Nissan Repair: Nissan Crank Angle Sensor, crank angle sensor, haynes manual

Question
Can you tell me how it is suppose to work and how would I test it?

Answer
Steve,

The crank angle sensor is a "Hall Effect" switch.  That is, when a ferrite part passes it a square wave is generated and a signal is sent to the computer.  This is used for timing things like the spark and the fuel injectors.  No real way to test other than visual and a simple ohms check.  Get a Haynes manual and it will give you the value for your particular year.