Top Dead Centre (TDC) Sensor Replacement

SKU 20691 Category

Top Dead Centre (TDC) Sensor Replacement

What is the Top Dead Centre (TDC) Sensor all about?

Every engine, whether a single-cylinder engine or a V8 engine, has a top dead centre. This position is a reference point for engine timing and indicates when a spark plug should fire, igniting the fuel in the cylinder’s combustion chamber. The top dead centre is when the piston is at the very top of its compression stroke. At this position, the intake and exhaust valves in the cylinder head are closed and the air-fuel mixture is compressed in the cylinder. The TDC sensor monitors a reference point on the camshaft that indicates where the top dead centre 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 the top dead centre. The spark ignites the fuel and the power stroke begins as the piston is forced downward. The TDC sensor is an electrical component and is prone to failure due to corrosion, cracking, or wearing out. If that occurs, the engine control module may not receive a correctly timed signal and the spark may be sent to the wrong cylinder at the wrong timing, causing your engine to run rough or not run at all.

Keep in mind:

  • The top dead centre (TDC) sensor is integral to the proper timing of your vehicle. If it is installed incorrectly, your vehicle will not run or run very poorly.

How it’s done:

  • The vehicle battery is disconnected
  • The defective top dead centre sensor is removed
  • The new top dead centre sensor is installed
  • The battery is connected and the engine is scanned and cleared of codes
  • The repair is verified and the vehicle is road tested for proper operation

Our recommendation:

If your car’s Check Engine light turns on, or if the engine will not run or runs poorly, have one of our expert mechanics inspect the problem and replace the TDC sensor if required.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Top Dead Center (TDC) Sensor?

  • The engine will not fire or run
  • The engine runs poorly and misfires
  • Check Engine light is on
  • Backfiring is heard from the exhaust

How important is this service?

Since the TDC sensor is integral to a running engine, it is important to address the operating issues associated with it as soon as possible. Other than a possible stalling condition, there are no associated safety concerns with the TDC.

Description

Top Dead Centre (TDC) Sensor Replacement

What is the Top Dead Centre (TDC) Sensor all about?

Every engine, whether a single-cylinder engine or a V8 engine, has a top dead centre. This position is a reference point for engine timing and indicates when a spark plug should fire, igniting the fuel in the cylinder’s combustion chamber. The top dead centre is when the piston is at the very top of its compression stroke. At this position, the intake and exhaust valves in the cylinder head are closed and the air-fuel mixture is compressed in the cylinder. The TDC sensor monitors a reference point on the camshaft that indicates where the top dead centre 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 the top dead centre. The spark ignites the fuel and the power stroke begins as the piston is forced downward. The TDC sensor is an electrical component and is prone to failure due to corrosion, cracking, or wearing out. If that occurs, the engine control module may not receive a correctly timed signal and the spark may be sent to the wrong cylinder at the wrong timing, causing your engine to run rough or not run at all.

Keep in mind:

  • The top dead centre (TDC) sensor is integral to the proper timing of your vehicle. If it is installed incorrectly, your vehicle will not run or run very poorly.

How it’s done:

  • The vehicle battery is disconnected
  • The defective top dead centre sensor is removed
  • The new top dead centre sensor is installed
  • The battery is connected and the engine is scanned and cleared of codes
  • The repair is verified and the vehicle is road tested for proper operation

Our recommendation:

If your car’s Check Engine light turns on, or if the engine will not run or runs poorly, have one of our expert mechanics inspect the problem and replace the TDC sensor if required.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Top Dead Center (TDC) Sensor?

  • The engine will not fire or run
  • The engine runs poorly and misfires
  • Check Engine light is on
  • Backfiring is heard from the exhaust

How important is this service?

Since the TDC sensor is integral to a running engine, it is important to address the operating issues associated with it as soon as possible. Other than a possible stalling condition, there are no associated safety concerns with the TDC.

view our available expert Mobile Mechanics

What our customers have to say about Fixxr

Great Service

Professional, prompt and left the service area clean.
Yonus Kaka
22 August 2025

Honda Cicic Radiator

Very happy with the service provided
Clive brewer
1 August 2025

Matthew Langon review

Very professional and efficient. Pleasant to work with.
Morne Leukes
1 August 2025

Osweld Dube Prompt and Insightful

Monday July 28, 2025 I requested a quote to replace Brakes on my car and was booked immediately for 11:30am. Osweld arrived 30 minutes before and was helpful when I did not have the correct parts. Having spent the entire day to get the correct parts and do the replacement. Although I was not present during the replacement, my husband was, and he was very friendly and knowledgeable. Fantastic Service. I would hope to have him as the mechanic in my next round of repair/replacements.
Manet fernandez
30 July 2025

Minor service

No words can explain how excellent is Norman with his job. He is just an amazing mechanic who knows exactly what his doing and he did his job with so much care. Thank you.
Thando
28 July 2025

Osweld Dube Review

Thank you for quick response and excellent service. I will definitely contact you again when I need assistance with my vehicle
Liana Hugo
28 July 2025

Diagnostic - Mlungisi Kubisi

Mlu is very thorough, professional, patient, has high technical expertise and is extremely knowledgeable. He gave me outstanding service, supplemntary support and expert advice. He did a stellar job. I would highly recommend him.
Sandisile Somnono
21 July 2025

Great mechanic

Osweld was great. Polite, helpful and knows what he is doing. Explained as he went along which was very helpful.
Sharon cort
8 July 2025

Oswald Dube

Such a great ambassador for your company. Well spoken, very knowledgeable. Great person to deal with.
Marinus
2 July 2025

Other Fixxr Offerings

Price Match Guarentee

We will match and beat any competitors quote.

Service & Maintenance Plans

Keep your  car in top shape all year round without the stress of large upfront payments!

FLeet repair & maintenance

Your fleet is an asset and a money-maker. We offer services for commercial and personal fleets, keeping your wheels on the road.

Not Ready to Book? Request a quote Instead

Not Seeing the Right Option? Tell Us What’s Going On