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.

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What our customers have to say about Fixxr

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14 May 2025

Repair

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13 May 2025

Excellent Service by Tony Da Silva

Tony was assigned to my rescue when my vehicle was not starting in the morning. Initially our appointment was scheduled at 16:30 through our communication during the day we both agreed that he can come at anytime once he has done with his other duties. He arrived an hour early at 15:30. As pro he immediately diagnosed the problem of my vehicle. The problem has been sorted now and the car is able to start smoothly. His level of professionalism and customer oriented is out of this world. Keep up with the good work Tony and Thank you.
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12 April 2025

Wonderful service

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9 April 2025

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6 April 2025

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14 April 2025

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Fantastic service with honest feedback throughout the process. I’m going back to Tony for all my services/repairs.
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23 April 2025

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5 March 2025

Takunda

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for getting my vehicle back on the road! I really appreciate all the hard work and effort you put in to complete everything on time. You all did an amazing job!
Constantine Mecuur
10 March 2025

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