sensor and it's of course much closer to the crank shaft, and a bit harder to get to under the TCV hoses but should be ok. Ordered new so could be good to go.

[regent]

Make sure that the sensor harness is routed correctly and the conector is clean and dry. Sometimes superimposed EMI (electromagnetic interference, which is noise) makes the comp. think that the sensor is at fault. Check the sensor resistance, it should be around 120 Ohms. If all checks good, check how much the starter draws - anything below 130 Amps sustained is acceptable (if you are not doing the test on the South Pole )
Too much draw from an aging starter is a known source of havoc in that particular circuit.

[KeithA]

Great information in this post. My daughter's '02 XC70 was hard to start, then got the reduced power and ecm5200. Starter does not sound good. I will replace it and the sensor. Have spares of both. Thanks for all who contribute!!

[swedishpig]

really..."superimposed EMI".. lol.
There is no "superimposed" anything.
Your problem is either a slow leakage or a blockage in one or both of your VVT solenoids. The blockage prevents proper oil pressure and operation of the VVT on startup. Eventually pressure does build up and the car runs fine.
Pull the 4 screws on each solenoid (located near your VVTs). Spray them out with brake cleaner as well as the passageways on the valve cover. Reinstall.
Enjoy no engine lights and restored performance. ...."superimposed EMI".....so silly.

[jonesg]

really..."superimposed EMI".. lol.
There is no "superimposed" anything.
Your problem is either a slow leakage or a blockage in one or both of your VVT solenoids. The blockage prevents proper oil pressure and operation of the VVT on startup. Eventually pressure does build up and the car runs fine.
Pull the 4 screws on each solenoid (located near your VVTs). Spray them out with brake cleaner as well as the passageways on the valve cover. Reinstall.
Enjoy no engine lights and restored performance. ...."superimposed EMI".....so silly.

starter efi is a known problem, rerouting the cps loom from around the back of the starter helps or just replace the starter ,

the vvt cams are just as likely too as you say, vida can do an actuation response test and show if its reacting too slow although it will set a 604a code or something like that.
a simple test if you dont have vida is watch the exh vvt hub when the engine is cold started, low oil pressure shows up as a chattering cam hub until oil pressure is sufficient....if the vvt hub is otherwise tight with no slop.
if the cam hubs are good then its likely either old oil/filter or displaced oil pan o rings or a pickup tube clog.

[scot850]

Love reading this info. Thanks for sharing! You never stop learning on 'newer' cars, especially with the fault codes and diagnostics.

Neil.