Crankshaft sensor upper limit value exceeded (code 7103)

[wulfgang]

I have an issue with my 2010 Boxster S 6-speed that I can duplicate. It throws code 7103, "crankshaft sensor upper limit value exceeded". Normally, there are no issues and the car never throws the code during driving short or long trips. But one day I decided to rev it out to the limiter... it felt like it hit a hard limiter somewhere around 7000 rpm (wasn't in sport mode, so I thought it should be a soft limit at around 7400-7600 rpm). Then the dash said "reduced power". I drove it a but further and it threw a PSM error and then would barely even roll away from a stoplight. However, cycling the ignition cleared the PSM error. Anyway, I can duplicate the error consistently by revving it out near redline, and so long as I cycle the ignition shortly afterwards, there is never a PSM error. So I believe the PSM error is spurious, and a result of whatever is causing the crankshaft signal error.

 

I have two ideas for what might be causing it:

 

1. Bad/old flywheel. But there are no other symptoms.

 

2. Bad crankshaft sensor. But again, there are no other symptoms.

 

I searched and couldn't find anyone else mentioning this issue, so I thought I'd ask here before going off and buying a new sensor (9A160611201 only about $80, so not too bad). Any ideas?

 

TIA.

[wulfgang]

I suppose if nobody has seen this problem even though flywheels go bad all the time, it must more likely just be a bad sensor.

 

Anyway, I did find it. It's up on the driver's side of the bellhousing. Both the sensor and it's plug can be accessed from the top after removing the intake hose and MAF.

Edited November 18, 2016 by wulfgang