CMAX Crankshaft Sensor Issue

My 2018 Ford CMAX diesel is giving me grief. The check engine light is on, and it feels like I'm towing a boat anchor – seriously reduced engine power and the response is sluggish. Fuel consumption is way up too. I've already checked for the basics like air filter and obvious leaks. I'm getting a code related to 'Crankshaft to Camshaft Reference Value' which screams timing issue to me. I'm suspecting the crank sensor. Anyone else seen this before?

4 comment(s)

Reference value issues can be tricky. Have you noticed any misfires or rough idling? It could also be a stretched timing chain, although that's less common at only 22898 km. Is the engine making any unusual noises?

No misfires that I can feel, and the idle seems steady enough. No weird noises either, which is why I'm leaning away from a timing chain issue. Could a faulty crank sensor really cause all these symptoms, even without obvious misfires?

A faulty crank sensor can definitely cause those symptoms. The ECU relies on that signal for proper engine synchronization. Without it, you will have reduced power and poor response. I'd get it checked out by a mechanic, they can properly diagnose it and confirm if it's the sensor or something else. Best not to drive it too much like that!

Took your advice and brought it to my local workshop. Turns out it was indeed the crankshaft sensor causing the reference value error, the final repair bill was 340€. Appreciate the confirmation, saved me a ton of time messing around!

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