Do you need a crank to relearn but don’t know how much it will cost? It’s a common concern for many car owners.
The cost of a crank relearn varies depending on several factors, such as the make and model of the vehicle, the mechanic’s experience and location, and the extent of the damage.
This blog post will dive into how much you can expect to pay for this service.
How Much Does A Crank Relearn Cost?
On average, a crank relearn can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, with some higher-end vehicles costing more. It is important to note that a crank relearn is sometimes included in the cost of a crankshaft position sensor replacement, which can cost between $170 and $250.
Tips and Tricks for Saving Money on a Crank Relearn
If you’re looking to save money on a crank relearn, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
Shop Around for the Best Prices:
Before committing to any mechanic or auto shop, shop around and compare prices.
Get quotes from multiple places and see who offers the best deal for the service you need.
Look for Discounts and Coupons:
Many auto shops offer discounts or coupons on their services. Look for these deals online or in local flyers and take advantage of them to save money.
Keep Your Vehicle Well-Maintained:
Regular maintenance can help prevent issues with your vehicle that require a crank relearn.
Keep up with your oil changes, tune-ups, and other recommended services to help avoid costly repairs.
Check for Warranty Coverage:
If your vehicle is still under warranty, check if the crank relearn service is covered. If it is, you can save a lot of money by having the work done at the dealership.
DIY If Possible:
If you have experience working on cars, you can do the crank relearn yourself.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and have the necessary tools and equipment.
Use Aftermarket Parts:
If your vehicle needs new crank parts to relearn, consider using aftermarket parts instead of OEM parts.
Aftermarket parts can be significantly cheaper and in some cases, just as effective.
Negotiate:
Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the mechanic or auto shop.
Ask if they can offer a discount or if there are any other ways to save money on the service. You never know until you ask.
DIY vs Professional Crank Relearn: Which is Cheaper?
We will compare the costs of DIY and professional crank relearn:
DIY Crank Relearn
Performing a DIY crank relearn is possible, but it requires certain technical knowledge and the right tools.
You will need an OBD2 scan tool, a battery charger, and a steady hand to perform the relearn.
The cost of a DIY crank relearn will depend on the cost of the tools required.
The cost will be minimal if you already have an OBD2 scan tool and battery charger.
However, if you do not have these tools, you must purchase them, which can cost anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on the quality and features.
Professional Crank Relearn
If you prefer to have a professional perform the crank relearn, you can expect to pay more than a DIY relearn.
The cost of a professional crank relearn can vary depending on the mechanic’s hourly rate and the repair shop’s location.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $200 for a professional crank relearn.
However, the cost can be higher if the repair shop is in an expensive area or if the mechanic charges a high hourly rate.
Which is Cheaper?
The DIY option is usually cheaper when comparing the cost of a DIY and professional crank relearn.
However, it’s important to remember that a DIY relearn requires technical knowledge and the right tools, which not everyone may have.
If you’re not confident in performing a DIY crank relearn, it’s better to leave the job to a professional mechanic, even if it costs more.
When to get a crank relearn?
Here are some common situations where you may need to get a crank relearn:
After Replacing the Battery:
If you have replaced your vehicle’s battery, performing a crank, relearn may be necessary.
This is because disconnecting the battery can reset the engine’s computer, and the computer needs to relearn the position of the crankshaft sensor.
After Replacing the Crankshaft Sensor:
You may need to perform a crank relearn if you have replaced the crankshaft sensor.
This is because the computer needs to relearn the position of the sensor.
After Replacing the Engine Control Module (ECM):
If you have replaced the ECM, you will likely need to perform a crank relearn.
This is because the computer needs to relearn the position of the crankshaft sensor and other sensors used to control the engine.
After Making Modifications to the Engine:
You may need to perform a crank relearn if you have modified the engine, such as installing a new camshaft or changing the cylinder heads.
This is because the modifications can change the crankshaft’s position, and the computer needs to relearn the new position.
After Performing Transmission Repairs:
If you have had any repairs done to your transmission, such as replacing the torque converter or rebuilding the transmission, it may be necessary to perform a crank relearn.
The computer needs to relearn the crankshaft’s position and other sensors to control the transmission.
After Clearing Fault Codes:
After you have cleared any fault codes related to the engine or transmission, it may be necessary to perform a crank relearn.
Clearing the fault codes can reset the computer’s learned values, and the computer must relearn the correct values.
After Driving on a Rough Road:
If you have been driving on a rough or bumpy road for an extended period, it may be necessary to perform a crank relearn.
The vibration and movement of the engine can cause the sensors to become misaligned, and the computer needs to relearn the correct position of the crankshaft.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of A Crank Relearn:
Here are some of the key factors that affect the cost of a crank relearn:
Type of Vehicle:
The cost of a crank relearn can vary depending on your vehicle type.
Some vehicles require more extensive diagnostic procedures and may take longer to complete the relearning process, which can drive up the cost.
Labor Costs:
Labor costs can vary depending on the mechanic or shop performing the crank relearn.
Some shops charge by the hour, while others charge a flat rate for the service. The hourly rate can vary depending on the location and experience of the mechanic.
Location:
The cost of a crank relearn can also vary depending on your location. Labor rates can be higher in some areas than others.
Additionally, some shops may charge more for the service based on the local market.
Additional Repairs:
The cost can increase if the mechanic discovers additional issues while performing the crank relearn.
For example, if the crankshaft position sensor needs to be replaced, the cost of the sensor and additional labor can add to the overall cost.
Warranty:
Some shops offer a warranty on their work. If the vehicle experiences issues after the crank relearns, the shop may cover the cost of additional repairs.
This can increase the overall cost of the service, but it can provide peace of mind knowing that you are covered if something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Question
Why Might I Need A Crank Relearn?
You might need a crank to relearn if you’ve recently replaced the battery or the engine control module (ECM), or if you’ve performed work on the engine that required the removal of certain components.
How Long Does A Crank Relearn Take?
The actual procedure typically only takes a few minutes to complete.
Still, it may take longer if the service provider needs to diagnose and fix any issues with the engine beforehand.
How Much Does A Crank Relearn Cost?
The cost of a crank relearn can vary depending on the service provider’s location, the make and model of your vehicle, and the extent of the work required.
Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for this service.
Can I Perform A Crank Relearn Myself?
While it is possible to perform a crank relearn yourself if you have the necessary tools and expertise, it is generally recommended that you have this procedure performed by a professional service provider to ensure that it is done correctly.
What Are The Consequences Of Not Getting A Crank Relearn?
If you don’t get a crank to relearn when it’s necessary, you may experience issues such as poor fuel economy, reduced engine power, and even engine misfires or stalls.
Is A Crank Relearn Covered Under Warranty?
Whether or not a crank relearn is covered under warranty will depend on your specific vehicle and your warranty terms.
If unsure, it’s best to check with your dealership or service provider.
Conclusion:
Now that you understand what a crank relearn is and how much it costs, you can make an informed decision regarding servicing your vehicle.
The cost can vary depending on several factors, so it’s always best to check with your service provider for an accurate estimate.
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your car running smoothly and efficiently, and a crank relearns is just one of the many services that can help you achieve this.
So, if you suspect your vehicle needs a crank to relearn, don’t hesitate to bring it in for service and get back on the road confidently.
