Possible Code 13?

Tiny
FLEXUS4.0
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 LEXUS LS 400
  • 4.0L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 187,000 MILES
Since the car uses OBD 1, we plugged in an attachment for it that fits well (I believe it is like jumping the t1 and e1). Anyways the check engine flashes once and then three times, leading to an assumption of it being code 13. Car has recently had its timing belt fixed and positioned properly, the ignition coils have also been replaced as well as some other things. The check engine has seen to go away randomly when changing gears from neutral to drive and back. The car does this one thing at times where under heavy flooring it sometimes jerks other times it drives perfectly fine and reaches speeds of over 200 km.
Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 AT 11:55 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, this codes comes up when the crankshaft position sensor need to be replaced. Here is the locations of the sensor, be sure to disconnect the battery for about 5 minuets to clear the codes after the repair is completed. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.
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Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 AT 12:30 PM
Tiny
FLEXUS4.0
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  • 4 POSTS
Is the crank sensor just below the headlight? Does it plug into something? Can I access it myself if I can remove the top cover and headlights? Can it be the reason why my car under full throttle bogs down or shudders at 5500 rpm as if struggling to change gears?
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Saturday, August 16th, 2025 AT 10:35 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, the crankshaft sensor can cause this problem. The sensor is at the bottom of the engine on the left side near the front pulley.
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Sunday, August 17th, 2025 AT 12:00 PM
Tiny
FLEXUS4.0
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  • 4 POSTS
Left side when sitting in the car? My car is a LHD also how can one check if the sensor is good or needs changing?
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Sunday, August 17th, 2025 AT 12:02 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Testing the sensor while in use is the only true wat to test it. Yes left side while sitting in the car. You will need to raise the car, this video can help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLFn_bMkZc0

Let us know what you find.
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Sunday, August 17th, 2025 AT 12:11 PM
Tiny
FLEXUS4.0
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  • 4 POSTS
I can jack the car no worries and thank you but how will I know if its in use that its working? Is it supposed to have a multimeter connected to it when running?
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Sunday, August 17th, 2025 AT 12:13 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 54,137 POSTS
You will need an oscilloscope and check the wave pattern, or just swap the sensor out.
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Sunday, August 17th, 2025 AT 12:44 PM

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